Sr. Director, Global External Communications

driscolls; United States; On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Driscoll's is seeking a Senior Director of Global External Communications to lead the company’s global corporate communications strategy, protecting and enhancing reputation while strengthening relationships with key external stakeholders. This role oversees corporate brand, enterprise storytelling, and media relations across global markets.

The successful candidate will partner with senior leaders to develop integrated strategies that promote Driscoll's purpose, sustainability initiatives, and

Qualifications

• Requires 12+ years of progressive experience in corporate communications, public affairs, or related field.
• At least 5 years in a senior communications leadership role with enterprise/global scope.
• Equivalent relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute global external communications strategy aligned with company objectives and brand.
• Lead corporate brand, enterprise storytelling, reputation management and media relations.
• Provide strategic counsel to senior leadership on high-impact communications matters.
• Oversee governance of external communications and thought leadership programs.
• Coordinate with Marketing, Brand, and global regions to ensure consistent messaging.

Skills

Corporate communications

Senior leadership

Media relations

External engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications/public relations/journalism/public affairs/business

Job description

About the Opportunity

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.

Responsibilities

Corporate Brand & Reputation

• 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

Government and Stakeholder Engagement

• 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

External Relations

• 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

Candidate Profile

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 sc