Communications Manager / Senior Communications Manager - External Communications

Hormel Foods•Austin, MN

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Hormel Foods Corporation, a global branded food company with over $12 billion in annual revenue, is seeking a skilled communications professional to help strengthen and protect its company’s reputation. This individual contributor role will support proactive storytelling, media engagement, executive visibility, and issues management, ensuring a consistent and credible voice across external communications. The ideal candidate is a strategic, hands-on communicator adept at media relations, message development, and navigating complex or sensitive topics. They will play a key role in bringing the corporate narrative to life, contributing to reputation campaigns, thought leadership initiatives, and crisis/issues response in close collaboration with agency partners and internal teams. The level of the position offered (Communications Manager or Senior Communications Manager) will be determined based on qualifications and experience.

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.