Senior Manager, Communications

Graco • Dayton, MN

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

Graco manufactures and markets premium equipment to move, measure, control, dispense and spray a wide variety of fluid and powder materials. What does that mean? Well, we pump peanut butter into your jar, and the oil in your car. We glue the soles of your shoes, the glass in your windows and the screen on your phone. We spray the finish on your vehicle, coatings on your pills, the paint on your house and texture on your walls. Graco is part of your daily life. This role is currently based at our Minneapolis office and will transition to our new headquarters in Dayton, MN, in 2027. The Senior Communications Manager is a key leadership role within Graco’s Brand & Communications function, responsible for shaping and executing enterprise communications plans that drive brand awareness and elevate Graco’s reputation among internal and external stakeholders worldwide. This role supports the Head of Global Brand & Communications to operationalize strategy, lead proactive internal and external communications programs, and establish KPIs grounded in business priorities, brand narrative, purpose, vision, and values. The Senior Communications Manager will guide internal communications, corporate communications, product PR, digital media, and change communications—ensuring messaging is aligned, strategic, and impactful in a rapidly evolving, matrixed global organization.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations, or a related field.
• 8–10+ years of progressive communications experience, including at least 4 years leading teams in a global, matrixed organization.
• Proven ability to develop and execute enterprise wide communications strategies supporting major business initiatives.
• Strong business acumen and ability to align communications with strategy.
• Demonstrated experience in reputation management, and executive visibility.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and presentation skills with the ability to translate complex topics into clear messaging.
• Experience leading communications for organizational change.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills with the ability to counsel and influence senior leaders.
• Demonstrated capability in developing teams and driving high performance.
• Sound judgment, discretion, and ability to manage sensitive communications.
• Willingness to travel up to 15%.
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• This role is not eligible for immigration sponsorship now or in the future (e.g., H-1B, TN, F-1 OPT).

Nice To Haves

• Experience in publicly traded organizations.
• Experience in manufacturing, B2B industrial industries, or global enterprise operations.

Responsibilities

• Develop Enterprise & Corporate Communications Manage the internal and external communications teams to develop and implement integrated communications plans that align with enterprise goals, go-to-market plans, organizational transformation, and brand reputation.
• Lead enterprise change communications and support M&A communications throughout announcements and integration.
• Strengthen Graco’s corporate brand and reputation platforms, including innovation, performance, social responsibility, workplace, and leadership visibility.
• Provide counsel and create messaging, talking points, Q&As, organizational updates, and executive communications for key enterprise initiatives.
• Build and manage media relationships across business, trade, and mainstream outlets.
• Develop and communicate a compelling corporate narrative and visual storytelling aligned with Graco’s key business verticals and customers.
• Oversee the content strategy, governance, and messaging for the corporate website, intranet, corporate blog, newsroom, and corporate social media channels.
• Support high quality multimedia content, including executive videos and storytelling.
• Support Annual Report production and ESG Report production.
• Manage Internal Communications & Employee Engagement Lead the global internal communications team and channels, ensuring consistent, clear, and engaging communication across the organization.
• Improve communications and engagement for manufacturing and production employees using channels such as signage, frontline leader toolkits, and mobile optimized formats.
• Maintain the corporate editorial calendar to reflect enterprise priorities and major initiatives to ensure employees have the information needed to excel in their roles.
• Implement new internal communication systems, tools, and processes to improve employee experience and engage a global workforce.
• Oversee Marketing Communications & Thought Leadership Develop strategic public relations plans with marketing teams to drive business growth as part of the annual business planning process.
• Support go-to-market product campaigns and promotions as part of an integrated marketing strategy with public relations planning, execution and measurement.
• Lead team in building earned and paid media relationships across business, trade, and mainstream outlets.
• Advise marketing teams in development of compelling thought leadership platforms aligned with key business verticals and customer needs.
• Team Leadership, Collaboration & Culture Building Lead, mentor, and develop a high performing communications team, fostering strategic growth and accountability.
• Build strong cross functional partnerships to ensure cohesive, aligned communication across the enterprise.
• Balance strategic planning with timely execution across internal and external communication needs.
• Measurement, Reporting & Best Practices Establish, measure and present quarterly KPIs for communications effectiveness, including awareness, engagement, sentiment, trust, and reputation.
• Apply best practices, emerging trends, and modern tools, including AI, to enhance communication impact.

Benefits

• Graco offers attractive compensation, benefits and career development opportunities.
• Graco’s comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, stock purchase plan, 401(k), tuition reimbursement and more.

What This Job Offers

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