Senior Earned Media and Relations Manager

The Senior Earned Media & Relations Manager is a team leader responsible for developing and executing an integrated earned media strategy that elevates brand visibility, reputation, and engagement across traditional, digital, and emerging channels. This role supports the portfolio of brands within the Dog & Cat business unit – driving the storytelling that resonates with consumers, media, influencers, and industry stakeholders. This role will also drive fuel our Consumer Care team, establishing strategies to maintain strong consumer relations and business reputation management. The ideal candidate combines strong leadership, exceptional media and consumer relations skills, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of the evolving earned media landscape.

Based out of our Neptune City, NJ facility, this position is onsite five days per week.

MEASURES OF SUCCESS:

Earned Media Strategy & Execution:* Develop and lead an integrated earned media portfolio strategy that aligns with brand and business priorities.

• Oversee press outreach, pitching, media list development, and relationship management with consumer, trade, and regional outlets.
• Identify and secure high-impact press opportunities including features, interviews, product placements, and thought leadership.
• Monitor media trends and industry insights to proactively identify storytelling opportunities.
• Support corporate communications, product launches, brand storytelling, crisis communications, and executive visibility initiatives.

Organic Social Media:* Lead the development and execution of the brand’s organic social media strategy across all channels, ensuring content aligns with broader marketing and business goals.

• Create and oversee the content calendar, guiding concepts, copy, creative development, and community engagement to drive growth, reach, and brand affinity.
• Analyze social performance metrics, audience insights, and platform trends to optimize content, inform strategy, and identify new opportunities for engagement.

Consumer Care:* Support operations of the consumer care function, ensuring timely, accurate, and brand-right responses across email, chat, phone, and social channels.

• Develop and optimize processes to improve response quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
• Analyze consumer feedback, service trends, and escalation data to identify root causes, propose solutions, and inform cross-functional partners.
• Oversee consumer issue resolution—including escalations, product complaints, replacements, and refunds—in alignment with regulatory, legal, and quality requirements.

Team Leadership & Collaboration:* Lead, mentor, and develop a team of specialists; provide coaching, goal-setting, and performance management.

• Oversee workflows, project resourcing, and prioritization across the earned media team.
• Partner cross-functionally with Brand, Creative, Digital, Sales, and Legal teams to ensure cohesive brand messaging.
• Serve as a trusted communications advisor to senior leaders and cross-functional partners.

Measurement & Reporting:* Set KPIs for earned media performance, including impressions, SOV, sentiment, reach, and outlet quality.

• Oversee tracking and reporting, providing regular insights and recommendations to leadership.
• Use analytics to inform strategy, identify optimization areas, and demonstrate ROI.

IDEAL CANDIDATE ATTRIBUTES:

Required Skills & Experience:* 8–10 years+ of experience in PR, social media or creative / communications (CPG, agency, lifestyle, or consumer brands preferred).

• Proven track record securing meaningful press results across national, trade, and digital outlets.
• Proven track record of developing breakthrough strategies and storytelling for organic social and emerging channels.
• Experience managing and developing high-performing teams.
• Strong media relationships and excellent pitching skills.
• Exceptional writing, messaging, and storytelling capabilities.
• Experience managing PR agencies, vendors, and partners.
• Ability to operate in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities.
• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, or related fields.

Preferred Skills & Experience:* Experience with integrated communications, influencer marketing, and social amplification via third-party or in-house agency.

• Background in crisis communications or issues management.
• Experience in highly regulated or fast-evolving industries.
• Strong understanding of analytics tools available to optimize ROI.

BENEFITS PACKAGE & EMPLOYEE PROGRAMS:* Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance.

• Free Life and Disability Insurance.
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts.
• 401 (k) with a 3% company match and annual employer discretionary contribution.
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick time.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Access to thousands of free online courses.
• Discounts on cell phones, movie tickets, gym memberships, and more!
• Education Assistance (both college degrees and professional certifications).
• Referral Program with a cash bonus.
• Access to on-demand pay.
• Paid parental leave.

Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT) (NASDAQ: CENTA) is a leading consumer goods company in the pet and garden industries. Guided by the belief that home is central to life, the Company's purpose is to proudly nurture happy and healthy homes. For over 45 years, its innovative and trusted solutions have helped lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier, and communities grow stronger. Central is home to a diversified portfolio of market-leading brands, including Amdro®, Aqueon®, Best Bully Sticks®, Cadet®, C&S®, Farnam®, Ferry-Morse®, Kaytee®, Nylabone®, Pennington®, Sevin®, and Zoёcon®. With fiscal 2025 net sales of $3.1 billion, Central has strong manufacturing and logistics capabilities supported by a passionate, entrepreneurial growth culture. The Company is headquartered in Walnut Creek, California, and employs over 6,000 people, primarily across North America. Visit www.central.com to learn more.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.