Communications Manager / Senior Communications Manager - Corporate Reputation

Responsibilities

• Support the development and execution of external communications strategies that enhance and protect the company’s corporate reputation.
• Manage day-to-day corporate media relations – including proactive story development, pitching, and responding to media inquiries on corporate topics.
• Monitor media coverage and industry trends; flag emerging issues and identify opportunities for proactive engagement.
• Contribute to crisis and issues communications planning and response, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure consistent, coordinated messaging.
• Draft and edit external materials including press releases, media statements, Q&As, talking points and briefing documents.
• Support executive visibility efforts, including preparation for interviews, speaking engagements, media briefings, and development of digital and social media strategies that strengthen leadership presence.
• Partner with internal stakeholders to align messaging across corporate announcements.
• Maintain media lists, track coverage metrics, and prepare regular reports on communications outcomes.
• Build and maintain relationships with key journalists, industry contacts, and influencers relevant to Hormel Foods’ corporate reputation.
• Collaborate with PR agency partners to coordinate outreach, ensure alignment, and manage deliverables.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, English, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in Communications, Public Relations or a related field. Corporate or agency experience preferred.
• Proven experience managing media relations, external storytelling, and reputation or issues management programs.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft clear, compelling messages for a variety of audiences.
• Strong judgment and problem-solving skills; able to anticipate needs, navigate sensitive topics, and recommend thoughtful solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong relationships with media, agency partners, and internal stakeholders.
• Highly organized with strong project management skills and attention to detail.
• Self-starter with initiative and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality work independently.
• Strong writing and editing skills, with expertise in AP Style.
• Applicants must not now, or at any time in the future, require employer sponsorship for a work visa.

Benefits

• BENEFITS: Other components of Hormel Foods' total compensation package include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, discretionary annual merit increases, bonuses and profit sharing, 401(k) with employer match, stock purchase plan, paid time off, free two-year community/technical college tuition for children of employees, and more.