Sr External Communications & Public Relations Manager

 

At CJ Schwan’s, we don’t just make food — we help create moments that matter. From kids devouring pizza after soccer practice, to students laughing over dumplings in a cafeteria, to families enjoying pie during the holidays, our team members play an important role in bringing those everyday moments to life. Our portfolio includes iconic pizzas, global flavors, and timeless desserts from brands like Red Baron®, bibigo®, Tony’s®, Big Daddy’s®, Freschetta®, Pagoda®, Edwards® and Mrs. Smith’s®. Enjoyed in homes, schools, restaurants and just about everywhere people shop and eat, our products reflect a commitment to quality, innovation, and the power of food to bring people together. 

 

We are seeking to hire a Sr External Communications & Public Relations Manager to work at our office in Hopkins, MN. In this role, you will lead the development and execution of enterprise-wide external communications and public relations strategies that strengthen CJ Schwan's corporate reputation, elevate brand visibility and support key business priorities. You will partner with senior leadership, media, and cross-functional stakeholders to drive strategic communications, crisis response, executive visibility and digital engagement while leading a high-performing external communications function.

 

What You Will Do:

 

Corporate Reputation & External Communications

• Develop and execute external communications strategies that strengthen CJ Schwan’s corporate reputation and support key business priorities.
• Serve as a trusted communications adviser to senior business leaders on communications strategy, public positioning and stakeholder engagement.
• Support executive communications efforts by developing messaging, talking points, briefing materials and external communication plans for company leaders.
• Partner with leadership to identify and execute executive visibility and thought leadership opportunities that strengthen company reputation and support strategy business objectives.
• Identify opportunities to elevate the company’s profile through strategic storytelling, thought leadership and external engagement.
• Ensure external communications activities align with company objectives, corporate messaging and brand positioning.

Media Relations & Earned Media

• Serve as the primary media contact for national, trade, business and local media outlets.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with journalists, editors, producers, industry analysts and other key influencers.
• Proactively identify, develop and pitch stories that advance strategic business priorities and strengthen company and brand visibility.
• Manage incoming media inquiries with speed, accuracy and strategic messaging.
• Oversee the development of press releases, media kits, fact sheets, Q&A documents and other media materials.
• Prepare executives and company spokespeople for media interviews, speaking engagements and public appearances.

Crisis & Issues Management

• Serve as a core member of the company’s crisis management team and provide communications leadership during issues, incidents and crisis situations.
• Develop, maintain and continuously improve crisis communication plans, protocols, response frameworks and playbooks.
• Monitor emerging risks, public sentiment and industry developments that may impact company reputation. Build relationships with industry trade association and serve on their communication committees, where applicable.
• Provide strategic counsel and rapid-response communications support during reputational, operational, product or business issues.
• Coordinate closely with cross-functional stakeholders across the organization to ensure aligned communications and response efforts.

Corporate & Brand PR

• Develop and execute public relations strategies that support both corporate reputation and brand growth objectives.
• Partner with business leaders to identify and promote stories related to innovation, growth, culture, community impact and business performance.
• Collaborate with Marketing teams to amplify brand campaigns through earned media, influencer engagement and strategic storytelling.