Director of Communications
Director of Communications Job Location Des Moines, Iowa Req ID R33634
Are you ready to make a huge impact with an international organization that is driving rapid growth? Do you have a passion for leading and developing external communications that represent a thriving company? Have you created external communication plans and processes from scratch?
Krause Group is looking for a Director of Communications who will be responsible for the development, implementation, and management of communication strategies, programs, and campaigns aimed to increase awareness of the Krause Group businesses, both US-based and internationally. As our Krause Group businesses grow in size, scope, and ambition, the Director will focus on deepening engagement with current audiences and building relationships with new ones. The Director of Communications will also develop public relations campaigns that complement Krause Group's overall marketing efforts and work to implement and manage initiatives.
The Director of Communications will also work closely with our Krause Group CEO on developing and aligning their brand. The ideal candidate will have experience creating a CEO's editorial plans, driving their passions through communication, and providing press and media support.
This role will require at least 25% (one week a month) international travel.
Krause Group is the parent company for a diverse set of businesses that include convenience retail (Kum & Go), logistics, Italian wineries and hospitality, real estate, agriculture, and soccer clubs. We put people first, accelerating our businesses so they can bring purpose to life and find long-term, multi-generational success. Through it all, we remain dedicated to giving back to local areas, with 10 percent of all Krause Group profits going to community causes.
What you'll do
Manage external media, PR, and communications strategy development and execution across Krause Group businesses
Partner with stakeholders to proactively create and respond to key media and cultural moments
Collaborate with Director of Brand Creative on Krause Group (non-Kum & Go) related efforts
Create, edit, and distribute appropriate press releases and informational documents
Serve as media lead, contributing storylines and crafting pitches for Krause Group businesses
Develop talking points and serve as communications liaison for Presidents of Krause Group businesses
Consult on, develop, and implement Krause Group social media strategy on existing and emerging platforms
Develop and execute internal communications strategy
- Support creation and media plan for Krause Group CSR report
What we're looking for
Extensive background and experience guiding strategy and execution in domestic and international media and with PR agencies
Foundational experience in journalism and media relations
Experience working with and managing agencies
Ability to navigate between strategy and execution
Must be an excellent writer and be able to clearly articulate concepts succinctly
Proven success driving business results in communications work
Must be a team player, acting as a positive collaborator with many different associates and departments throughout the organization
Must be able to work under tight deadlines
Experience interfacing with and communicating with/for executive leadership
- Ability to multi-task and manage several projects at once; willingness to travel and ability to work quickly
Other key requirements
Sports experience a plus
Proficiency in Italian or other languages a plus
Relocation to the Des Moines, IA area is required
- Ability to travel internationally at least 25% (one week a month)
Leadership Competencies
Communication: Delivers clear, effective communication and listens to others.
Conceptual/Systems Thinking: Recognizes patterns, trends, themes, and connections in information to develop innovative ideas and solutions.
Constructive Engagement: Expresses ideas and disagreements, constructively resolves conflict, and encourages others to do the same.
Customer Orientation: Meets the expectations and needs of internal and external customers.
Decision Making: Makes good decisions in a timely manner.
Empowerment: Takes initiative and solves problems.
Talent Development: Maximizes potential and improves overall performance.
Influence: Proactively builds relationships and influences others.
Analytical Thinking/Problem Solving: Accurately assesses problems and effectively and efficiently arrives at solutions.
- Strategic Thinking: Understands the current state and is able to visualize the ideal state and how to achieve it.
About Krause Group
Krause Group is an Iowa-based company housing a diverse set of businesses with over 5,000 associates across the U.S. and Italy. These companies include Kum & Go, L.C., Solar Transport, Krause+, Pro Iowa, and the Des Moines Menace soccer team. Krause Group is also home to Italian wineries Vietti and Enrico Serafino, the historic soccer club Parma Calcio 1913, and boutique luxury hotel Casa di Langa, located in the Piedmont region of Italy.
Krause Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer and an inclusive environment encouraging all interested candidates to apply.