Communications Manager / Senior Communications Manager - External Communications
About The Position
We’re seeking a skilled communications professional to help strengthen and protect our company’s reputation. This individual contributor will support proactive storytelling, media engagement, executive visibility, and issues management – ensuring a consistent, credible voice across our external communications. The ideal candidate is a strategic, hands-on communicator who is adept at media relations, message development, and navigating complex or sensitive topics. They’ll play a key role in bringing our corporate narrative to life, contributing to reputation campaigns, thought leadership initiatives, crisis and issues response in close collaboration with agency partners and internal teams.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, English, or a related field.
- 5+ years of experience in Communications, Public Relations or a related field. Corporate or agency experience preferred.
- Proven experience managing media relations, external storytelling, and reputation or issues management programs.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft clear, compelling messages for a variety of audiences.
- Strong judgment and problem-solving skills; able to anticipate needs, navigate sensitive topics, and recommend thoughtful solutions.
- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong relationships with media, agency partners, and internal stakeholders.
- Highly organized with strong project management skills and attention to detail.
- Self-starter with initiative and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality work independently.
- Strong writing and editing skills, with expertise in AP Style.
- 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.
Responsibilities
- Support the development and execution of external communications strategies that enhance and protect the company’s corporate reputation.
- Manage day-to-day corporate media relations – including proactive story development, pitching, and responding to media inquiries on corporate topics.
- Monitor media coverage and industry trends; flag emerging issues and identify opportunities for proactive engagement.
- Contribute to crisis and issues communications planning and response, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure consistent, coordinated messaging.
- Draft and edit external materials including press releases, media statements, Q&As, talking points and briefing documents.
- Support executive visibility efforts, including preparation for interviews, speaking engagements, media briefings, and development of digital and social media strategies that strengthen leadership presence.
- Partner with internal stakeholders to align messaging across corporate announcements.
- Maintain media lists, track coverage metrics, and prepare regular reports on communications outcomes.
- Build and maintain relationships with key journalists, industry contacts, and influencers relevant to Hormel Foods’ corporate reputation.
- Collaborate with PR agency partners to coordinate outreach, ensure alignment, and manage deliverables.
- Serve as a resource to internal partners on external communications best practices.
Benefits
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Discretionary annual merit increases
- Bonuses and profit sharing
- 401(k) with employer match
- Stock purchase plan
- Paid time off
- Free two-year community/technical college tuition for children of employees
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
