Senior Director, Communications

Walmart

3d • $130,000 - $260,000

About The Position

The Senior Director, Communications – Local Communications is a dynamic leader at the center of Walmart’s local storytelling, shaping how the company shows up in communities across the U.S. This role leads proactive, market-level communications that build trust, protect and strengthen reputation and bring Walmart’s local impact to life. Serving as the connective tissue between national priorities and local execution, the Senior Director oversees local media relations, crisis and management and Walmart's local social media program, including local store Facebook pages, ensuring communities receive timely, relevant and authentic messaging, especially in moments of heightened visibility. About the team: Walmart’s Local Communications team brings Walmart’s presence to life locally, positioning each store as a trusted, integral part of its community by tailoring strategies to locally resonant business and reputation drivers. Through trusted local media relationships and an always-on local social program, the team elevates Walmart’s community impact and provides critical reputation support during moments of heightened risk. This role calls for bold strategic leadership and creative thinking to design and execute communications that deepen trust, spark engagement and expand Walmart’s influence at the local level.

Requirements

• Extensive experience leading communications strategies, managing corporate messaging, media training and stakeholder engagement at senior leadership levels
• Proven ability to serve as a senior spokesperson, handling media relations and crisis communications with professionalism and clarity
• Strong leadership skills in developing and mentoring high-performing teams and fostering collaboration across functions
• Strategic thinker with a track record of driving business and reputational growth
• Track record of evolving communications strategies by adopting new technologies and data-driven approaches
• Ability to analyze business and reputational objectives and implement communication plans that align with organizational goals
• Commitment to ethical standards, integrity, and promoting a culture of accountability and continuous improvement
• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Political Science, or related field and 6 years’ experience in journalism, communications, or relevant area OR 8 years’ experience in journalism, communications, or relevant area.
• 2 years’ supervisory experience.

Nice To Haves

• Direct media experience.
• Government or media relations experience in a Fortune 500 company.
• Managerial experience running media components of political election or grassroots advocacy campaigns.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead Walmart's national approach to local communications, including Walmart's local social channels, as well as top-priority local markets
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with local and syndicate news reporters and services, as well as new and emerging local media channels
• Direct and mentor communications teams, building talent, operational excellence and fluency in emerging AI and agent-based communications capabilities
• Lead local crisis and issues management, including real-time response, stakeholder coordination and post-issue analysis
• Manage agency partners and build partnerships that advance business priorities and deepen community engagement at scale

Benefits

• At Walmart, we offer competitive pay as well as performance-based bonus awards and other great benefits for a happier mind, body, and wallet.
• Health benefits include medical, vision and dental coverage.
• Financial benefits include 401(k), stock purchase and company-paid life insurance.
• Paid time off benefits include PTO (including sick leave), parental leave, family care leave, bereavement, jury duty, and voting.
• Other benefits include short-term and long-term disability, company discounts, Military Leave Pay, adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, and more.
• You will also receive PTO and/or PPTO that can be used for vacation, sick leave, holidays, or other purposes. The amount you receive depends on your job classification and length of employment. It will meet or exceed the requirements of paid sick leave laws, where applicable.
• Live Better U is a Walmart-paid education benefit program for full-time and part-time associates in Walmart and Sam's Club facilities. Programs range from high school completion to bachelor's degrees, including English Language Learning and short-form certificates. Tuition, books, and fees are completely paid for by Walmart.
• Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to a specific plan or program terms.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees