Manager - Employee Engagement (Atlanta based)

Description

Summary

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s mission is to be the most essential and engaging source of news and information for the people of Atlanta, of Georgia, and the South. To achieve that mission, we will transform ourselves from a storied daily newspaper into a modern media company. At the heart of that transformation is how we work –across functions, in pursuit of shared goals to reach new audiences in new ways.  

We are seeking an enthusiastic and innovative Employee Engagement Manager to lead and execute key elements of our talent strategy, driving us towards our ambitious business goals as a unified team. This is a pioneering role for the AJC, ideal for an eager builder ready to jump in, understand our current state, and deliver impactful programs that enhance employee engagement, development, and organizational effectiveness.

Reporting to the Director of People Strategy and Operations, you will help bring our talent strategy, culture, and values to life. This role will require close collaboration with AJC leadership, Cox People Solutions’ Centers of Excellence, and the AJC Communications team.

Success in this role demands a comprehensive knowledge of HR best practices and programs, a strong commitment to partnership, an appreciation for and ability to leverage feedback, and the ability to foster shared ownership of work and strategies. As we transform from a storied newspaper into a modern media company, this role will be integral in shaping our journey.

This position is based in Atlanta, GA.   

What You’ll Do

• Employee Communications and Information Sharing:  This position will execute the employee communications strategy, crucial for our culture and engagement initiatives. It will narrate the employee journey and share details about engagement activities. Additionally, it will assist the People team in disseminating business information and company updates to keep employees informed and engaged. Managing our internal digital portal, AJC Central, this role ensures employees can access information, share their stories, and build connections, fostering a unified team.
• Feedback and Voice:  Partnering with the CEI Employee Experience team, this role will gather ongoing employee feedback through formal and informal methods. This feedback will shape and enhance our culture and engagement strategy.
• Onboarding Strategy:  This position will establish recurring engagements that create connections and foster community. It will plan, execute, and refine onboarding efforts based on employee feedback, ensuring new employees understand our people and business. This role will support employees during their first few months, requiring a passion for people, storytelling, and enthusiasm for the AJC’s transformation.
• Recognition:  This role will lead monthly and annual recognition efforts, honoring contributions that support our culture and values. It will plan and execute our annual anniversary event and monthly recognitions, collaborating with the events team as needed. This role will evaluate past efforts to determine the best path forward for meaningful employee recognition.
• Development:  Supporting workforce development, this role will organize speakers, articles, and in-person engagements that build a shared understanding of digital transformation. It will also curate an annual development guide for managers and employees, in partnership with the Director of People Strategy & Operations.
•   Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity:  Working with Cox, this role will connect to broader I, D & E efforts. For the AJC, it will introduce best practices, speakers, and learnings to foster an inclusive, diverse, and equitable workforce.

Skillset Needed  

• Strategic and flexible thinking.
• Empathy and emotional intelligence (EQ).
• Influential leadership and change management.
• Strong project management and execution skills.
• Agile, adaptable, and resourceful.
• Impeccable written and verbal communication.
• Proven experience and proactive problem-solving.
• Thorough evaluation of multiple solutions to challenges.
• Ability to lead without formal authority and build deep, trusted partnerships.
• Comprehensive understanding of HR principles, practices, and trends, with experience in employee engagement, talent management, and organizational development.

Required Experience  

• A Bachelor’s degree and 6 years of relevant experience. May have a Master’s degree and 4+ years of experience or Ph.D. and 2+ years of experience in related work. Without a degree would need at least 10 years of direct experience in similar roles.
• Proven experience in building and leading comprehensive communication strategies.
• Expertise in developing and implementing employee programs.
• Demonstrated ability to work efficiently under pressure, balancing multiple priorities.
• Strong project management skills and execution.

Ideal Experience  

• Working knowledge of I, D & E strategies.
• Working knowledge of digital transformation.  
• Working knowledge of the news industry. 
• Working knowledge of digital subscription products.  

Compensation:

Compensation includes a base salary of $88,300.00 - $147,100.00. The base salary may vary within the anticipated base pay range based on factors such as the ultimate location of the position and the selected candidate’s knowledge, skills, and abilities. Position may be eligible for additional compensation that may include an incentive program.

Benefits:

The Company offers eligible employees the flexibility to take as much vacation with pay as they deem consistent with their duties, the company’s needs, and its obligations; seven paid holidays throughout the calendar year; and up to 160 hours of paid wellness annually for their own wellness or that of family members. Employees are also eligible for additional paid time off in the form of bereavement leave, time off to vote, jury duty leave, volunteer time off, military leave, parental leave, and COVID-19 vaccination leave.

About Cox

Cox empowers employees to build a better future and has been doing so for over 120 years. With exciting investments and innovations across transportation, communications, cleantech and healthcare, our family of businesses – which includes Cox Automotive and Cox Communications – is forging a better future for us all. Ready to make your mark? Join us today! 

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Benefits of working at Cox may include health care insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement planning (401(k)), and paid days off (sick leave, parental leave, flexible vacation/wellness days, and/or PTO). For more details on what benefits you may be offered, visit our benefits page.

Cox is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer - All qualified applicants/employees will receive consideration for employment without regard to that individual’s age, race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, ethnicity, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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