As a PR Specialist, Brand PR,SONIC, you will play a key support role in advancing SONIC's external communications efforts, working closely with the Brand PR team to help execute nationalandlocal PR programs. In this role,you'llsupport culturally relevant campaigns byassistingwith earned media moments, developing press materials, coordinating brand activations, and helping manage influencer and creator initiatives. A critical focus of this position will be supporting local PR efforts across SONIC markets, includingidentifyingand amplifying compelling franchisee, community, and local restaurant stories, supporting market-level media outreach, and helping strengthen SONIC's visibility and reputation in communities across the country. You will also serve as a key team coordinator, supporting day-to-day operations including managing timelines, tracking deliverables,assistingwith invoicing and budget reconciliation, and ensuring seamless execution across projects.
The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and proactive, with a strong interest in media, culture, and local storytelling. You have a pulse on what resonates with consumers and communities, thrive in a fast-paced, always-on environment, bring a collaborative mindset, and are eager to support multiple stakeholders including internal teams, agencies, and franchisees. This role reports to theManager, Brand PR,SONICand is based in Atlanta.
Responsibilities:
PR Campaign Support:
Support the execution of SONIC PR programs, including seasonal campaigns, menu innovation launches, partnerships, social activations, and brand initiatives. Assist Brand PR Managers with day-to-day coordination to help bring campaigns to life and ensure smooth, on-time delivery.
Local PR & Community Storytelling:
Support the development and execution of local PR programs that elevate SONIC's presence in communities nationwide.Assistinidentifyingfranchisee, crew member, and community impact stories; coordinate local market media outreach;maintainlocal media lists; and help develop materials that support restaurant openings, local events, charitable initiatives, and community partnerships.
Administrative Support:
Serve as a key team coordinator, supporting essential administrative tasks for PR leadership. Responsibilities include managing calendars, scheduling meetings,maintainingPR trackers and records, routing materials for review, processing invoices, tracking budgets, and helping keep projects organized and on track.
Agency & Franchisee Coordination:
Support day-to-day communication with external agencies and franchise partners, helping keep workstreams moving and deliverables on schedule.Assistin gathering feedback, organizing materials, and ensuring agency ideas align with brand priorities, resonate with target audiences, and contribute to culturally relevant, business-driving PR efforts.
Writing & Materials Development:
Assist in drafting and editing a range of PR materials, including press releases, media pitches, franchisee communications, campaign copy, briefing documents, local media materials, and talking points. Ensure all materials are clear,accurate, and aligned with SONIC'sbrandvoice and messaging.
PR Insights:
Stay updated with PR, restaurant, franchise, and cultural trends to keep SONIC at the forefront of conversations. Support campaign recaps by gathering results, tracking media coverage,monitoringlocal market activity, andassistingin evaluatingwhat'sworking to inform ongoing improvement.
Requirements:
Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, or related field
1-3 Years of Experience in communications, public relations, marketing,agencyor related field
Strong attention to detail and organizational skills, with the ability to support multiple projects at once and keep timelines, materials, and stakeholders on track
Proactive and dependable, with a willingness to jump in and help bring ideas from planning through execution
Interest in creative, culture-driven PR and community storytelling, with curiosity for what drives local engagement and earned media coverage
Passion for staying on top of cultural trends, social media, consumer behaviors, and moments that matter to SONIC's guests
Understanding of local media landscapes and interest in developing market-specific PR programs
Good instincts and eagerness to learn what makes a strong PR idea and how it translates into media coverage, community impact, and business results
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to draft clear,accuratematerials aligned to brand voice
Ability to build collaborative relationships with agencies, franchisees, internal stakeholders, and community partners
Collaborative mindset with a positive, team-first attitude and willingness to support wherever needed
10% ( domestic travel for PR initiativesandmedia eventsactivations)
Inspire is a multi-brand restaurant company whose portfolio includes more than 33,300 Arby’s, Baskin-Robbins, Buffalo Wild Wings, Dunkin’, Jimmy John’s, and SONIC restaurants worldwide. We’re made up of some of the world’s most iconic restaurant brands, but we’re much more than just a restaurant company. We’re a team of hundreds of thousands who individually and collectively are changing the way people eat, drink, and gather around the table. We know that food is much more than a staple—it’s an experience. At Inspire, that’s our purpose: to ignite and nourish flavorful experiences.
Inspire Brands is a multi-brand restaurant company whose portfolio includes more than 33,000 Arby's, Baskin-Robbins, Buffalo Wild Wings, Dunkin', Jimmy John's, and SONIC restaurants worldwide.
