Sr Manager, Communications
Date: Oct 29, 2025
Location: Chicago, IL, US, 60607
Company: McDonald's Corporation
Company Description:
McDonald’s is proud to be one of the most recognized brands in the world, with restaurants in over 100 countries that serve 70 million customers daily. We continue to operate from a position of strength. Our updated growth strategy is focused on staying ahead of what our customers want and realizing further growth potential. Our relentless ambition is why McDonald’s remains one of the world’s leading corporations after almost 70 years. Joining McDonald's means thinking big and preparing for a career that can have influence around the world.
At McDonald’s, we see every day as a chance to create positive impact. We lead through our values centered on inclusivity, service, integrity, community and family. From support of Ronald McDonald House Charities to our Youth Opportunity project and sustainability initiatives, our values keep us dedicated to using our scale for good: good for our customers, people, industry and planet. We also offer a broad range of outstanding benefits including a sabbatical program, tuition assistance and flexible work arrangements.
Department Overview
We’re looking for a Senior Manager, Brand Communications to join the team behind the reintroduction of the Snack Wrap, the launch of the Minecraft Movie Meal, and Grimace’s unforgettable birthday celebration – campaigns that drive business impact while building relevance, affinity, and awareness for one of the most iconic brands in the world. As part of the Culture & Engagement team within Brand Communications, this role leads innovative PR strategies and campaigns that earn the brand’s place in culture.
Responsibilities
- Partner with the Director of Brand Communications to shape and execute strategic initiatives that advance US Impact priorities
- Reimagine the brand’s earned-led strategy to authentically engage multicultural audiences and shift brand perception
- Lead a cross-functional team of managers and supervisors to execute integrated PR campaigns that are culture-driving, buzzworthy, and uniquely McDonald’s.
- Effectively manage agency partners, driving clarity, collaboration, and alignment to empower insight-driven, bold creative ideas
- Build trusted relationships with cross-functional partners including marketing, menu, strategy, impact, field, supply chain, and legal
- Represent Brand Communications at key leadership meetings and system convenings, including close partnership with McDonald’s Owner/Operators
- Oversee a multi-million dollar budget, strategically allocating internal and external resources and leading the scoping and agency review process in close collaboration with procurement
- Ensure campaigns deliver measurable results aligned with key performance indicators and business objectives
- Develop at least one direct report, coaching them through campaign execution and supporting their professional growth
- Handle strategy pivots and ad-hoc requests with enthusiasm and a strategic mindset
- Domestic travel required 1–2 times per quarter
Qualifications
- 8+ years of relevant communications experience in-house or at an agency, including external stakeholder engagement, earned media, influencer relations and multicultural communications
- Keen ability to develop insight-led ideas that earn media coverage and capture consumer attention
- Deep understanding of diverse cultural audiences and the ability to leverage cultural insights to inform and elevate communications strategies.
- Proven track record of leading cross-functional teams and agency partners to deliver high-impact work
- Agile and resilient, with the ability to navigate ambiguity and drive outcomes in dynamic environments
- Exceptional storytelling skills, with strong written and verbal communication skills and the capacity to distill complex issues for varied audiences
- Self-starter with a results-oriented mindset and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, even in undefined or evolving circumstances
- Strong advisory skills with the ability to provide credible counsel to senior leaders
- Thrives in fast-paced settings; collaborative, flexible, and committed to meeting deadlines
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
Compensation
Bonus Eligible: Yes
Long - Term Incentive: Yes
Benefits Eligible: Yes
Salary Range
The expected salary range for this role is $129,800 - $165,490 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
Additional Information:
Benefits eligible: This position offers health and welfare benefits, a 401(k) plan, adoption assistance program, educational assistance program, flexible ways of working, and time off policies (including sick leave, parental leave, and vacation/PTO). Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on job classification and length of employment.
Bonus eligible: This position is eligible for a bonus, calculated based on individual and company performance.
Long term Incentive eligible: This position is eligible for stock or other equity grants pursuant to McDonald’s long-term incentive plan.
McDonald’s is an equal opportunity employer committed to the diversity of our workforce. We promote an inclusive work environment that creates feel-good moments for everyone. McDonald’s provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities as part of the application or hiring process or to perform the essential functions of their job. If you need assistance accessing or reading this job posting or otherwise feel you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process, please contact mcdhrbenefits@us.mcd.com. Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
McDonald’s provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to sex, sex stereotyping, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, and medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), race, color, religion, ancestry or national origin, age, disability status, medical condition, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, protected military or veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
Nothing in this job posting or description should be construed as an offer or guarantee of employment.
Nearest Major Market: Chicago