Communications Manager / Senior Communications Manager - Brand PR

Hormel Foods Family of Companies•Austin, MN

2d•$67,500 - $124,700•Onsite

About The Position

We’re looking for a strategic and creative communications professional to lead public relations efforts for a portfolio of iconic consumer brands. This individual contributor will partner closely with brand marketing teams and business units to develop and execute integrated communications strategies that build brand equity, generate earned media coverage, drive cultural relevance, protect brand reputation and support business growth. The ideal candidate is an experienced storyteller with strong media relations skills, a passion for consumer trends and culture, and a proven ability to translate business objectives into impactful communications programs. They thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy collaborating across functions, and bring both strategic thinking and flawless execution to every initiative.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing or a related field.
2 – 7+ years of experience in public relations, brand communications, corporate communications or a related field. In-house or agency communications experience preferred.
Proven experience developing and executing successful communications programs for consumer-facing brands in a corporate or agency environment.
Strong media relations experience, including developing strategies and securing coverage across consumer, lifestyle, business and trade media.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to create compelling communications materials under tight deadlines.
Demonstrated ability to develop strategic communications plans that align with business and marketing objectives.
Experience managing agency partners and external vendors.
Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
Proven ability to influence and collaborate effectively across cross-functional teams in a matrixed organization.
Experience measuring and reporting communications performance using quantitative and qualitative metrics.
Strong understanding of social media, influencer marketing, and the evolving media landscape.
Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive information.
Applicants must not now, or at any time in the future, require employer sponsorship for a work visa.
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting food, beverage, consumer packaged goods, retail, or consumer lifestyle brands.
Experience managing high-profile campaigns, product launches, sponsorships, influencer programs, or experiential activations.
Experience supporting issues management and reputation protection efforts.
Familiarity with media monitoring, analytics, and communications measurement platforms.

Responsibilities

Serve as the communications lead for a portfolio of Hormel Foods brands, providing strategic counsel and communications support to brand marketing teams and business units.
Develop and execute integrated communications plans that support brand campaigns, product launches, partnerships, sponsorships, innovation initiatives, and key business priorities.
Identify and develop compelling storytelling opportunities that generate earned media coverage and social conversation while strengthening brand reputation and driving business growth.
Build and maintain strong relationships with media, influencers, content creators, and external partners.
Develop proactive media relations strategies, create media materials, and pitch stories to consumer, lifestyle, trade, business, and industry media.
Partner with marketing teams to ensure earned media, influencer engagement, social content, and experiential activations work together to maximize impact.
Provide communications counsel during campaign development, helping identify opportunities, mitigate risks, and strengthen storytelling approaches.
Support reputation management and issues preparedness by identifying emerging trends, monitoring media and social conversations, and collaborating on response strategies when needed.
Develop briefing materials, key messages, talking points, and media training support for brand leaders and company spokespeople.
Manage agency partners, including scope development, budget oversight, planning, execution, and performance evaluation.
Track, analyze, and report communications performance against established objectives and key performance indicators.
Collaborate with internal stakeholders across marketing, consumer engagement, legal, insights, innovation, sales, and corporate communications to ensure alignment and consistency.
Support internal communications and employee engagement efforts that amplify brand initiatives and build employee advocacy.
Manage communications budgets and ensure programs are delivered on time and within budget.