Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

Denny’s is seeking an experienced Sr. Manager, External Communications with a passion for storytelling and public relations. In this role, you will work with our Sr. Director of Internal and External Communications to win the hearts and minds of consumers, while helping to protect the brand from issues that may pose a threat to the Denny’s brand. The ideal candidate is a gifted writer and storyteller—someone who is energized by uncovering and telling an iconic brand’s stories to various audiences. Candidates will be asked to submit writing samples and/or complete a timed writing test.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (Key Responsibilities)

• Partner with leaders across the Denny’s business to develop and execute a comprehensive external communications strategy
• Help manage an external PR firm to secure earned media placements for both consumer and corporate opportunities
• Manage and build relationships with traditional and nontraditional media channels across a variety of topics of importance to Denny’s.
• Manage the execution of a local, franchise-driven storytelling program
• Manage the execution of the external social impact communications program, which includes DEI, the Mobile Relief Diner, and other community initiatives
• Help lead the implementation of crisis communications strategies throughout the three phases of a crisis: prevention, mitigation, and recovery
• Develop a wide range of content, including pitches, press releases, media briefing documents, brand stories, bylines, speeches and other external communications vehicles, and internal presentations for leadership
• Manages at least one direct report (Specialist, External Communications and Events)
• Work cross functionally with the Marketing Team and other internal groups (Operations, DEI, Technology, Development) to launch initiatives, business news and other announcements.
• Support and lead storytelling with the media on Denny’s consumer, digital/loyalty, product news and business stories.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT:

Education:

Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, or a related field. Master’s degree a plus.

Experience:

10-12 years of experience in communications

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE & SKIILLS:

• Strong background in communications, including excellent speaking, writing, and editing skills (will need to provide writing examples).
• Experience in crisis communications
• Strong organizational skills, sense of urgency, and attention to detail
• Comfort working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with the ability to support multiple projects at one time
• Passion for all things PR, displaying a growth mindset and the ability and interest to innovate
• Ability to distill and shape brand storytelling from primary consumer insights.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Teams)
• Enthusiasm, creativity, collaboration, positivity, and an entrepreneurial spirit are critical—no matter the size of the project
• Experience in a franchise business is a plus

Denny's, Inc. is committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all persons regardless of age, race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, genetic information, military or veteran's status, criminal background, or any other characteristic protected by Federal, State, or local law.

Denny’s, Inc. participates in E-Verify. We will provide the Social Security Administration, and if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security, with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. For more information on E-Verify, please contact the DHS at 888-897-7781 or dhs.gov/e-verify. Please note that we do not use this information to pre-screen job applicants.

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