Job Summary
We are seeking a strategic communications leader to oversee the External Communications team and develop and execute high-impact strategies that promote, protect, and elevate the organization’s brands. This role will shape external communications across multiple brands and engage audiences including media, industry organizations, potential franchisees, potential employees, and other stakeholders in the U.S. and globally.

Key Responsibilities
• Lead the development and execution of an external communications strategy supporting multiple banners and brands.
• Elevate and strengthen brand reputation through thought leadership strategies.
• Establish executives as thought leaders through speaking engagement opportunities and media interviews.
• Build and execute proactive awards strategies promoting the organization and its talent.
• Guide external communications channel management, including newswire, company website, and other relevant channels.
• Partner with global teams to deliver cohesive media relations strategies and ensure alignment across international markets.
• Lead with a data-driven and outcomes-focused approach to maximize team effectiveness and align communications activities with corporate priorities.
• Lead public relations outreach across a broad range of initiatives, including new product communications, corporate communications, and crisis communications.
• Manage and provide direction to an internal communications team as well as external agencies and contractors.
• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with media, industry organizations, and other external stakeholders.
• Ensure communications initiatives are delivered effectively while maintaining consistent brand messaging and positioning.

Required Qualifications
• 10+ years of corporate communications experience.
• Proven leadership experience managing internal teams as well as external agencies and contractors.
• Strong strategic understanding of current and emerging communication needs, channel management, planning, and utilization within a corporate environment.
• Strong, clear, and concise written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong media relations and public relations experience.
• Experience supporting corporate communications, new product communications, and crisis communications.
• Ability to work effectively under tight deadlines.
• Strong strategic thinking, organizational, and stakeholder management skills.