Sr Communications Specialist

Position Summary

As a senior member of the internal communications team, this role develops and delivers clear communications that drive understanding, alignment, and action across the organization, with a primary focus on frontline and deskless audiences in a multi-location retail environment. The Senior Specialist acts as a "translator," turning complex corporate strategy into store-usable direction and practical tools. This individual works independently to lead end-to-end communications for priority initiatives, operational updates, and executive alignment.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions/primary responsibilities.

• 35% – Strategy & Initiative Leadership:
  Lead end-to-end communications for priority initiatives, major rollouts, and change management. Build comprehensive plans including objectives, audience segmentation (HQ vs. Frontline), sequencing, and success measures.
• 25% – Content Creation & AI Augmentation:
  Draft and edit high-quality content across channels, including newsletters, talking points, scripts, and huddle guides. Leverage Generative AI to automate recurring drafts and rapid versioning while maintaining human brand voice and strict confidentiality.
• 15% – Meeting & Executive Support:
  Advise, counsel, and prepare content for executive and company-level communications. Provide dedicated support for the planning and execution of the Annual Manager Meeting to ensure message clarity and executive alignment.
• 10% – Digital Channel & Multimedia Management:
  Transform the intranet into an interactive "Engagement Hub" for deskless workers. Produce rapid short-form video updates and training announcements using AI video and other design tools.
• 10% – Measurement & Optimization:
  Leverage platform analytics and store feedback to identify "friction points" in execution. Use data-driven insights to simplify messaging, tighten calls to action, and reduce communication "noise."
• 5% – Stakeholder Management:
  Work directly with senior leaders and cross-functional teams (Ops, HR, Legal) to ensure executive alignment and message clarity.

• Education:
  
  Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field.
• Experience:
  
  Minimum of 5 years of professional communications experience, preferably in a retail or multi-site operational environment. Demonstrated success communicating to frontline/deskless employees.
• Technical
  
  Skills:
  • Google Workspace Mastery:
    Advanced proficiency in Docs (formatting), Slides (storytelling), and Sheets (tracking/reporting).
  • AI Enablement: 1+ years of experience using Generative AI tools for workflow automation and content drafting.
  • Multimedia & CMS:
    Experience with intranet/CMS publishing tools and rapid video creation software (Hey Gen, Adobe Express).
• General Knowledge and Abilities:
  • Editorial Judgment:
    Strong mastery of clarity, tone, and plain language; familiarity with AP style.
  • Data Literacy:
    Ability to interpret email open rates, engagement metrics, and sentiment analysis.
  • Brand Alignment:
    Ability to execute designs within a strict Brand Style Guide.
  • Adaptability:
    Proven ability to operate independently and manage multiple timelines in ambiguous situations.
  • ADKAR Model Proficiency:
    Ability to apply the ADKAR (Awareness, Desire, Knowledge, Ability, Reinforcement) model to internal comms preferred.

Primarily desk position; regularly required to sit, occasionally required to stand and walk. Requires frequent and repetitive use of hands/fingers to operate computer equipment. Ability to travel as needed, including driving.

Office, non-manual work; the worker is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.

• Competitive compensation
• Profit sharing bonus
• Retirement plan funded by Les Schwab Company
• Paid training
• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Vacation & holiday pay
• Life Insurance
• Short & long-term disability

Les Schwab is an equal-opportunity employer. Employment remains “AT WILL” at all times.