Senior Communications Manager, Corporate Reputation & Media

Hormel Foods; Austin (MN); Hybrid; USD 78,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Profit sharing

401(k) with match

Stock purchase plan

Paid time off

Tuition assistance for children

Job summary

Hormel Foods Corporation based in Austin, Minnesota, seeks a Communications Manager/Senior Communications Manager to strengthen and protect the company’s reputation. This individual contributor role emphasizes media relations, message development, executive visibility, and issues management in collaboration with agency partners and internal teams.

The role blends strategic planning with hands-on storytelling, crisis response, and cross-functional coordination to ensure consistent, credible

Qualifications

• 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 ability to craft clear, compelling messages.
• Strong judgment and problem‑solving skills; able to handle sensitive topics and advise thoughtfully.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships with media, agency partners, and internal stakeholders.
• Highly organized with strong project management skills and attention to detail.
• Self‑starter with initiative and ability to manage multiple priorities independently.
• Strong writing and editing skills, with expertise in AP Style.
• Applicants must not require employer sponsorship for a work visa; authorized to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Support external communications strategies to 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.
• Monitor media coverage and industry trends; flag emerging issues and identify opportunities for proactive engagement.
• Contribute to crisis and issues communications planning and response in collaboration with cross‑functional teams.
• 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.
• 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.
• Serve as a resource to internal partners on external communications best practices.

Skills

Media relations

External storytelling

Reputation management

AP Style

Strategic thinking

Project management

Written communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications/PR/English or related field

Job description

Hormel Foods Corporation based in Austin, Minnesota, seeks a Communications Manager/Senior Communications Manager to strengthen and protect the company’s reputation. This individual contributor role emphasizes media relations, message development, executive visibility, and issues management in collaboration with agency partners and internal teams.

The role blends strategic planning with hands-on storytelling, crisis response, and cross-functional coordination to ensure consistent, credible