Director, Retail Communications & Events - Remote

at  Harbor Freight Tools USA Inc

The Director of Internal Communications and Events shapes our internal communication strategy and drives engagement by creating and executing impactful virtual and in-person events for Store and Field teams. This position requires a visionary and strategic leader who can lead a team which crafts effective and compelling messages, manages communication platforms, and orchestrates memorable events that engage our Retail teams.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Communication Strategy: Develop and implement strategic internal communication plans and robust processes that effectively bring forward key messages in align with organizational objectives. This includes overseeing the production of non-routine communication for Store Operations and other departments.
• Content and Message Development: Lead teams through development, production, and publication processes, helping business leaders bring complex messages to life for retail audiences through engaging written, visual, and multimedia content.
• Event Planning and Execution: Plan and execute a variety of virtual and in-person events, including Leadership Town Halls, All Store Meetings, Retail Strategy and Field Leader meetings ranging in size from 20 to 2500+ attendees.
• Platform Management: Oversee the management of our internal communication platform, collaborating with external vendors and IT teams to implement new features.
• Presentation Support: Provide support in developing presentation content (PowerPoint, charts and graphs, illustrations, multimedia) for various initiatives, ensuring clarity and consistency in messaging across all communication channels.
• Enabling Two-Way Communication: Drive initiatives to promote two-way communication channels, encouraging feedback and dialogue between Associates and leadership.
• Budgeting and Resource Allocation: Develop comprehensive budgets and timelines for events and communication campaigns, ensuring efficient use of resources and adherence to financial guidelines.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with senior leadership and cross-functional teams to ensure alignment of communication strategies with organizational priorities and initiatives.
• Performance Measurement: Establish key performance metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of internal communication efforts and event outcomes, using data and feedback to drive continuous improvement.

Scope

• Staff supervision and development: Yes
• Decision making: Drafts policy and resolves problems
• Travel: Up to 25%
• Flex Designation: Anywhere

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Communications, Public Relations, Marketing or a related field, or the equivalent work experience, preferred

Years of Experience

• 8+ years of internal communications, corporate events management, or related roles, preferably in Retail organizations
• Proven track record of developing and executing successful internal communication strategies and managing large-scale events, both in-person and virtual
• Experience with communication platforms and tools, such as SharePoint or similar systems, as well as proficiency in MS Office

Skills

• Strong storytelling and editing skills, with the ability to craft clear and compelling messages tailored to diverse audiences.
• Compelling communication skills, with the ability to effectively convey goals, expectations, and feedback to team members.
• Excellent project management skills, including the ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and manage budgets effectively.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to anticipate challenges, identify opportunities, and propose innovative solutions.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively across all levels of the organization.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to empower and inspire team members to achieve results.

Physical Requirements

• Corporate - Remote - General office environment requiring ability to:
• Stand, walk, sit for extended periods of time .
• Speak and listen to others in person and over the phone and video conferencing.
• Use keyboard and read from computer screen and reports.
• The ability to lift up to 15 lbs.

Safety

• Must be able to perform this job safely in accordance with standard operating procedures and good manufacturing practices, without endangering the health or safety of self or others.

• Communication Strategy: Develop and implement strategic internal communication plans and robust processes that effectively bring forward key messages in align with organizational objectives. This includes overseeing the production of non-routine communication for Store Operations and other departments.
• Content and Message Development: Lead teams through development, production, and publication processes, helping business leaders bring complex messages to life for retail audiences through engaging written, visual, and multimedia content.
• Event Planning and Execution: Plan and execute a variety of virtual and in-person events, including Leadership Town Halls, All Store Meetings, Retail Strategy and Field Leader meetings ranging in size from 20 to 2500+ attendees.
• Platform Management: Oversee the management of our internal communication platform, collaborating with external vendors and IT teams to implement new features.
• Presentation Support: Provide support in developing presentation content (PowerPoint, charts and graphs, illustrations, multimedia) for various initiatives, ensuring clarity and consistency in messaging across all communication channels.
• Enabling Two-Way Communication: Drive initiatives to promote two-way communication channels, encouraging feedback and dialogue between Associates and leadership.
• Budgeting and Resource Allocation: Develop comprehensive budgets and timelines for events and communication campaigns, ensuring efficient use of resources and adherence to financial guidelines.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with senior leadership and cross-functional teams to ensure alignment of communication strategies with organizational priorities and initiatives.
• Performance Measurement: Establish key performance metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of internal communication efforts and event outcomes, using data and feedback to drive continuous improvement