Job Description

COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER/SENIOR COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER – EXTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS - CORPORATE OFFICE (AUSTIN, MN) 

About Hormel Foods

Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minnesota, is a global branded food company with over $12 billion in annual revenue. Its brands include PLANTERS®, SKIPPY®, SPAM®, HORMEL® NATURAL CHOICE®, APPLEGATE®, WHOLLY®, HORMEL® BLACK LABEL®, COLUMBUS®, JENNIE-O® and more than 30 other beloved brands. The Company is a member of the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats, was named one of the best companies to work for by U.S. News & World Report and one of America’s most responsible companies by Newsweek, was recognized by TIME magazine as one of the World’s Best Companies and has received numerous other awards and accolades for its corporate responsibility and community service efforts. For more information, visit www.hormelfoods.com. 

Position Overview:

We’re seeking a skilled communications professional to help strengthen and protect our company’s reputation. This individual contributor will support proactive storytelling, media engagement, executive visibility, and issues management – ensuring a consistent, credible voice across our external communications. The ideal candidate is a strategic, hands-on communicator who is adept at media relations, message development, and navigating complex or sensitive topics. They’ll play a key role in bringing our corporate narrative to life, contributing to reputation campaigns, thought leadership initiatives, crisis and issues response in close collaboration with agency partners and internal teams. 

Responsibilities – External Communications / Corporate Reputation

• 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.
• Serve as a resource to internal partners on external communications best practices.

Level of position offered (either Communications Manager or Senior Communications Manager) will be determined based on qualifications and experience. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required

• 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.
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer. 

LOCATION: Global Headquarters, Austin MN

A comprehensive relocation package to the Austin, MN area will be offered, if required.

This position follows a hybrid work arrangement requiring in-office presence four days per week.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: Travel may be necessary 10% of the time.

At Hormel Foods, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. The base hiring pay range for the Communications Manager/Senior Communications Manager role is between $78,000 - $124,700 per year, and your actual base pay within that range will depend upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, job-related knowledge, skill set, level of experience, and geographic market location. 

BENEFITS: Other components of Hormel Foods' total compensation package include 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. 

For immediate consideration, apply online at: www.hormelfoods.com/careers 

At Hormel we invite difference and diversity in all aspects.  We offer a space of support, understanding, and community.  We are committed to the journey!  Learn more about our progress here: https://www.hormelfoods.com/about/diversity-and-inclusion/

Hormel Foods provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race; color; sex; gender identity; sexual orientation; religious practices and observances; national origin; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; status as a protected veteran or spouse/family member of a protected veteran; or disability.