Description

Georgia-Pacific is on the hunt for a public affairs and communications game-changer who will be based at its Alabama River Cellulose operation in Perdue Hill, Alabama.

The role will focus on these key areas:

• Internal Communications: Do you enjoy the fast pace of internal communication, where leaders depend on you for counsel and measurable execution of communication plans? Is keeping a sizable team connected to important goals and strategy your thing?
• Public Affairs/Community Relations: Does it make you smile when you think about having the opportunity to position your employer as a good neighbor and outstanding community partner? Is your day made brighter by creating meaningful relationships with community leaders and influencers, or working with governmental agencies?
• Media Relations: What about pitching stories to the media and responding with answers when asked? Does that kick your heart into high gear?

If any of the above sounds like you, let’s talk!

The GP Alabama River public affairs manager is a valuable member of the mill leadership team, providing professional communications and public affairs guidance on critical issues. The position supports leaders and managers who are directly responsible for production and operations at the site. It reports to the public affairs manager at the company’s nearby Brewton, Alabama, containerboard mill with a strong dotted line to the ARC operation’s vice president/general manager.

The public affairs manager initially will spend approximately 75% of his/her time working on internal communication, 20% of his/her time on public affairs (community relations and local government interaction) and 5% on proactive and reactive media relations. Additionally, this role will provide public affairs and communications support, as required, for the company and other GP facilities in the region while coordinating with the corporate team.

What You Will Do In Your Role

• Develop, implement, and manage a strategic employee communications program at the mill, as well as internal communications support of critical mill and company initiatives, including use of best practices from the public affairs and communications team across other GP mills and in Atlanta, the home of GP’s corporate headquarters.
• Establish strong relationships with community members including local government officials, regulatory agencies, businesses, and community groups. Coordinate external issues engagement and activities with GP legal, governmental affairs, and corporate communications teams.
• As part of the mill leadership team, advise on issues, attitudes, and opinions both inside and outside the company that could affect mill operations. This includes establishing a climate of cooperation with employees and implementing or helping support necessary programs to maintain GP’s position as a leader in a highly competitive industry.
• Establish and maintain the means to detect signals of company vulnerability in external and internal environments.
• Develop a crisis communications plan for the mill and serve as a member of its crisis management team.
• Develop strong relationships with reporters and editors who cover the community/region and participate in the process of gathering and disseminating news. This includes serving as company spokesperson where appropriate and facilitating interviews by providing background, details, and explanation.
• In support of the local community and to help create long-term value for our business, community, and customers, help develop and implement investment and volunteer opportunities for the mill that are aligned with GP’s focus areas of education, environment, entrepreneurship, and community enrichment.

The Experience You Will Bring

Requirements:

• Undergraduate degree (journalism, communications, or public relations preferred).
• Minimum of 7 years of public relations or related experience.
• Experience with communications strategy and programs, including adapting and implementing best practices of other communications programs.
• Excellent writing, editing and general communication skills.
• Experience with news media and community relations.

What Will Put You Ahead

• Exposure to a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with supporting leadership communication and employee engagement efforts.
• Experience working with digital communication tools, including video, social media and SharePoint or other web-based applications.
• Involvement with community groups such as chamber of commerce or other local business groups.
• Knowledge and experience working with elected officials and appointed government officials.

Here’s what you need to know: Georgia-Pacific’s Alabama River Cellulose (ARC) operation is world-class wood pulp mill that produces specialty and fluff pulp that is delivered worldwide to customers for a variety of high-end uses and converting technologies. Cellulose is used to make a variety of products that people use in everyday life – including clothing, tires, shampoo, diapers, filters, tissue and towels. ARC is in Perdue Hill, Alabama, right outside of Monroeville, which is considered by many to be the literary capital of Alabama. The mill is the largest employer in Monroe County and is proud to be considered an employer of choice. Perdue Hill/Monroeville are a short drive to the beautiful gulf coast beaches. ARC is an integral part of GP’s Packaging & Cellulose business and recently announced an $80 million capital investment to increase fluff pulp production. Since 2010, ARC has generously contributed more than $1.2 million in charitable giving to local non-profit agencies across Monroe County. To learn more about Georgia-Pacific’s packaging and cellulose business please visit: www.gpcellulose.com and also view the video GP’s Commitment to Sustainability.

Our goal is for each employee, and their families, to live fulfilling and healthy lives. We provide essential resources and support to build and maintain physical, financial, and emotional strength - focusing on overall wellbeing so you can focus on what matters most. Our benefits plan includes - medical, dental, vision, flexible spending and health savings accounts, life insurance, ADD, disability, retirement, paid vacation/time off, educational assistance, and may also include infertility assistance, paid parental leave and adoption assistance. Specific eligibility criteria is set by the applicable Summary Plan Description, policy or guideline and benefits may vary by geographic region. If you have questions on what benefits apply to you, please speak to your recruiter.

At Koch companies, we are entrepreneurs. This means we openly challenge the status quo, find new ways to create value and get rewarded for our individual contributions. Any compensation range provided for a role is an estimate determined by available market data. The actual amount may be higher or lower than the range provided considering each candidate’s knowledge, skills, abilities, and geographic location. If you have questions, please speak to your recruiter about the flexibility and detail of our compensation philosophy.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.
Except where prohibited by state law, all offers of employment are conditioned upon successfully passing a drug test.
This employer uses E-Verify. Please visit the following website for additional information: www.kochcareers.com/doc/Everify.pdf

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