Director of Corporate Communications and Public Relations

Avery Brewing • Grand Rapids, MI

6d

About The Position

The Director of Corporate Communications and Public Relations oversees all corporate communications and public relations for Mahou USA (Founders, Avery, Mahou Imports), ensuring company messaging is consistent, engaging, and aligned across internal and external audiences. The role leads strategic communications planning, develops high-impact content and media opportunities, supports executive visibility, and ensures crisis readiness and response—working in close collaboration with Mahou San Miguel HQ and serving as a key member of the senior management team. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Includes the following. Other duties may be assigned. Strategic planning & alignment (HQ + business strategy) Lead the annual strategic communications plan (internal and external) in collaboration with Mahou San Miguel HQ communications. Ensure all communications activities are aligned with Headquarters’ business and communications strategy. Present annual communications plans and results to the Board and Shareholders. Partner cross-functionally with executive leadership, managers, and teams to align goals and messaging across the organization. Advise internal stakeholders on program considerations, trends, and opportunities; recommend improvements to processes and approach. External Communications — Media Relations Build and maintain strong relationships with key consumer and trade media (national and local). Develop media strategies and proactive story pipelines aligned with corporate priorities. Manage press inquiries and interview requests; coordinate media opportunities and spokesperson participation. Draft and distribute media materials including press releases, media alerts, articles, backgrounders, and Q&As. Prepare executives for interviews with research, messaging, briefing documents, Q&As, and suggested talking points. Monitoring media coverage and sentiment; report performance and learnings through qualitative and quantitative indicators. External Communications — Corporate Positioning Strengthen corporate reputation and narrative with key stakeholders through consistent, strategic messaging. Define core messages and proof points; support thought leadership topics and communications priorities. Support CEO and Executive Leadership Team on executive positioning, key messages, and high-impact communication moments. Ensure message consistency across brands, functions, and spokespeople. External Communications — Digital Corporate Communications Lead corporate storytelling across owned channels (website/newsroom, LinkedIn and other corporate social channels). Build editorial calendars and content roadmaps; coordinate content creation with internal experts and external partners. Develop and edit content including website updates, articles, video scripts, LinkedIn posts, and corporate materials. Track performance metrics and continuously optimize content formats and narratives based on insights. Internal Communications — Leadership Communications Consult and support the CEO and Executive Leadership Team on executive messages, internal emails, employee meetings/talking points, media interviews, and thought leadership opportunities. Draft speeches, town hall scripts, talking points, stakeholder briefs, and Q&As. Design the structure and timing of internal messages to drive alignment and effective information cascading across the company. Cultivate a clear corporate voice and improve employee engagement through consistent leadership communication. Internal Communications — Internal Tools & Channels Own content development for internal channels including internal emails, employee newsletter, TVs, intranet/SharePoint, posters, and internal presentations. Serve as Editor-in-Chief of the bimonthly Mahou USA Employee Newsletter, owning editorial planning and content creation. Define channel standards and governance; create templates/toolkits to ensure consistency and efficiency. Measure engagement and performance to continuously improve internal communications. Internal Communications — Internal Events & Engagement Plan and deliver internal events and communications moments that reinforce culture, strategy, and engagement (e.g., town halls, employee sessions, leadership updates). Serve as Executive Sponsor for Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and employee engagement committees, managing budgets and resources. Crisis Management Own and maintain the Crisis Communication Playbook, including protocols, escalation paths, and governance. Lead communications response during crisis situations to protect organizational perception and reputation. Coordinate cross-functional response teams (legal, HR, operations, leadership) and manage real-time messaging and approvals. Monitor media and social conversation during sensitive situations; document actions and conduct post-crisis reviews to strengthen preparedness. Brand PR, Agencies & Budget Identify PR opportunities around brand campaigns, launches, and activations in alignment with corporate priorities. Lead external PR/communications agencies and manage the department budget. Ensure alignment between brand tone and corporate narrative; measure impact through coverage quality, reach, and reputation indicators. Community Relations / CSR Communications Lead community relations efforts, partnering with local and national corporate charity organizations. Oversee the employee giving program and report on CSR initiatives and results. Ensure CSR communications reinforce reputation and align with corporate priorities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field.
• 15 + years of PR & communications management experience (in-house and/or agency).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; strong presentation development and writing/editing expertise.
• Experience working with local, national, and trade media outlets.
• Experience managing social media channels (e.g., LinkedIn) and intranet platforms (e.g., SharePoint).
• Community relations experience partnering with external organizations and nonprofits.
• Strong business acumen; demonstrated competency in strategic planning.
• Creative, decisive, collaborative, responsive, and able to work independently with accountability for outcomes

Responsibilities

• Strategic planning & alignment (HQ + business strategy)
• External Communications — Media Relations
• External Communications — Corporate Positioning
• External Communications — Digital Corporate Communications
• Internal Communications — Leadership Communications
• Internal Communications — Internal Tools & Channels
• Internal Communications — Internal Events & Engagement
• Crisis Management
• Brand PR, Agencies & Budget
• Community Relations / CSR Communications

Benefits

• Competitive Salary Range
• Health, dental, vision, and other coverage for all employees starts date of hire.
• 401(k) matching
• Paid time off, volunteer time, and floating holidays
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid sabbaticals with tenure
• Paid parental leave for all employees

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director