Walser Automotive Group - Sr. Communications Specialist
Walser Automotive Group
Bloomington, MN
Full-time
Corporate

With over 65 years of service, Walser Automotive Group is a pioneer in the automotive industry. Walser’s progressive commitment to growth, technology, and a differentiated customer experience has changed the car-buying journey. We don’t follow; we innovate and lead. Walser operates 26 dealerships and many affiliated businesses throughout Minnesota, Kansas, and Illinois. Walser also leads by example in the community, with over 1,000 hours volunteered annually. In addition, the Walser Foundation donates 5% of all pre-tax profits back into the community because we live here, too. Walser is a family-owned, family-run business. We’re committed to delivering an outstanding customer experience every time – that’s what drives us. That’s the Walser Way.
 
We may sell and service vehicles, but Walser Automotive Group is unlike most other automotive dealer groups. Walser Automotive Group (WAG) is seeking a Communications & Engagement Specialist to communicate that message to current employees and prospective employees. In this role, you’ll help us share more about the benefits and perspectives that make us an employer of choice in and out of the automotive industry. Your communication skills will help use share our progressive, family-focused benefits, our emphasis on diversity and inclusion, and our commitment to a compelling long career path for employees.
This Communications & Engagement Specialist is a storyteller at heart and will be able communicate across a variety of platforms including email, Walser’s intranet site, blog posts, certain social media channels, and print media. While automotive and/or HR experience is a plus, this Communications & Engagement Specialist is a writer who could find themselves at home in any industry through research and a commitment to learning the business.
This unique role blends communication skills, employee engagement, project management, and event planning. This role reports to Walser’s Director of Diversity, Engagement & Foundation. 
This full-time role will work primarily on-site in Edina, MN
Compensation Range: $60,000-$72,000 DOQ

How does our Sr. Communications Specialist Drive Impact? Role Breakdown

  • 70% - Corporate Communications:
  • Develop, design, and write compelling content for a variety of company-sponsored, employee-focused communications across topics and platforms including contributing to a weekly employee newsletter, intranet site, blog, press releases, and print materials
  • Support Walser’s careers website with contemporary content conveying Walser’s Employee Value Proposition (EVP); showcase Walser’s emphasis on career, family, and diversity through copy, video, and photos as needed
  • Assist in content management (reviewing, editing, updating, and developing) of the corporate Intranet site (WalserNet).
  • Assist in writing, editing, and preparing content for corporate communication plans
  • With support from our creative design team, guide the production of professional-grade layouts and designs for a variety of communications and marketing materials focused on current employees,
  • prospective candidates, and customers (as needed)
  • Assist in maintaining internal communications editorial calendar
  • Serve as a communications resource to departments, teams, and staff
  • Plan, schedule, and publish social media content on certain Walser’s LinkedIn company page and continuously monitor & engage with user comments
  • Proactively seek out and generate topics and stories that are aligned with Walser business and diversity and inclusion priorities
  • Visit Walser retail locations as needed to gather new content
  • 30% - Event Coordination/Communication:
  • Supports the coordination of events geared toward employee engagement, including, but not limited to: Employee Resource Groups events, diversity, equity & inclusion (DEI) engagement, and Walser Foundation volunteer outings
  • Coordinate corresponding event communications for events, such as volunteer sign-up messaging, pre/post event communication, attendance tracking, etc.
  • All other duties, tasks and/or special projects as assigned

We're Looking For:

  • 2-3 years of experience in communications / content creation role
  • Bachelor’s Degree in related field, experience in Communications or Journalism a plus
  • Excellent interpersonal / written communication skills across mediums (writing sample required in interview process)
  • Ability to adapt writing and “voice” to company brand and employee communications
  • Interest in or willingness to learn more about relevant topics including automotive news, human resources, employee engagement, and diversity, equity, and inclusion practices
  • Ability to conceptualize metrics of success; draw meaningful insights to inform strategy and tell a narrative
  • Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize competing priorities, and work with and without supervision
  • Must have exceptional organizational, listening, and problem-solving skills
  • Proficient with MS Office programs and ability to learn position specific software as needed
  • Strong attention to detail and accuracy
  • Displays a positive, “service about self” attitude and is a collaborate team player
  • Embrace and exhibit Walser CORE values

What We Offer:

  • Medical, Dental, Vision coverage & HSA/FSA
  • Paid Parental Leave (Maternity, Paternity, Adoption)
  • Adoption Assistance Program
  • Life Insurance and 401K with Employer Match
  • Pet insurance and Employee discounts
  • Access to our Employee Resource Groups, such as: Women of Walser, Drive with Pride, Asian Hmong Alliance, and Veterans at Walser
  • The opportunity to volunteer through the Walser Foundation -The Walser Foundation: Our Community Mission - YouTube

We proudly operate on a set of Core Values which drive our decisions and actions on a daily basis. They are:
Do The Right Thing – Nothing is worth compromising a relationship.
Lead By Example – Be willing to help no matter how difficult the challenge.
Display Positive Energy – A good attitude is highly contagious.
Be Open Minded – The only thing that is constant is change.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. Walser Automotive Group is an EOE/Veterans/Disabled/LGBTQ+ employer.