Tuesday, February 2, 2016

Vista Outdoor Seeks Communications Specialist

Join our talented team! Employees at Vista Outdoor are passionate and committed to delivering quality products to our customers. Our culture centers on an engaged and accountable workforce. Our goal is to attract and retain a diverse workforce: rich in talent, background, ideas and experience.

The Position
Vista Outdoor is seeking a Communications Specialist at the company's Overland Park, Kansas location. The Communications Specialist will be responsible for developing and implementing day-to-day, "hands-on" communication strategies, plans and tactics for both external and internal audiences that support the business priorities of Vista Outdoor. The Specialist will ensure brand alignment for various products within the company's portfolio, as well as ensure compliance and alignment with the corporate mission, values, objectives and policies. This position is located in Overland Park, Kansas and reports directly to the Director of Corporate Communications for Vista Outdoor, who is located in Arlington, Virginia.

Primary Responsibilities
Write, edit, produce and manage distribution of communications materials.
Serve as expert on brand and product messaging – build inroads to specific external and internal audiences.
Collaborate with Communications, Marketing, and Sales teams to ensure consistency in brand positioning and messaging.


· External Communications

Develop and implement proactive strategies and tactics that maximize exposure for brands and products.
Develop relationships with trade media in order to generate positive results for the portfolio of brands.
Coordinate responses for media inquiries and requests for product to drive positive, earned media coverage.
Support crisis communications.
Coordinate across functions to ensure consistency of messages in external communications, including tradeshow events, marketing campaigns, press events, and digital communications.
Support media events and activities.
Develop, edit and distribute communications materials (including press releases, brochures, trade show materials, social media, product sheets and thought leadership pieces); coordinate approvals and track metrics.
Work with third-party communication firms, providing editorial review and coordination of approval of external communications and materials.
Measure and report on effectiveness of communications activities and adjust plans and tactics based upon collected metrics.


· Internal Communications

Support an internal communications plan for the Outdoor Products business segment, and consult with all stakeholders to clearly define requirements and deliver expected results.
Leverage intimate knowledge of how to effectively reach a wide variety of employee audiences, including manufacturing and back-office staff, and international and remote employees through consistent communications plans and tactics.
Collaborate with Human Resources on internal communications initiatives, workforce issues, and announcements.
Support the company's Corporate Social Responsibility efforts and report on local initiatives (volunteering, conservation, etc.) at the Overland Park location.


Qualifications
A Bachelor's degree is required.
Three to five years of experience in external and internal communications positions that may include journalism, marketing and communications (including social media), public relations and branding/advertising.
A well-rounded communications generalist with a track record of proven performance and the drive to implement best-in-class communications that will support the company's growth strategies.
Exceptional presentation, writing and editing skills, solid knowledge and practical experience with the Associated Press Style Guide.
Ability to excel at managing and working on multiple projects in fast-paced and complex environments, operating in a matrix management structure, meeting deadlines on simultaneous projects, and being an excellent team player.
A background in the shooting sports, tactical/law enforcement, or outdoor recreation industries is a plus.
Ability to travel.
Knowledge and experience in communications platforms (e.g., print, digital, visual, verbal, social, etc).
A proven track-record of success driving positive earned media.


We offer a highly competitive salary, comprehensive benefits including: medical and dental, vision, disability and life insurance, 401K, PTO, tuition reimbursement, and the ability to add value to an exciting mission!

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/V/D

Please apply online at https://vistaoutdoor.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/External/job/Overland-Park-KS/Communications-Specialist_R0000285-2



Chris Carlson / Talent Acquisition Coordinator
Vista Outdoor Inc.
1 Vista Way Anoka, MN 55303
Ph 763-433-1072 / christine.carlson@vistaoutdoor.com