Senior Manager, Long Term Issues Communications

The Senior Manager of Long-Term Issues Management will play a key role in developing and executing communications strategies related to the company's environmental initiatives and other long-term issues-focused programs aimed at creating positive change for communities and future generations.

The position will report to the Director of Promotion in Wal-Mart's Corporate Communications department. 

The primary responsibilities include: 

Strategy & Leadership: Work with company and Corporate Affairs management and outside public relations agencies to develop and execute communications strategies related to sustainable development that will help accomplish business goals and objectives. 

Best Practices: Identify global best communications practices in sustainable development and recommend actions based on those that are most relevant to the company's culture, goals and objectives. 

Strategic Counsel: Provide advice and counsel to various areas of the company on using communications to maximize the positive impact of company actions related to sustainable development. 

Business Coordination/Liaison: 

• Advise and serve as communications director for the 13 sustainability networks within the company greenhouse gas emissions, energy, logistics, operations, packaging, apparel, electronics, food and agriculture, forest and paper, chemicals, jewelry; seafood, and China. 
• Develop relationships and contacts within the company and with suppliers to identify positive actions and success stories for communication. 
• Coordinate communications with legal, marketing, and internal communications and other company departments to ensure consistency of messages to key audiences.

Communications:

• Develop and execute communications plans based on company business objectives and the strategic plans for sustainable development programs. 
• Serve as a company spokesperson and represent the company by responding to the media on controversial, high-profile issues and by participating in meetings, conferences, panel discussions and other communications events. 
• Draft news releases, message points, presentations, position papers, speeches and other written material for publication. 
• Serve as media coordinator for Wal-Mart's "Acres for America" program and for its experimental, environmental stores.

Event Planning: Plan and execute events designed to call public and media attention to company programs and highlight community involvement initiatives. 

Preferred Requirements: 

1. At least seven years of corporate communication, public relations, or journalism experience; past experience conducting interviews; writing articles and/or news releases, speeches, internet/intranet articles, etc.  
2. Excellent writing skills; demonstrated ability to write clearly on technical and scientific subjects. 
3. Excellent verbal skills, including meeting facilitation and public speaking 
4. At least a 4-year college degree (preferred) in English, another area of the humanities, journalism, or a related field that requires substantial writing and analysis, or equivalent experience 
5. Demonstrated ability to establish and meet deadlines, handle multiple tasks and establish clear priorities; work productively with cross-functional teams

Additional Preferences: 

1. Familiarity with environmental and other sustainability issues; experience working with government and non-governmental organizations in the sustainability area. 
2. Strong networks of contacts with environmental journalists and within the environmental community. 
3. Experience managing publication submissions including editing material, keeping material up-to-date, ensuring consistency of information, etc. 
4. Experience working at or with a consumer-focused company concerned with sustainability issues.

"Wal-Mart will not tolerate discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, religion, disability, ethnicity, national origin, marital status, veteran status, or any other legally-protected status."