External Communications and Mission Manager; Chicago

Country: United States

City: Chicago

Job Family: Communication/CSR/Public affairs

Contract Type: Unlimited-term

Job : 53121

Title: External Communications and Mission Manager (Chicago)

As the Manager of External Communications and Mission, you will bring voice and action to Bel's Purpose
* Full Snacking mission and bring our global purpose of "for all, for good" to life. In this high-impact, high-action role, you will be shaping the narrative of Bel as a trusted leader in nutrition, sustainability, innovation, and social impact. This involves working closely with the Chief Sustainability and Communications Officer to grow and activate a dynamic network of influential partners—institutional, industry, media, and government stakeholders—to amplify our mission, while creating compelling, purpose-driven content that energizes our audiences and elevates Bel’s reputation.

• Communication Planning
  • Develops and implements plans to raise awareness, build reputation and drive impact.
  • Monitors trends and public sentiment, adapting communication plans as needed.
  • Connects corporate and brand PR activations collaborating with the Marketing teams.
  • Coordinates cross-functional teams to ensure the delivery of successful initiatives.
• Government Affairs and Advocacy
  • Provide support for government affairs planning and advocacy efforts, ensuring clarity and consistency addressing public policy and stakeholder engagement.
• Public Affairs and Events Management
  • Develops content and drives the execution of public relations activities and events that drive visibility for Bel’s U.S. Mission-led strategy
  • Organizes, manages and promotes flagship events, e.g. Climate Week NYC, SXSW
  • Secures speaking opportunities at conferences, panels, or industry events.
  • Manages sponsor ships and partnership programs to drive visibility and/or social impact.
  • Positions Bel executives and employees as experts in Purpose
    * Full Snacking.
  • Tracks and delivers on aligned KPIs.
• Media Relations
  • Builds and manages direct relationships with journalists and media outlets.
  • Drafts and distributes press releases (e.g. events, product launches, partnerships)
  • Develops materials for media briefings and interviews.
  • Handles press logistics, media coverage, and budgets for external-facing events, ensuring flawless execution and meaningful outcomes.
  • Monitors media coverage and adapts communication plans accordingly.
• Content Creation and Storytelling
  • Writes content for Bel U.S. (e.g. linked-in articles, posts, press releases, media briefings).
  • Develops engaging visual presentations and communication materials.
  • Works closely with designer(s) to deliver compelling communications.
• Additional Content Tasks
  • Drafts and coordinates responses to media followers and media inquiries.
  • Creates content for government affairs events and communications.
  • Works collaboratively across the Impact, Trust & Ethics team, and global Bel partners, to ensure content relevancy and accuracy.
• Crisis Management
  • Partners with the CSCO and global teams to organize crisis responses and training, ensuring readiness for unanticipated challenges.
  • Actively informs, supports, and participates in crisis communications collaborating with agencies, internal teams, and external partners to ensure consistent messaging.
  • Proactively monitors and reports on emerging risks, such as social media reactions, hot industry topics, or consumer concerns, and recommends mitigation responses.

• Exceptional project/campaign management and execution skills; able to simplify and prioritize
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, translating complex topics into clear messages
• Strong stakeholder management and networking; knows how to navigate, engage and influence
• Experience and passion working on Sustainability, Nutrition and/or Food Systems initiatives
• A growth mindset, entrepreneurial spirit, and the ability to think creatively and act with agility
• Experience with multiple traditional and non-traditional communication channels
• Proficient in developing engaging visual presentations and communication materials, including crafting compelling decks that…