Global External Communications Leader

Driscoll Strawberry Associates, Inc; United States; On-site; USD 225,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with employer match

Profit-sharing

Paid sick time

Paid vacation

Personal and family care leave

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Driscoll's is seeking a Senior Director, Global External Communications to lead its worldwide corporate communications strategy, protect reputation, and advance business objectives across markets. You will oversee brand, storytelling, media relations, executive communications, and external engagement, partnering with Sustainability, Legal, Government Affairs and HR to align messaging.

Based at our corporate headquarters in Watsonville, CA, this role requires 12+ years in corporate

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Public Affairs, Business, or a related field.
• 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
• 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

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

Skills

Strategic communications

Media relations

Executive communications

Stakeholder engagement

Crisis communications

Cross-functional leadership

Measurement & insights

Education

Bachelor’s degree in communications

Master’s degree

Tools

Media monitoring platforms

Job description

Driscoll's is seeking a Senior Director, Global External Communications to lead its worldwide corporate communications strategy, protect reputation, and advance business objectives across markets. You will oversee brand, storytelling, media relations, executive communications, and external engagement, partnering with Sustainability, Legal, Government Affairs and HR to align messaging.

Based at our corporate headquarters in Watsonville, CA, this role requires 12+ years in corporate