Sr Manager, Communications

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Date: Mar 11, 2026

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

 

The Global Communications function is responsible for telling the incredible stories of our business, brand and impact.   

This role is part of the Global External Affairs team that develops integrated communications and media engagement strategies that bring to life the Brand’s business strategy. This role reports to the Director of Global Corporate Communications and is responsible for leading external storytelling to advance McDonald’s growth priorities, with a heavy focus on media relations. 

The Business Communications Sr. Manager is part of the Global External Affairs team that develops integrated communications and media engagement strategies to deliver McDonald’s business strategy and strengthen the brand through advocacy and action with a focus on our global growth pillars. This role reports to the Director of Global Corporate Communications, and primary responsibilities would include leading media relations, stakeholder engagement and executive visibility to advance storytelling related to McDonald’s growth strategy. 

This role is based at McDonald’s Headquarters in the West Loop of Chicago.   

 

Duties

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

In addition to following McDonald’s policies and procedures, responsibilities include:

Strategy & Planning

  • Develop integrated external affairs and media strategies that advance McDonald’s global growth pillars.
  • Apply strong critical thinking and business/media landscape understanding to identify opportunities that elevate McDonald’s narrative.
  • Manage relationships with priority media, industry experts, suppliers, and partners.

Earned Storytelling

  • Use business acumen and insights to drive proactive earned-media moments that deliver breakthrough storytelling.
  • Own and evolve McDonald’s external narrative; continuously source insights, data, and trends to uncover newsworthy opportunities.
  • Build and execute earned-media strategies that generate impactful global coverage.
  • Establish and maintain strong relationships with top-tier media outlets.
  • Identify and develop executive visibility opportunities tied to major business moments (e.g., earnings, global launches, category announcements).
  • Lead integrated communications campaigns in partnership with cross-functional teams.
  • Develop high-quality communications materials, including media strategies, messaging, press releases, statements, Q&As, and creative assets.
  • Lead reactive media preparedness, including issues management and response strategy.
  • Prepare senior leaders and subject matter experts for high-stakes media engagements through briefings and coaching.

Cross-Functional Coordination

  • Partner with global and market-level communications teams to deliver cohesive, enterprise-wide storytelling moments.
  • Collaborate with SMEs across Marketing, Finance, Technology, Restaurant Experience, Menu, Supply Chain, and Legal to ensure message alignment.
  • Serve as a trusted external affairs advisor, ensuring a unified corporate viewpoint on priority initiatives.

Qualifications

 

Media Relations

  • Significant experience with top-tier global media outlets and a strong roster of contacts.
  • On-the-record spokesperson experience with local, national, and international media.
  • Deep knowledge of traditional and emerging media platforms.

Financial Communications

  • Strong business and financial acumen; ability to translate complex information into clear, compelling stories.
  • Demonstrated ability to connect communications strategies to business strategy.

Storytelling & Integrated Communications

  • Experience leading proactive, “always-on” earned storytelling programs.
  • Proven ability to lead integrated communications plans across channels.
  • Strong executive communications experience, including strategy, counsel, and hands-on execution.

Team Leadership & Ways of Working

  • Proven people leadership skills and passion for developing talent (this role manages 3 direct reports).
  • Strong ability to influence and collaborate across functions and senior levels.
  • Comfortable navigating fast-paced, dynamic environments with competing priorities.
  • Experience managing agencies and leading large-scale projects or events.

Overall

  • 12+ years of communications experience in agency and/or in-house roles with a strong track record in media relations and corporate communications.
  • Demonstrated success leading proactive communications programs that advance business strategy.
  • Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills.
  • A hands-on, proactive communicator who is comfortable leading large-scale efforts while executing the work.

Compensation

Bonus Eligible: Yes

Long - Term Incentive: Yes

Benefits Eligible: Yes

Salary Range

The expected salary range for this role is $141,955.00 - $177,444.00 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.

 

To all full-time staff positions:  The position offers health and welfare benefits, including but not limited to comprehensive health insurance, which includes medical, prescription drug, mental health, dental and vision coverage, as well as, life insurance.

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