Public relations specialist Jobs in Tempe, AZ

Public Relations & Entertainment Partnerships Manager

Kahala, a globally recognized leader in quick-service restaurant franchising, has an opportunity for a Public Relations & Entertainment Partnerships Manager to join its corporate team in Scottsdale, Arizona. Kahala franchisees and partners operate a diverse portfolio of restaurant brands, including Cold Stone Creamery, Baja Fresh, Pinkberry, Wetzel's Pretzels and sweetFrog.

We are looking for a creative, highly organized public relations professional with experience in media relations, brand communications, entertainment partnerships and experiential events. The ideal candidate understands how brands can authentically participate in entertainment, pop culture and cultural moments while generating meaningful media attention and consumer engagement.

This position will work across Kahala's portfolio of brands and collaborate closely with Brand Teams and Marketing Managers to develop and execute PR initiatives, entertainment partnerships and special events that support overall brand objectives.

The position requires the ability and willingness to travel for events, premieres, entertainment activations and other brand initiatives, including occasional evenings and weekends.

Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V

Key Responsibilities:

Public Relations & Media Relations:

• Develop and execute public relations initiatives across Kahala's portfolio of brands.
• Build and maintain targeted media lists and relationships with consumer, lifestyle, food, entertainment, business and local media.
• Generate creative story angles and proactively pitch media around product launches, seasonal initiatives, entertainment partnerships, events and brand milestones.
• Write press releases, media alerts, talking points, pitches and other communications materials.
• Coordinate media outreach, interviews, product sampling and press opportunities.

Entertainment Partnerships:

• Research and identify strategic opportunities with movie studios, television networks, streaming platforms, entertainment properties, talent and other entertainment partners.
• Monitor upcoming movies, television series, premieres, awards shows and cultural moments to identify opportunities relevant to Kahala brands.
• Develop creative partnership and promotional concepts that authentically connect brands with entertainment properties.
• Coordinate partnership elements including promotions, media opportunities, events, social content, product integrations and in-store activations.

Influencer & Creator Research:

• Research and identify influencers and creators who align with specific entertainment partnerships, premieres and brand activations.
• Develop targeted creator lists based on audience, geography, brand fit and cultural relevance.
• Vet creators for content quality, engagement and alignment with individual Kahala brands.

Events & Experiential Activations:

• Plan and execute premieres, entertainment activations, red carpet events, media events and other brand experiences.
• Coordinate venues, vendors, product, signage, branded materials and media, talent and creator participation.
• Work with external agencies, entertainment partners and vendors to ensure activations meet brand standards.
• Provide on-site management and support, including events outside of Arizona.
• Coordinate media attendance and press opportunities surrounding events.
• Manage post-event media follow-up, coverage tracking, photography and recap materials.
• Travel as needed for events, activations, partnerships and meetings.

Personal Attributes:

• Passion for public relations, media, entertainment and pop culture.
• Strong news judgment and ability to recognize compelling media opportunities.
• Creative thinker who can identify unexpected PR and partnership opportunities.
• Excellent writing and communication skills.
• Strong relationship-building skills with media, entertainment partners, agencies, talent representatives and internal teams.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple projects, partnerships and events simultaneously.
• Collaborative, proactive and comfortable working independently.
• Flexible and solutions-oriented, particularly during live events and activations.
• Willing and able to travel and work occasional evenings and weekends.

Knowledge & Skills:

The ideal candidate will have 58 years of experience in public relations, media relations, entertainment marketing, brand partnerships, experiential marketing or integrated communications.

Experience with consumer-facing, restaurant, food & beverage, lifestyle or entertainment brands is preferred.

Preferred experience includes:

• Developing PR campaigns and proactively pitching media.
• Writing press releases, media pitches and communications materials.
• Building relationships with consumer, lifestyle, food and entertainment media.
• Supporting entertainment partnerships and brand integrations.
• Planning and executing events, premieres and experiential activations.
• Researching influencers and creators who align with entertainment partnerships.
• Managing agencies, vendors and external partners.
• Tracking earned media coverage and PR results.
• Experience with Cision, PR Newswire or similar platforms is a plus.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, marketing or a related field preferred.

Benefits (Subject to Change):

• 401(k) matching, including Roth options
• 3 Medical insurance plans
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Short-term disability insurance
• Long-term disability insurance
• Paid time off (10 holidays, 3 weeks PTO)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Referral program
• Wellness programs
• Hybrid work schedule