Director External Communication & Media Relations (Hybrid: Onsite and Remote Work)

US Foods•Rosemont, IL

13d•$115,000 - $185,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director, External Communications & Media Relations is responsible for promoting, shaping and protecting the organization’s reputation through strategic external communications including media relations, crisis communications, and community and stakeholder relations. This role leads enterprise-wide external communications strategies that enhance brand trust, mitigate reputational risk, and strengthen relationships with key external audiences, including media, and industry stakeholders. This position has been segmented as Hybrid meaning there is a combination of 3 onsite days per week and the rest remote.

Requirements

8 years of progressive experience in corporate communications, media relations or public affairs.
Proven experience leading media relations and crisis communications at a regional or enterprise level.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Strong track record of managing complex issues and reputational risk in a large, matrixed organization.
Expertise in managing external public relations or communications agencies.
Experience counseling and engaging with executive leadership and serving as a trusted communications advisor.
Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Business or related field, or equivalent related work experience.

Nice To Haves

Experience in regulated, industrial, logistics, food, or consumer-facing industries.
Experience managing national media relationships and high-visibility corporate narratives.
Background in issues-heavy environments (e.g., supply chain, labor relations, operations, safety, or regulatory contexts).

Responsibilities

Partner with CEO, executive and senior leadership and cross functional teams to align external communication strategies with enterprise goals and business priorities.
Develop integrated communication plans that support business goals, operational initiatives, and brand positioning.
Ensure alignment between corporate messaging, media engagement, and community outreach.
Lead the development and execution of enterprise media relations strategy to proactively shape external narratives.
Execute media interviews with executives and senior leaders, including print, online and broadcast.
Execute media relations events centered around key financial and strategy announcements and strategic company investments.
Develop proactive storytelling strategies that elevate brand visibility and reinforce corporate priorities.
Serve as a primary spokesperson and media advisor for the organization.
Build and maintain strong relationships with key media targets.
Oversee media monitoring, messaging consistency, and reputation tracking across channels.
Lead and direct external public relations agency and related budget.
Lead issues management external communication strategies, including early identification, assessment, and mitigation of reputational risks.
Develop and execute crisis communication plans in collaboration with senior leadership and legal teams.
Provide rapid response communications support during emerging issues and high-impact events.
Ensure consistent, clear, and timely communication across internal and external stakeholders during crisis situations.
Support externally facing community affairs strategies for driving media awareness.
Oversee external public relations agency.
Foster a culture of accountability, agility, and proactive communication.
Build capabilities in storytelling, stakeholder engagement, crisis response, and strategic communications.
Lead and participate in senior-level cross functional teams.
Other duties assigned by manager.