Job Description

Senior Communications Manager/Communications Manager (Content Lead)

About Hormel Foods — 

Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minnesota, is a global branded food company with approximately $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, one of America’s most responsible companies by Newsweek, 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 hormelfoods.com.

RESPONSIBILITIES:  

This position is responsible for leading strategic storytelling initiatives, managing the company’s Employee Ambassador Program, and supporting communications projects. This role is ideal for a communications professional who excels at uncovering and developing compelling narratives, fostering employee engagement, and identifying reputational risks. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with a hands-on approach, exceptional attention to detail, and ability to stay current with evolving communications technologies and apply them strategically.

Content Development  

• Identifies, researches, and develops compelling employee and business stories that showcase the company’s innovation, impact, and strategic priorities.  
• Crafts timely, relevant storylines that reflect organizational priorities and resonates with key internal and external audiences.  
• Maintains and oversees a robust content pipeline and editorial calendar to ensure a consistent cadence of fresh, relevant, and inspiring storytelling.  
• Collaborates with cross-functional teams and external partners to uncover strategic proof points that reinforce the corporate narrative across departments, locations, and employee experiences.  
• Monitors content performance across channels and provides insights to inform future storytelling and engagement strategies.  
• Writes and edits high-quality, brand-aligned content for a variety of channels, including websites, intranet, social media, and other digital campaigns.  

Employee Ambassador Program 

• Leads the growth strategy and day-to-day operations of the Employee Ambassador Program, cultivating a network of engaged storytellers and authentic brand advocates.  
• Develops toolkits, training resources, and content that empower ambassadors to share their experiences and amplify the company’s culture and values.  
• Tracks program performance and continuously refines the approach based on ambassador feedback, engagement analytics, and evolving business needs.  

Reputation Management 

• Supports the execution of reputation management strategies by monitoring brand mentions, industry trends, current events, and the evolving media landscape across traditional and digital platforms.  
• Analyzes listening and monitoring data, including social sentiment, news coverage, and stakeholder feedback, to translate insights into proactive content strategies, narrative guidance, and storytelling opportunities. 
• Partners with cross-functional teams to apply insights through targeted content that addresses emerging concerns, shapes public perception, and reinforces trust with key audiences. 

Website Content:  

• Contributes to corporate and brand website content strategies by developing compelling content aligned with brand voice.  
• Partners with cross-functional teams to ensure website content supports broader storytelling and engagement goals.  
• Supports SEO, GEO and digital storytelling initiatives that amplify strategic narratives for multiple audiences.  
• Writes and edits clear, consistent, and brand-aligned website copy tailored to audience needs.  

QUALIFICATIONS:

The level of position offered (either Communications Manager or Senior Communications Manager) will be based on candidate’s qualifications and experience.  

Required  

• A bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, English or a related field.  
• 3+ years of experience in corporate communications, content strategy, or employee engagement.  
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to craft clear, engaging and brand-consistent copy.  
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously with strong organizational skills and attention to detail.  
• A willingness to learn and stay up-to-date on new tools, technologies and industry trends and an ability to quickly adapt to changes.  
• Basic knowledge of SEO and GEO best practices is beneficial.  
• Strong organization and time management skills.  
• Demonstrated high level of initiative and ability to work independently.  
• Demonstrated effective interpersonal and leadership skills.  

• Must be a Citizen or National of the United States, a lawful, permanent resident, or have authorization to work in the United States.

• Applicants must not now, or in the future, require sponsorship for an employment visa.

LOCATION: Austin, MN – this position is eligible to receive a comprehensive relocation package for candidates needing relocation to the Austin, MN area.

Pay Range & Benefits:

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 Communication Manager and Senior Communications Manager roles 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.

Other components of Hormel Foods’ total compensation package includes comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage,  discretionary annual merit increases, bonuses and profit sharing, 401(k) with employer match, stock purchase plan, paid vacation, FREE two-year community/technical college tuition for children of employees, and more.

For immediate consideration, send 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/inclusion-and-belonging/

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.