Director, External Communications – Media Relations

US Foods

. Partner with the CEO, executive and senior leadership, and cross-functional teams to align external communication strategies with enterprise goals and business priorities .

Posted 11/5/2026full-timeRosemont • Illinois • United StatesLead💰 $125,000 - $195,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in corporate communications and media relations, with a strong focus on crisis communication, stakeholder engagement, and strategic messaging. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage reputational risks in complex environments.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Crisis CommunicationMedia Relations StrategyStakeholder EngagementPublic Relations Agency ManagementExecutive Communication

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Corporate CommunicationsMedia RelationsCrisis ManagementStorytelling StrategiesReputation TrackingIntegrated Communication PlansIssues ManagementMedia MonitoringCommunication Strategy DevelopmentBudget Management

Soft Skills

Excellent Written CommunicationExcellent Oral CommunicationAgilityAccountabilityRelationship Building

Industry Keywords

Public AffairsRegulated IndustriesLogisticsConsumer-Facing IndustriesHigh-Visibility Corporate NarrativesIssues-Heavy EnvironmentsSupply ChainLabor RelationsOperationsSafety

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Partner with the CEO, executive and senior leadership, and cross-functional teams to align external communication strategies with enterprise goals and business priorities
Develop integrated communication plans supporting business goals, operational initiatives, and brand positioning
Ensure alignment between corporate messaging, media engagement, and community outreach
Lead and execute enterprise media relations strategy to proactively shape external narratives
Execute media interviews with executives and senior leaders across print, online, and broadcast outlets
Execute media relations events focused on financial and strategy announcements and strategic company investments
Develop proactive storytelling strategies to elevate brand visibility and reinforce corporate priorities
Serve as a primary spokesperson and media advisor for the organization
Build and maintain relationships with key media targets
Oversee media monitoring, messaging consistency, and reputation tracking across channels
Lead and direct the external public relations agency and related budget
Lead issues-management external communication strategies, including identification, assessment, and mitigation of reputational risks
Develop and execute crisis communication plans with senior leadership and legal teams
Provide rapid-response communications support during emerging issues and high-impact events
Ensure consistent, clear, and timely communication across internal and external stakeholders during crisis situations
Support externally facing community affairs strategies to drive media awareness
Foster accountability, agility, and proactive communication
Build capabilities in storytelling, stakeholder engagement, crisis response, and strategic communications
Lead and participate in senior-level cross-functional teams
Supervise 1–3 direct reports
Perform other duties assigned by the manager

Requirements

What you’ll need

8 years of progressive experience in corporate communications, media relations or public affairs
Proven experience leading media relations and crisis communications at a regional or enterprise level
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Strong track record of managing complex issues and reputational risk in a large, matrixed organization
Expertise in managing external public relations or communications agencies
Experience counseling and engaging with executive leadership and serving as a trusted communications advisor
Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Business or related field, or equivalent related work experience
Preferred: Experience in regulated, industrial, logistics, food, or consumer-facing industries
Preferred: Experience managing national media relationships and high-visibility corporate narratives
Preferred: Background in issues-heavy environments (e.g., supply chain, labor relations, operations, safety, or regulatory contexts)

Benefits

Comp & perks

Annual incentive plan bonus
Long-term-incentive plan
Health insurance
Pre-tax spending accounts
Retirement benefits
Paid time off
Short-term disability
Long-term disability
Employee stock purchase plan
Life insurance