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For more than 115 years, Ferrara has created sugar confections that enable moments of sweetness, celebration, and connection for candy lovers of all generations. Today, the company is the #1 sugar confectioner in the United States. Ferrara boasts a passionate team of nearly 9,000 employees creating and delivering hundreds of products sold under 20 popular brands like Brach’s®, NERDS®, SweeTARTS®, Laffy Taffy®, and Trolli® to more than 66 million U.S. households annually and popular Dori snacking products under brands such as Dori, Gomets, Pettiz, and Yogurte 100 in Brazil. Additionally, Jelly Belly, known world-wide for its confections, was acquired in November of 2023.

Sr. Specialist, Corporate Communications

Job Location: Chicago

Want to make an impact?

The Senior Specialist, Corporate Communications will plan, execute, and support integrated external communications for Ferrara Candy Company. Reporting to the Senior Manager, Corporate Communications, you will execute strategic external-facing communications projects and campaigns, which will include developing communications materials, engaging with media, managing corporate social media, supporting ongoing corporate brand management, and helping report results of our efforts. You will coordinate with cross-functional teams, key internal stakeholders including corporate leadership, and external partners to ensure best-in-class communications products and outcomes.

The ideal candidate will be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and have experience with AP Style writing, media relations, social media, issues and crisis management, external communications and partnerships.

Ways you will make a difference

Crafting and executing local and national communications plans to advance Ferrara’s corporate reputation, including:

Work closely with agency partner to liaise on topics listed below.
Develop and support external communications strategy and plans.
Research the latest communications and related industry trends.
Write and edit external communications content, such as press releases, media pitches, social media posts, executive briefing materials, key messages, talking points, memos, reports, among other communications. Coordinate with cross functional teams and production, as needed.
Creatively produce compelling storytelling elements that reinforce Ferrara’s values and mission.
Manage execution of social media strategy.
Develop tactical communications consistently considering external factors and impacts, ensuring Ferrara’s reputation and brand tone is represented throughout all communications materials and touch points.
Manage proactive and reactive media inquiries, and help manage crisis communications.
Manage, coordinate and assist on external communications, community relations and public affairs events, including logistics pertaining to Ferrara’s support of our local communities
Using internal processes and systems, process orders and purchases that support the team’s communications and social impact strategies.
Help define communications KPIs and manage regular reporting.

Skills that will make you successful

Strong interpersonal communication and organizational skills
High ethical standards and values that align with Ferrara’s commitment to mutual care, respect for the unique perspectives of others, collaboration and inclusion, and equitable approaches that empower each other and our communities
Ability to work in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment and on multiple projects with tight deadlines
Interest and engagement in local and national news and current affairs, and ability to apply issues lens to external communications work as needed
Patient, positive and poised communications style
Demonstrated ability to build communications aligned with business goals and company culture
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Strong sense of initiative
Desire to create tangible results for your company, and ones in which you can take personal pride

Experiences that will support your success

4+ years of public relations, integrated marketing or corporate communications experience
Bachelor’s degree in communications, Journalism, Marketing, or another writing-intense non-STEM major
Microsoft Office adeptness
Willing to travel up to 10% of the time for business purposes (within state and out of state).
Communications project management
Social media writing and strategy execution
Experience communicating with professionals in leadership/C-level roles
Time management skills such as prioritizing/organizing and tracking details and meeting deadlines of multiple projects with varying completion dates
Intermediate level skill in Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel, and Word

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in stakeholder or business-to-business communications
Bonus: experience in CPG or Food & Beverage industry

What We Offer

At Ferrara, we're proud to support our employees with comprehensive benefits that enhance health, financial wellness, and include paid time off (PTO). Elible employees may also receive an annual bonus based on company performance. Learn more about our benefits https://flimp.live/Ferrara-Benefits-Resource-Center.

Compensation

The salary range for this position is $78,750-$110,250 annually.

Ferrara’s success in industry-leading innovation has been driven by deep consumer insights, strong retailer co-creation and partnerships, and a dedication to diversity of thought, experience, and people. A privately held company, Ferrara has its global headquarters in Chicago and an operational network of more than 27 locations in North America, Brazil, and China that includes manufacturing, distribution, sales, and R&D facilities. Ferrara is a privately held Ferrero related company. Learn more at www.ferrara.com or www.linkedin.com/company/ferrara-.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, employment decisions and opportunities at Ferrara will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities, without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital or civil union status, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, military or veteran status, disability, handicap, genetic information, pregnancy (childbirth or related medical condition), or on any other basis prohibited by law. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.