Director, Communications

Department Overview

The Director, Corporate Communications will drive business performance and advance McDonald’s reputation through stories that rally and engage external stakeholders around the brand’s strategic priorities, brand and impact. This role is pivotal in animating the company’s global narrative and strategy through all external touchpoints (e.g., traditional/emerging media, events, thought leadership, etc.) for all external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Reporting to the Senior Director of Global External Affairs, the individual in this role will:

• Drive business performance and advance McDonald’s reputation by telling critical stories of our business, brand and impact priorities to rally and engage external stakeholders
• Inclusive of established business milestones like earnings releases, corporate announcements and milestones, as well as ongoing, proactive efforts)
• Establish and control consistent narrative across all external stakeholders (e.g., media, customers, investors, shareholders, suppliers, industry partners, opinion influencers)
• Leverage multiple channels and partnerships to drive business, brand and impact communications (e.g., industry events, convenings, leadership comms, paid/earned)
• Establish rapport as a strategic business partner for external affairs and media relations with corporate partners
• Support external platform of senior leadership through development/execution of executive earned media strategy; provide media coaching to executives and subject matter experts.
• Define McDonald’s position on key issues in the external landscape that affect our license to operate and reputation
• Ensure excellence in media relations – managing relations with top tier outlets and reporters, controlling the accuracy and portrayal of McDonald’s narrative, breaking through with meaningful and authentic coverage
• Manage the team that serves as on-the-record spokesperson and point of contact for the corporation, and manages inbound media inquires
• Build and expand connections with a network of media that cover the brand and industry.
• Work with Performance and Insights and key business units to use data to inform communications strategies (proactive and responsive)

Team Oversight and Direction

• Managing and overseeing performance of a team of seven
• Contribute to the External Affairs & Crisis LT and the Global Comms Leadership Team
• Manage and drive best ways of working with relevant agency partners

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Communication, Marketing, PR or related field
• 10+ years of experience in corporate communications 
• Strong on-the-record relationships with media, ability to leverage existing media relationships and deep understanding of industry advocates, influencers and thought leaders; high networking ability
• Proven ability to counsel senior-level executives on earned media engagement, build trust within a highly matrixed organization, and use communications to drive the business. Can influence without authority and motivate others toward common objectives.
• Strategic communications acumen and stakeholder engagement. They are a problem solver with a bias for action. This individual understands how to create clarity amidst ambiguity. They can build the strategy and deliver on the tactics.
• Thrives in fast-paced environments, while being flexible and collaborative. Able to work independently with minimal direction. Is flexible, collaborative and deadline driven.
• Open, honest and direct but tactful and respectful in communications style and approach.
• Team player with strong team leadership and ability to motivate

Compensation

Bonus Eligible: Yes

Long - Term Incentive: Yes

Benefits Eligible: Yes

Salary Range

The expected salary range for this role is $168,350 - $218,860 per year
 
The above represents the expected salary range for this job requisition. Ultimately, in determining your pay, we may also consider your experience, and other job-related factors.

Competencies