Spark is a venture-backed startup with the ambitious goal of disrupting a stale industry. We are looking for a PR & Communications Lead to join our 25 person (and growing) team. Our ideal candidate has honed their PR and communications marketing skill set in a direct-to-consumer space and will approach their role with the understanding the press worthiness is earned.

As Spark’s PR expert, you will collaborate closely with our marketing team and the CEO to build a strategy for our external PR, social media, influencers, and external agency relationships. By executing on our PR strategy you will have a vital role in nurturing brand awareness, telling the story of who we are, and empowering the Spark team to reach our goals of revolutionizing the grilling industry. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborate with the Director of Marketing, CEO and other cross functional leaders to develop an overall public relations and communications strategy that’s innovative, exciting and breaks through a crowded media landscape. 
• Work closely with our external PR agency to drive Spark towards a successful 2020 public launch – garnering media exposure and attention in both traditional and non-traditional media outlets.
• Build and expand Spark’s direct network with the press / media; Develop and nurture relationships with key partners, journalists and media outlets.
• Help build Spark’s influencer strategy and directly manage and connect with key influencers as part of a phased Alpha/Beta pre-launch program.
• Develop and manage Spark’s overall content strategy; Oversee our social media presence, blog content and more.
• Establish and maintain our company and founder’s presence as a thought leader in the grilling/cooking category; Build and manage an ongoing strategy for speaking engagements and special events.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of our PR, influencer and social campaigns and clearly communicate learnings back to cross-functional groups for continuous improvement.
• Help develop and manage our communications and marketing budgets. Make sure we have the right resources to efficiently accomplish our goals.
• Actively manage and maintain Spark’s brand and public image; Craft outstanding press kits and press releases and make sure we have consistent and appropriate use of the company name, likeness and messaging in media commentary, promotions, partnerships and internal communications.
• Be on the front foot; Continuously research and react to communications needs, give constant and candid feedback to the Executive Team about potential issues, threats and opportunities.
• Help us inspire people to connect with others through the act of cooking outside more.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Significant PR/communications/marketing experience required. Previous experience in the direct-to-consumer space is desirable.
• Ability to leverage your own contacts and networks within the media world is desirable (especially cooking/grilling, tech and lifestyle categories).
• Excellent writing skills, including journalist writing style (AP) knowledge required.
• Proven leadership and motivational skills. Ability to communicate effectively and solve problems under pressure. 
• Must be customer driven and capable of finding and committing action towards key customer insights. 
• Must be capable of setting and upholding a high bar for brand.

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS & PERKS

• Generous equity package in a venture-backed startup.
• Market based compensation.
• Comprehensive benefit options with a Spark contribution to health, vision, and dental insurance.
• Flexible scheduling and unlimited PTO policies.
• A fun team environment where we value spending time cooking together.
• Plenty of room for professional growth as part of a small but growing team.

DISCUSSION

We’re applying engineering, design, technology, and, above all, fresh thinking to reimagine the modern grilling experience. Wait what? Grilling is an American pastime. It’s part of our social fabric. Why change something that’s not broken? 

We believe parts of the experience and category are broken or stale. Even what’s working can be improved – but we can’t ruin what people already love. That’s a tough balance to strike. But we believe there’s a huge opportunity. 

Spark combines the artisanship of the pre-gas era with the technology of today to give cooks the authenticity, taste and character of charcoal without all the hassle.