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External Communications Specialist - Media & Partner Relations

Best Buy Canada
Full-time
On-site
Canada

πŸ“Œ Core Information

πŸ”Ή Job Title: External Communications Specialist - Media & Partner Relations

πŸ”Ή Company: Best Buy Canada

πŸ”Ή Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada (Remote OK)

πŸ”Ή Job Type: Full-Time

πŸ”Ή Category: Marketing & Communications

πŸ”Ή Date Posted: April 8, 2025

πŸ”Ή Experience Level: 5+ years

πŸ”Ή Remote Status: Remote OK (Remote-first working model)

πŸš€ Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

  • Leading major annual campaigns for media and influencer relations
  • Acting as a spokesperson in all media channels
  • Identifying thought leadership opportunities and driving public messaging
  • Growing and improving media relations and influencer programs
  • Supporting issues management and crisis communications as necessary

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong background in external communications, media relations, and influencer marketing. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in developing and executing successful PR campaigns.

πŸ“‹ Key Responsibilities

βœ… Develop and lead multi-faceted and market-leading 360 campaigns for major promotional periods

βœ… Act as a spokesperson in all media channels

βœ… Work with senior leaders to identify thought leadership opportunities and coordinate subsequent interviews

βœ… Provide daily media relations support through research, story generation, pitching, writing, and editing media materials

βœ… Support issues management and crisis communications as necessary

βœ… Work with PR and brand agencies for media-specific activations and internal stakeholders on PR requests, events, and activations

βœ… Continuously grow and improve media relations and influencer programs

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong communication skills, creativity, and the ability to work well under pressure. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and managing multiple projects simultaneously.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field

Experience: 5+ years of proven experience in external communications, media relations, or a related field

Required Skills:

  • Excellent communication skills (written, verbal, and presentation)
  • Strong media relations and influencer marketing experience
  • Proven ability to develop and execute successful PR campaigns
  • Strong networking skills and the ability to build relationships with key media contacts
  • Excellent project management skills

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience working with PR and brand agencies
  • Fluency in French (an asset)

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in retail or consumer electronics industries may have an advantage, but a strong background in external communications is the most important qualification for this role.

πŸ’° Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $70,000 - $80,000 CAD per year (Starting pay offered will consider skills and experience. Your pay can grow as you build your career with us.)

Benefits:

  • Employee discounts on awesome tech from day one
  • Flexible health benefits and wellness program
  • TFSA and RRSP programs
  • 100% matched company pension plan
  • Training programs to build new and transferable skills

Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week) with flexible hours and a remote-first work environment

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on industry standards for similar roles in the Vancouver area. Benefits are subject to change and may vary based on employment status.

πŸ“Œ Applicant Insights

πŸ” Company Context

Industry: Retail (Consumer Electronics)

Company Size: 10,001+ employees (Best Buy Canada is a subsidiary of Best Buy Co., Inc.)

Founded: 2001 (Best Buy Canada Ltd.)

Company Description:

  • Best Buy Canada is one of the largest omni-channel retailers of consumer electronics, computers, and entertainment products in Canada.
  • The company operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE: BBY).
  • Best Buy Enterprise has approximately 100,000 employees across the United States and Canada.

Company Specialties:

  • Retail Sales
  • Consumer Electronics
  • Entertainment Products
  • Mobile
  • Customer Service
  • Gaming
  • Home Theatre Installation

Company Website: www.bestbuy.ca

ASSUMPTION: Best Buy Canada is a well-established retailer with a strong brand presence in the Canadian market. The company's size and resources provide opportunities for career growth and development.

πŸ“Š Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level (5+ years of experience)

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Director of Communications and works closely with senior leaders across the organization.

Work Arrangement: Remote-first working model with in-person interactions for strategic, collaborative, and social purposes.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Potential to take on additional responsibilities and advance within the Marketing and Communications departments.
  • Opportunities to work on high-profile campaigns and initiatives.
  • Access to training programs and professional development resources.

ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for career growth and development within the Marketing and Communications departments. The remote-first work environment provides flexibility and the chance to work with a diverse team.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Remote-first with a headquarters in Vancouver, BC

Office Location(s): Suite 102 - 425 West 6th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Y 1L3

Geographic Context:

  • Vancouver, BC, is a multicultural city with a high quality of life, offering a mix of urban and outdoor living.
  • The city is home to a thriving tech industry and a vibrant arts and culture scene.
  • Vancouver has a mild oceanic climate with mild winters and cool summers.

Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week) with flexible hours and the opportunity to work remotely

ASSUMPTION: The remote-first work environment offers flexibility and the chance to work with a diverse team. The Vancouver location provides access to a vibrant city with a high quality of life.

πŸ’Ό Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

  • Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
  • In-person or virtual interview with the Director of Communications and other team members
  • Final interview with the Senior Manager of Corporate Communications

Key Assessment Areas:

  • Communication skills (written, verbal, and presentation)
  • Media relations and influencer marketing experience
  • Campaign development and execution
  • Project management skills
  • Cultural fit and alignment with Best Buy's values

Application Tips:

  • Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role.
  • Provide specific examples of your media relations and campaign development experience.
  • Demonstrate your understanding of the retail and consumer electronics industries.

ATS Keywords: External Communications, Media Relations, Influencer Marketing, Campaign Development, PR, Communications, Retail, Consumer Electronics, Vancouver, BC

ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role is designed to assess the candidate's communication skills, media relations experience, and cultural fit. The typical process involves multiple interviews with different team members.

πŸ› οΈ Tools & Technologies

  • Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  • Media monitoring and analysis tools (e.g., Mention, Brand24)
  • Social media management platforms (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer)
  • Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)

ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies required for this role are standard for the communications industry. The ideal candidate will be comfortable using these tools and technologies to manage projects and campaigns.

πŸ‘” Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

  • Customer Obsessed
  • Inclusive
  • Curious
  • Adaptable
  • Collaborative

Work Style:

  • Remote-first with a focus on results and outcomes
  • Collaborative and team-oriented
  • Adaptable and responsive to change
  • Customer-focused and data-driven

Self-Assessment Questions:

  • How do you demonstrate Best Buy's value of being customer-obsessed in your daily work?
  • Can you provide an example of a time when you had to adapt to a significant change in a project or campaign?
  • How do you collaborate with team members and stakeholders to achieve common goals?

ASSUMPTION: Best Buy Canada values a diverse and inclusive work environment. The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate their alignment with the company's values and work style.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

  • Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
  • Working with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders
  • Adapting to a remote-first work environment and maintaining productivity
  • Keeping up with the fast-paced nature of the retail and consumer electronics industries

ASSUMPTION: The potential challenges for this role are related to the fast-paced nature of the retail and consumer electronics industries, as well as the need to manage multiple projects and stakeholders simultaneously. The remote-first work environment may also present unique challenges for some candidates.

πŸ“ˆ Similar Roles Comparison

  • This role is similar to a Public Relations Specialist or Communications Manager in other industries, but with a focus on the retail and consumer electronics sectors.
  • Unlike some communications roles, this position requires a strong understanding of the media landscape and the ability to build and maintain relationships with key media contacts.
  • Career paths for this role may include advancement to Senior Communications Manager, Director of Communications, or other leadership positions within the Marketing and Communications departments.

ASSUMPTION: This role is similar to other communications roles in the retail and consumer electronics industries, but with a unique focus on media relations and influencer marketing. Career paths for this role may include advancement to leadership positions within the Marketing and Communications departments.

πŸ“ Sample Projects

  • Developing and executing a media relations campaign for a major product launch
  • Managing a crisis communication situation and coordinating with internal stakeholders
  • Identifying and securing thought leadership opportunities for senior leaders

ASSUMPTION: The sample projects for this role are designed to demonstrate the candidate's ability to develop and execute successful PR campaigns, manage crisis communications, and identify thought leadership opportunities.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

  • Can you describe the team structure and how this role fits within the broader Marketing and Communications departments?
  • How does Best Buy support the professional development and growth of its employees?
  • What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
  • How does Best Buy measure the success of its communications campaigns?
  • What is the company's approach to work-life balance and flexible work arrangements?

ASSUMPTION: The key questions to ask during the interview are designed to provide insight into the team structure, company culture, and expectations for the role. These questions will help the candidate assess their fit with the company and understand the priorities for the role.

πŸ“Œ Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

  • Submit your application through this link
  • Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role.
  • Prepare examples of your media relations and campaign development experience.
  • Research Best Buy Canada and the retail and consumer electronics industries to demonstrate your understanding of the company and its markets.
  • Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your interest in the role.

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.