Sr Manager, Communications

Department Overview

We are enhancing the Global Communications function that is part of the Global Impact Team to advance how we tell the incredible stories of our business, brand and impact.

The Impact 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 People and Planet. 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 McDonald’s People & Planet priorities such as regenerative agriculture, renewable energy, community, inclusion and workforce.

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

Strategy & Planning

• Applies critical thinking & understanding of internal / external landscape to develop integrated external affairs and media engagement plans that advance and promote McDonald’s Impact agenda.
• Manages third-party relationships with priority experts, industry, suppliers and partners as related to projects/initiatives.

Proactive Storytelling & Narrative Management

• Uses business acumen, insights and knowledge of the business landscape and reporter interests to plan proactive earned media moments that deliver breakthrough stories for targeted audiences.
• Aligns with appropriate SMEs to identify, vet, and plan top-tier executive visibility and thought leadership opportunities on Impact-focused moments such as international climate meetings/convenings, ESG milestones, Purpose & Impact Reporting, etc.
• Collaborates with Impact peers and cross-functional business partners to manage integrated communications campaigns in support of key business milestones.
• Accountable for developing and maintaining McDonald’s corporate narrative related to People & Planet, constantly mining for potential news angles and data to support opportunistic storytelling.
• Manages development of communications assets & materials, including but not limited to media strategies, key messages, press releases, statements, question and answer documents and creative assets.
• Readies reactive media relations materials and engagement for Impact initiatives, develops risk and leak mitigation strategies to protect the business and/or influence the landscape for optimal storytelling.
• Triages and manages media issues and crisis in the areas of role focus.
• Establishes new and maintains existing media relationships on behalf of McDonald’s.

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Partners with global and regional/market Impact and communications partners to serve and advance global Impact initiatives.
• Connects with cross-functional subject matter experts in Global People, Sustainability, Menu, Supply Chain and Legal to understand, develop and deploy key elements/messaging of the Impact narrative.
• Serves as an external affairs subject matter expert for stakeholders across the company to deliver a cohesive corporate perspective across key initiatives/critical issues related to the role.

• Desire a candidate with 12+ years of experience in agency and in-house roles.
• Experience working on programs related to sustainability and social impact with a demonstrated ability to understand business strategy and how to use communications as a mechanism to drive that strategy.
• Knowledge of traditional and emerging media platforms and history of working directly with top tier media outlets and strong roster of personal media contacts.
• Natural storyteller with excellent speaking, writing and editing skills.
• Demonstrated ability in leading integrated communications plans via myriad channels.
• Crisis and issues management experience.
• Excels in people management with a passion for growing the skills and career of direct reports (2 direct reports in this role).
• The ability to influence with and without authority and motivate others toward common objectives.
• Proven ability to support and counsel senior-level executives.
• The ability to thrive in fast-paced environments, while being flexible, collaborative and…