Public Affairs Manager

FOUND: A great place to work!

WHY JOIN STATE FARM?

At State Farm, we are proud of our over 80 years of service to our policyholders. As the # 1 insurer of automobiles and homes in the United States and an insurance leader in Canada, State Farm Insurance has been helping people manage the risks of everyday life and recover from the unexpected since 1922.

At State Farm, we recognize that our workforce is the key to our business success. We have nearly 100,000 employees and agents working throughout the United States and Canada. We remain committed to maintaining an environment that enables every employee to make the greatest possible contribution. At State Farm we embrace diversity and strive to be the employer of choice for candidates of all backgrounds. If you are looking for a company that will provide you meaningful work with a competitive benefits package, consider joining our team.

WHAT ARE THE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THIS POSITION?Manages one or more units within the following Public Affairs functions: communications, community development, community relations, company giving programs, internal services, issue management, media relations, and government affairs Provides management, supervision, and direction to assigned area Serves as company or department representative for internal and external activities or project teams

WHAT KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS ARE NEEDED TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THIS POSITION?Effectively uses resources to execute programs, projects and communications Encourages achievement of specific company goals through development of appropriate strategies and programs Maintains knowledge and takes a lead role in enhancing associates' awareness of current industry issues and State Farm's public policy positions

ITEMS OF NOTE

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The Manager of Public Relations will lead the development and implementation of multiple strategies to strengthen the image of State Farm s products, services and brand. This Manager will also be responsible to develop and lead a team of professionals who will assure positive market positioning, to meet business objectives and establish a leadership position in key market growth areas. This professional will interact with senior management and bring the presence, experience and accountability to deliver senior level counsel. The Manager should bring an aggressive, proactive and creative approach to public relations and should have significant knowledge of insurance and consumer finance.

RESPONSIBILITIES
Create public relations strategies to proactively position State Farm s products, services and brand throughout the year; work closely to advise senior executives and business leaders to achieve desired results.
Develop excellent press relationships with traditional and new media, pitch major publications and secure national stories that communicate key messages about State Farm.
Manage team of professionals and provide appropriate direction, guidance and coaching in pitching story ideas and event and sponsorship management and in developing coherent and creative ideas that can drive interest in State Farm.
Manage PR agency engagements and cross-functional teams to execute aggressive public relations campaigns.
Provide guidance to zone and corporate teams with regard to their public relations efforts.
Collaborate with all areas of Public Affairs and Marketing.


REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor s degree required; business, communications, public relations or journalism discipline preferred.
Minimum of 8-10 years of relevant public relations experience.
Experience in developing proactive, creative media relations campaigns to enhance a company s brand awareness.
A savvy, smart, efficient, fast-working, results-oriented creative leader with good intuition for media opportunities and issues.
Superior oral and written communication skills.
A solid understanding of Internet trends and an awareness of consumer products.
Excellent coaching and interpersonal skills.
Good press relationships and excellent reporter-management skills.
A professional who is capable of managing multiple projects at the same time.
Willing to travel.


OUR TOTAL REWARDS PACKAGE

At State Farm, we offer a comprehensive compensation package that includes a competitive starting salary, annual merit reviews, and annual bonus potential. In addition, you will be eligible to participate in our comprehensive benefits package including Medical, Dental, Life and Disability Insurance, Vision, 401K Plan (Savings & Thrift in Canada), a fully funded retirement plan, and more.

State Farm Insurance is an equal opportunity employer.

Please visit our Corporate website at:

statefarm.com®