Sr. Director, Global External Communications

Driscoll’s•Watsonville, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Director, Global External Communications leads Driscoll's global corporate communications strategy, protecting and enhancing the company's reputation while strengthening relationships with key external stakeholders. This role oversees corporate brand, enterprise storytelling, reputation management, media relations, executive communications, and external engagement efforts that advance Driscoll's business objectives, policy and stakeholder priorities and reinforce its position as the global market leader in fresh berries. As a trusted advisor to senior leadership, this individual develops integrated communication strategies that promote Driscoll's purpose, values, innovation, sustainability initiatives, grower partnerships, and business priorities across global markets. The role works closely with leaders across Sustainability, Government Affairs, Legal, HR, Commercial, and Operations to ensure consistent messaging and proactive stakeholder engagement.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Public Affairs, Business, or a related field. Equivalent relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree
12+ years of progressive experience in corporate communications, public affairs, reputation management, media relations, or a closely related discipline
At least 5 years in a senior communications leadership role with enterprise, regional, or global scope
Expertise in corporate brand and reputation; issues and crisis communications; public affairs; global media relations; executive communications; external stakeholder engagement; thought leadership; organizational transformation communications; enterprise storytelling; senior leadership counsel; and cross-functional stakeholder alignment
Expert written, verbal, and presentation skills; advanced strategic communications planning and message development; advanced media relations and spokesperson capability; advanced measurement and insights; proficiency with communications and media-monitoring platforms
Spanish proficiency highly desired
Experience leading communications teams, managing PR agency partners, and directing complex cross-functional initiatives across matrixed, global, or highly visible business environments

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in communications, Public Affairs, Business Administration, or a related field
Experience in agriculture, food, consumer products, sustainability, or another highly visible and regulated global industry
Demonstrated success advising C-suite executives and managing sensitive, high-impact reputation matters
Experience operating across cultures, regions, and complex matrixed organizations
Established relationships with business, consumer, trade, agriculture, or policy media
Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) or comparable professional credential

Responsibilities

Develop and execute a global corporate communications strategy aligned with Driscoll's values, business objectives and brand strategy, and focus on building trust
Shape and maintain a consistent corporate narrative that reflects Driscoll's purpose, values, innovation, sustainability commitments, and leadership in the berry industry
Strengthen and protect the company's corporate brand through proactive storytelling and strategic communications, positioning trust and reputation management as an ongoing enterprise capability
Lead enterprise issues management and crisis communications planning and response, including proactive risk sensing, escalation guidance, and senior-leadership counsel on matters that may affect corporate trust or reputation
Coordinate with the Chief Marketing Officer and partner with Brand, Marketing, and Market Insights teams to ensure corporate, brand, and market-facing communications efforts are aligned, mutually reinforcing, and informed by business and consumer context
Measure and monitor reputation drivers, stakeholder sentiment, and emerging issues that may affect the company's brand and credibility
Provide strategic communications counsel to executive leadership on high-impact business matters and reputation risks
Collaborate with Sustainability, Legal, Government Affairs, Food Safety, Operations, and business leaders to develop and communicate the company's priorities on matters affecting agriculture, labor, trade, food systems, water stewardship, sustainability, and other issues as needed. Develop messaging and assess reputational implications of policies and issues. Support functional experts to effectively engage stakeholders on these issues
Partner with Government Affairs leaders to develop communication strategies supporting public policy priorities, regulatory engagement, and license-to-operate objectives in key markets
Partner closely with communications leaders in regional business units to ensure consistent corporate messaging, coordinated stakeholder engagement, and effective reputation management across global markets
Engage with industry associations, agricultural organizations, and strategic external stakeholders to shape and help implement communications strategies and campaigns that reflect Driscoll’s priorities
Monitor external policy, regulatory, and industry media and content that may influence company operations or reputation
Oversee global media relations and serve as a senior spokesperson when appropriate. Manage senior leaders’ global media opportunities and ensure leaders are prepared for media engagements and questions
Build and maintain relationships with key journalists, editors, trade media, and industry thought leaders
Lead external stakeholder engagement strategies to build trust and strengthen relationships with customers, growers, industry partners, community organizations, and influencers, ensuring engagement plans support enterprise reputation priorities and maintain narrative alignment across markets
Oversee digital reputation strategies, social listening programs, and emerging-channel engagement to identify opportunities and risks, support reputation governance, and inform senior leadership on emerging issues
Develop executive visibility and thought leadership programs that elevate Driscoll's reputation and showcase company innovation and expertise on global issues