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.
• Develop communications strategies supporting product launches, seasonal campaigns, innovation initiatives and consumer engagement efforts.
• Identify and secure media opportunities that increase awareness of company and brand priorities among key audiences.
• Ensure messaging consistently reflects both corporate positioning and brand voice.

Digital Communications & Content Strategy

• Lead the strategy, governance and content planning for the CJ Schwan’s corporate website.
• Oversee external corporate social media strategy, content development and channel management to strengthen company visibility and engagement.
• Partner with internal and external stakeholders to ensure website and social content supports business priorities and communications objectives.
• Collaborate with digital and marketing teams to extend public relations and storytelling efforts across owned channels.
• Monitor channel performance and identify opportunities to improve reach, engagement and effectiveness.

Team Leadership, Agency Management & Measurement

• Lead and develop external communications team members while fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement.
• Manage relationships with public relations agencies and external partners to ensure high-quality execution and alignment with business objectives.
• Develop and manage project plans, budgets and communication calendars supporting external communications initiatives.
• Establish key performance indicators and reporting processes to measure the effectiveness of public relations and external communications efforts.
• Analyze media coverage, sentiment, share of voice, engagement and other performance metrics to evaluate impact and inform future strategies.
• Partner closely with Internal Communications, Marketing, Legal, Regulatory, Human Resources, Government Affairs, Supply Chain and business leaders to deliver integrated communications strategies.
• Responsible to conduct yourself and ensure your subordinates (if applicable) conduct themselves in a manner consistent with company mission, values, code of ethics, policies and other standards of conduct.
• Other duties as assigned.

What We Look For:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing or related field preferred.
• Years of Related Experience: Typically has 8-12 years of progressive experience in public relations, corporate communications, media relations, external communications or related disciplines, including experience leading communications strategies, managing agencies and advising senior leaders.
• Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: Strategic communicator with demonstrated experience developing and executing integrated communications and public relations strategies; strong media relations and storytelling capabilities; experience supporting executive communications and crisis communications; exceptional written, verbal and presentation skills; strong business acumen and ability to influence stakeholders across all levels of the organization; experience managing agencies, budgets and external partners; strong understanding of digital communications, social media and website content strategy; ability to balance strategic planning with hands-on execution; proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, media monitoring tools and communications analytics platforms.

What We Offer:

The base salary range for this position is $120,000 - $150,000 annually with eligibility for a 20% annual incentive bonus, which is based on organizational performance. The range reflects factors such as experience, skills, education, certifications, and location, and starting salary may fall anywhere within the stated range.

Beyond base salary, we offer a competitive Total Rewards package designed to support your overall well-being, including comprehensive health benefits, time off programs, and retirement and financial offerings.

CJ Schwan’s and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, disability, veteran status, national origin, or any other protected characteristic. We provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs. For accommodation requests or assistance with the application, please email [email protected].