Since 1940, Dairy Queen® has been one of the world’s best known and loved brands. Based in Minneapolis, MN, International Dairy Queen Inc., (IDQ), is the parent company of American Dairy Queen Corporation. As a leading franchisor, there are more than 7,000 independently owned and operated restaurants in the U.S., Canada and more than 20 countries around the world. IDQ is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Berkshire) which is led by Warren Buffett, the legendary investor and CEO of Berkshire.

Here at IDQ, we create extraordinary Fan experiences every day and we do this through our commitment to hiring and retaining only the best in class talent. We firmly believe that our employees are the catalyst to the success of the company where their initiative, strategic thinking, and entrepreneurial spirit are recognized and rewarded. We're looking for motivated, passionate and dedicated individuals with an inherent need and ambition to go after bigger challenges.

The Marketing Communication Manager, Cause and Integrated Marketing (located at our Corporate Headquarters in Bloomington, MN) is a well-rounded asset to the marketing communications team-leaning on larger Marketing Communications projects and initiatives.  This manager also champions the philanthropic efforts of DQ, including our national charitable partnership with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMNH), as well as “DQ Cares,” the DQ Franchisee Support Center (FSC) corporate giving campaign. They plan and execute annual US fundraising initiatives, such as Miracle Treat Day, with responsibilities including: internal communications to drive franchisee participation, external communications to motivate consumers to take action, overseeing marketing tactics such as social media and PR, reporting on success, gathering insights and applying learnings. The Manager also plans and executes the DQ Cares corporate giving program, which includes employee fundraising and volunteerism efforts that benefit key nonprofit partners in the Twin Cities.   

This individual is energetic and a solid communicator. They have a passion for cause marketing and experience with many marketing communications channels such as social media, public relations, special events, digital marketing, and content creation. Given the frequent interaction with DQ franchisees, this position requires a positive attitude and desire to help others problem-solve and succeed. Due to the complex nature of the DQ system, as well as the many charitable programs this position oversees, a successful individual will have excellent attention to detail, strong communications skills, project management abilities, and a collaborative can-do mindset. This position reports to the Vice President, Marketing Communications and oversees a contract employee.

Primary Accountabilities: 

Planning:

• Collaborate with the VP of Marketing to provide a strong and consistent voice for cause marketing and corporate philanthropy throughout the DQ system and its Franchisee Support Center (FSC). Identify low-cost but high-impact opportunities to drive awareness, incentivize participation, trigger donations or volunteerism, and recognize successful initiatives.
• Collaborate with the VP of Marketing to provide effective communications strategies to inform and engage DQ Fans/customers, children’s hospitals, franchisees, employees, and news media. Develop and implement tools to increase employee, Fan and franchisee action and overall campaign success.
• Use your knowledge of social media, public relations, advertising, digital marketing, in-store signage and more to plan and activate modern marketing communications tactics.
• Keep a pulse on trends involving consumers, cause marketing, corporate philanthropy, QSR competitors and more; convert insights into actionable programs and increased fundraising success.
• Creatively find ways to “market” the organic giving DNA of DQ franchisees and employees.

Program Management:

• Collaborate with Marketing Communications teammates, Human Resources & Corporate Communications partners, DQ agencies, as well as numerous other cross-functional stakeholders, to manage and execute programs.
• Establish strong relationships and ensure a high rate of partner and stakeholder satisfaction through thoughtful stewardship, attention to detail, effective troubleshooting and best-in-class customer service.
• Design systems to efficiently and accurately monitor program participation, communications success, fundraising outcomes, and more. Gather insights to aid in the refinement and evolution of DQ’s cause marketing proposition.
• Liaises with CMNH representatives, franchisee leaders and committees, DQ executive leadership and marketing partners to keep all parties informed and empowered.
• Work with cross functional teams to oversee collection on franchisee contributions to CMN Hospitals and employee contributions to DQ Cares programs.
• Manages CMNH awards programs and incentive contests.

Campaign Execution—Cause and Integrated:

• Creates CMNH updates for e-News and launch kits as needed. Manages CMNH ftp, internal & external websites, and e-mail blasts.
• Oversees promotional touchpoints/projects such as franchisee handbooks, mailings, in-store signage, t-shirts and more.
• Coordinate corporate fundraising events and volunteerism activities throughout the year.
• Create and share photographs, videos or other inspiring content that demonstrates the excitement and success of our programs.
• Works with Marketing Communications, Field Marketing and Operations teammates to distribute information and drive participation.
• Partners with advertising agency on national traditional and social advertising efforts; public relations agency on national publicity efforts; and creative services team on in-store marketing efforts.
• Develop, manage and communicate project timing and action plans to all project stakeholders.

Integrated Communications:

• Advance Marketing Communications projects as needed.  This could include brand activations, campaign asset development, brand licensing or integration opportunities and franchisee engagement/communication. 

Education and Qualifications:

• B.A. or B.S. Degree in marketing, communications or related field, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Must have a minimum of 3-5 years of full-time experience in marketing communications, cause marketing, nonprofit, community relations, or a related field.
• Working knowledge of principles of corporate philanthropy, cause marketing, employee engagement and sponsorship.
• Skilled in communications areas such as social media, public relations, special events, writing, content creation/marketing, advertising or corporate communications.
• Creative, quick thinker who can think past obstacles to achieve a bigger vision.
• Skills in project management, metrics, analytics and reporting.
• Highly collaborative and optimistic with spectacular relationship-building skills.
• Solution-oriented with commitment to delivering excellent internal and external customer service.
• Highly proactive and autonomous, capable of driving projects through in a complex franchise system.
• Strong oral and written communication with excellent interpersonal, presentation and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to complete multiple projects concurrently while balancing priorities.
• Ability to effectively manage staff resources and budgets.
•  Ability to lead and oversee a contract employee.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Benefits

Our benefit package supports the well-being of our employees and their families.  Our comprehensive benefit package includes, medical, dental, 401K match, paid time off (including volunteer time as well as parental leave) and so much more!  To learn more about our great benefit offerings, click here.

Work Environment

Most positions located out of our global headquarters in Bloomington, MN will work a hybrid work schedule where you will work 2 collaboration days a week.  Additional in office time may be required to support team/project needs.  Positions will be identified as “remote eligible” when consideration will be given to candidates outside of drivable distance to our Bloomington office.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

We are committed to creating a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion for all who touch DQ.  We believe in and commit to fostering a community where employees bring their authentic selves to work; where we recruit, engage and retain employees, franchise owners and suppliers with diverse background and identities; and where everyone feels welcome engaging with our DQ brand.

IDQ is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values the strength diversity brings to the workplace. IDQ participates in the US E-Verify program.  You must be work authorized in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship.