Director, External Corporate Communications

McCormick & Company•HUNT VALLEY, MD

3d•$140,610 - $253,080•Hybrid

About The Position

McCormick is seeking a strategic and forward-thinking Director, External Corporate Communications to shape and elevate the company’s corporate reputation and narratives via strategic media engagement, thought-leadership and proactive multi-platform storytelling. This role will lead the development of a clear and impactful earned media, owned content and executive spokesperson strategy. The Director will shape the company’s external narrative, strengthen its perception and influence across global business and industry media, and drive alignment and collaboration across regions, functions and brands. The ideal candidate brings deep experience in media relations and executive communications along with a strong ability to translate complex business transformation into clear, credible, and engaging storytelling that advance corporate reputation.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, or related field of study
10+ years of experience in corporate communications, media relations, or public affairs, ideally within a consumer goods or similarly dynamic industry.
Proven experience supporting companies through periods of transformation and change.
Strong track record of securing top-tier media coverage and strategically shaping executive visibility.
Experience working closely with C-suite leaders on executive communications.
Demonstrated ability to connect business strategy with compelling, credible storytelling.
Strategic storyteller: Ability to simplify complexity and articulate a clear narrative of growth and progress
Change agility: Comfortable operating in an evolving environment with shifting priorities
Executive presence: Trusted advisor to senior leadership with strong executive presence, judgment and influence
Audience fluency: Able to communicate effectively to both investor and consumer-facing audiences
Media expertise: Deep understanding of business, financial, and consumer media landscapes and ability to foster trusted relationships
Resilience & judgment: Strong instincts in navigating ambiguity, scrutiny, and high-stakes situations

Responsibilities

Develop and drive a cohesive external narrative strategy that reflects the company’s transformation, growth priorities, and long-term strategy.
Drive engagement with top-tier business, financial, and consumer media (The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, CNBC).
Develop and drive a corporate editorial calendar in collaboration with key stakeholders to drive proactive messaging and amplification.
Translate complex business changes—including portfolio evolution, innovation, and operating model shifts—into clear and compelling messaging.
Oversee global media monitoring and create effective processes on sharing coverage and analytics with senior leadership and the company.
Serve as a strategic advisor to senior leaders on external communications and positioning.
Build and evolve tailored executive platforms, with distinct lanes, that reinforce the company’s narrative, strategy and leadership credibility.
Identify strategic opportunities and moments for senior leaders to reinforce key messaging. i.e. via thought-leadership opportunities, speaking engagements, etc.
Design and lead media training programs to prepare executives to communicate confidently and consistently across audiences [during a period of change].
Coach leaders on delivering clear, concise, and compelling messages across a range of formats, including broadcast, print, and digital.
Ensure alignment and message discipline across all external spokespeople
Identify and secure high-impact speaking opportunities at leading business and industry conferences.
Position executives as credible voices on topics such as consumer trends, innovation, growth strategy, and transformation.
Develop forward-looking speaker strategies aligned with key business priorities
Partner closely with Investor Relations, Marketing, HR, brands and internal/function communications teams to ensure consistent messaging across audiences.
Align corporate narrative with brand storytelling to reflect a cohesive company story.
Manage agency partners and external vendors as needed.

Benefits

Competitive compensation
Career growth opportunities
Flexibility and Support for Diverse Life Stages and Choices
Wellbeing programs including Physical, Mental and Financial wellness
Tuition assistance
401k
health insurance
paid time off
Comprehensive health plans covering medical, vision, dental, life and disability benefits
Family-friendly benefits such as paid parental leave, fertility benefits, Employee Assistance Program, and caregiver support
Retirement and investment programs including 401(k) and profit-sharing plans