Senior Director, Strategic Communications

Focus, Scope & Impact

This role leads comprehensive strategies for both external and internal communications across the North America Operating Unit (NAOU) advancing The Coca-Cola Company's reputation as an industry leader and trusted corporate citizen.

• Corporate External Communications: Driving thought leadership and storytelling that reinforces The Coca-Cola Company’s role as an industry leader and trusted corporate citizen. Developing and executing integrated communication plans that advance awareness of the company’s business priorities, leadership position, innovation, sustainability and community impact.
• Colleague & System Engagement: Building a culture of informed advocacy by fostering ongoing communication with employees, senior leaders, and bottling partners, equipping them to become brand ambassadors for the company’s mission and values.
• Issues & Crisis Communications: Leading rapid-response strategies and messaging for emerging issues and crises, ensuring alignment across North America, bottling partners, and PACS teams.

• Lead North America external communications efforts to proactively increase awareness and understanding of The Coca-Cola Company’s agenda with key audiences across the U.S. and Canada.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with media, third-party organizations, and industry partners to amplify Coca-Cola’s voice on critical issues.
• Oversee external messaging on business and industry issues.
• Coordinate digital and social media strategies to engage stakeholders on key topics.
• Serve as the primary lead for issues and crisis communications, providing strategic counsel and messaging guidance to senior leaders and cross-functional teams.
• Act as a senior spokesperson and prepare executives for media engagements through coaching and content development.
• Identify and manage thought‑leadership opportunities for senior leaders, ensuring alignment with corporate priorities.
• Build a two‑way communication flow that ensures employees, bottlers, and cross‑functional teams can engage and stay informed on the company’s latest progress, challenges, and aspirations.
• Partner with Global External and Internal Communications and NAOU Consumer Communications to maintain consistency of messaging across all channels.
• Measure and report on the reach and impact of communications initiatives.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of eight – as well as the broader PACS function - fostering collaboration and building a strong talent pipeline.

• 15 years of experience in communications, media relations, issues/crisis management and employee engagement.
• Strong experience in both agency and corporate environments.
• Proven track record of leading high-performing teams and managing complex, high-stakes communications challenges.
• Strong ability to influence and negotiate with diverse stakeholders, including external parties with differing interests.
• Expertise in digital and social media strategies for corporate reputation management.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize, collaborate, and innovate within a fast-paced, matrixed leadership structure.

Leading a holistic, integrated approach to strategic communications that drives reputation, alignment, and shared advocacy across Coca-Cola’s North American Operating Unit, bottling system, and external audiences.

• Internal and external communications for U.S. and Canada.
• High-level engagement with media, industry stakeholders, colleagues, and influencers.
• Frequent interaction with external parties on sensitive and high‑profile issues.

• Iconic & Innovative Brands:
  Our portfolio represents over 250 products with some of the most popular brands in the world, including Coca-Cola, Simply, Fairlife & Topo Chico.
• Expansive & Diverse Customers:
  We work with a diversified group of customers which range from retail & grocery outlets, theme parks, movie theatres, restaurants, and many more each day.

Influencing

All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form (Form I‑9) upon hire.

Pay Range: $203,000 - $235,000

Base pay may vary depending on geography, job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience. A full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position, is offered.

Annual Incentive Reference Value Percentage: 50%.

Annual Incentive reference value is a market-based competitive value for your role. It falls in the middle of the range for your role, indicating performance at target.