Manager, External Communications & Content Creation

Mars•Chicago, IL

2d•$108,160 - $148,720•Onsite

About The Position

Mars Snacking is seeking a strategic, creative, and highly collaborative communications professional to serve as Manager, External Communications & Content Creation as part of the Mars Snacking Global Corporate Affairs team. This role will help protect and enhance the reputation of Mars by developing compelling content, driving proactive storytelling, and supporting external communications strategies across key business priorities. The Manager will be responsible for creating and amplifying earned, owned, and shared content that advances Mars’ corporate reputation, showcases business and brand initiatives, and supports thought leadership across a variety of channels. The role will partner closely with senior leaders and cross-functional teams including Corporate Affairs, Marketing, R&D, P&O, social impact and regional communications teams to translate business priorities into engaging and impactful narratives. This position requires a strong storyteller, exceptional writer, content creator, and media-savvy communicator who can operate effectively in a fast-paced environment while balancing proactive communications with issues and reputation management support.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, English, or related field required
5-8+ years of experience in external communications, public relations, corporate communications, journalism, content strategy, or related disciplines
Experience developing multimedia content for both corporate and consumer-facing audiences
Strong understanding of corporate reputation management and stakeholder communications
Ability to connect business priorities with compelling communications strategies
Demonstrated ability to identify newsworthy stories and translate them into impactful content
Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling capabilities
Experience developing multimedia and digital-first content
Ability to adapt tone and messaging for diverse audiences and channels
Strong editorial judgment and attention to detail
Strong understanding of media
Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills
Ability to influence without authority and work effectively in a highly matrixed environment
Comfortable interacting with senior leaders and cross-functional teams
Strong project management and organizational skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously
Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with evolving priorities
Sound judgment and discretion when handling sensitive topics

Nice To Haves

Experience with a matrixed, global organization preferred
Food, consumer packaged goods (CPG), public affairs, or consumer brand experience strongly preferred
Experience supporting executive communications and reputation management initiatives preferred

Responsibilities

Support the development and execution of external communications strategies aligned with Mars Snacking business objectives and Corporate Affairs priorities
Manage the press office process for media inquiries including after-hours monitoring
Identify opportunities to elevate Mars Snacking's reputation through proactive storytelling, executive visibility, and industry engagement
Collaborate across global, regional, and market teams to ensure consistency of messaging and alignment with Mars Snacking messaging and policies, as well as broader Mars communications strategies
Leverage knowledge of social media trends and identify white space opportunities for Mars and brands to engage
Serve as the global system owner and strategic lead for our media measurement and monitoring platform; champion standardized KPI frameworks for the direct team while partnering with regional markets to drive tool adoption, share best practices, and maximize global utilization.
Serve as a lead content creator for Mars Snacking's external communications channels.
Write, edit, design and manage a variety of content including: Press releases, thought leadership articles, media statements, Social media content including videos and images, Website content, Internal-to-external storytelling assets, Fact sheets and FAQs, Presentation materials
Translate complex business, scientific and policy topics into compelling and accessible narratives
Ensure all content reflects Mars' Five Principles, purpose, and reputation priorities while maintaining a consistent voice and brand alignment
Support content creation requests for broader Corp Affairs team, as time allows
Support external visibility opportunities for Mars Snacking leaders
Develop executive messaging, media interview and panel briefing materials, and leadership communication assets
Identify opportunities to position leaders as credible voices on topics such as the future of snacking, innovation, responsible marketing, workforce initiatives, and industry leadership
Create, manage and optimize external content for digital and social platforms
Monitor content performance and audience engagement, leveraging insights to improve effectiveness and reach
Stay current on emerging platforms, content trends, and best practices; report out to team and broader Corp Affairs audiences with relevant updates
Monitor emerging topics, industry trends, and reputational risks that may impact Mars Snacking
Support communications planning, social listening and media reporting during issues and crisis situations
Develop holding statements, Q&A documents, stakeholder messaging, and response materials as needed
Contribute to internal issues management and preparedness processes
Partner with external agencies, content creators, and creative partners
Coordinate content development projects from concept through execution
Build strong partnerships with internal stakeholders to source stories and identify opportunities for external visibility