Manager, External Communications

McCormick & Company•Hunt Valley, MD

2d•$80,500 - $137,000•Hybrid

About The Position

McCormick is hiring a Manager, External Communications immediately in a hybrid (50/50) capacity at its Global Headquarters in Hunt Valley, Maryland. Reporting to the Director, External Corporate Communications, this role helps drive and execute communications programs that enhance the company’s reputation, elevate executive visibility, and support business priorities across global markets. The position calls for a strong writer and communicator with experience in media relations, executive communications, thought leadership, and speaking engagement management, as well as an understanding of the evolving media landscape and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment. The manager develops and executes proactive media relations and executive communications, manages media inquiries and speaking opportunities, and collaborates with senior leaders and cross-functional teams to deliver consistent, audience-relevant messaging. The role also manages agency partners and external vendors as needed, maintains communications calendars and project plans, and tracks communications metrics and impact.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, strategic communications, or business.
4–5 years of experience in corporate communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field.
Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills, with the ability to tailor content for different audiences and channels.
Experience supporting media relations programs and working with journalists.
Experience developing executive communications and thought leadership content.
Strong understanding of the global media landscape, including traditional, digital, social, and emerging media.
Excellent project management, organizational, and stakeholder management skills.
Ability to independently manage multiple priorities, complex projects, and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Sound judgment, strong attention to detail, and a consistent commitment to quality.
Strategic thinking and sound judgment.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
Media savvy and news awareness.
Relationship building and influence.
Executive presence and professionalism.
Collaboration and teamwork.
Agility and adaptability.
Results orientation.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a global corporate environment or public relations agency.
Experience supporting C-suite or senior executive communications.
Familiarity with media monitoring and analytics platforms.
Experience managing speaking engagements, conferences, and industry events.
Experience managing agency partners, external vendors, or defined communications workstreams.

Responsibilities

Lead the execution of proactive media relations strategies that advance the company’s brand, reputation, and business objectives.
Develop and edit press releases, media pitches, fact sheets, messaging documents, Q&A materials, and other external communications content.
Manage incoming media inquiries and coordinate timely, well-aligned responses with internal stakeholders and external communications leadership.
Build and maintain relationships with key journalists, industry influencers, and media outlets.
Monitor media coverage, identify emerging trends and potential risks, and provide recommendations to communications leadership.
Manage media preparation activities, including developing briefing materials and coordinating spokesperson coaching.
Develop executive communications materials, including talking points, keynote remarks, and social media content.
Identify opportunities to elevate executive visibility and thought leadership across industry, business, and trade media.
Ensure executive messaging aligns with corporate priorities, company values, business strategy, and approved communications objectives.
Partner with senior leaders and cross-functional stakeholders to develop impactful, audience-relevant narratives.
Manage the end-to-end process for executive speaking opportunities, including evaluating requests, developing content, coordinating logistics, and supporting event preparation.
Develop and refine presentations, speeches, panel discussion talking points, and audience-specific messaging.
Partner with event organizers, industry associations, and internal stakeholders to maximize external visibility opportunities.
Track and measure engagement outcomes and recommend future opportunities.
Partner with Investor Relations, Marketing, HR, brands, and internal/function communications teams to ensure consistent messaging across audiences.
Align the corporate narrative with brand storytelling to reflect a cohesive company story.
Manage agency partners and external vendors as needed, ensuring quality, timeliness, and alignment with approved objectives.
Maintain and improve communications calendars, project plans, and reporting mechanisms.
Track communications metrics and provide insights on performance and impact.

Benefits

Competitive compensation.
Career growth opportunities.
Flexibility and support for diverse life stages and choices.
Comprehensive health plans covering medical, vision, dental, life, and disability benefits.
Paid parental leave.
Fertility benefits.
Employee Assistance Program and caregiver support.
401(k) and profit-sharing plans.
Incentive Bonus (MIB) Plan, Sales Incentive Bonus (SIB) Plan, or Dividend Program eligibility.
Paid time off.