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

• 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.