Director, External Communication – Media Relations

US Foods

Director of External Communications at US Foods leading media relations and crisis communications. Collaborating with senior leadership to shape external narratives and protect brand reputation.

Posted 7/30/2026full-timeRosemont • Illinois • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $125,000 - $195,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in corporate communications and media relations, with a strong focus on crisis communication and reputation management. Proven ability to develop and execute strategic communication plans that align with business goals and enhance brand visibility.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Corporate CommunicationsMedia RelationsCrisis CommunicationReputation ManagementStakeholder Engagement

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Strategic Communication PlanningMedia MonitoringStorytelling StrategiesIssues ManagementCrisis Communication Planning

Soft Skills

Excellent Written CommunicationExcellent Oral CommunicationRelationship BuildingAdvisory Skills

Industry Keywords

Public RelationsMedia EngagementCommunity OutreachReputational Risk ManagementExecutive Communication

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Promote, shape and protect the organization’s reputation through strategic external communications.
Develop integrated communication plans that support business goals and brand positioning.
Ensure alignment between corporate messaging, media engagement, and community outreach.
Lead the development and execution of enterprise media relations strategy.
Execute media interviews with executives and senior leaders.
Develop proactive storytelling strategies that elevate brand visibility.
Serve as a primary spokesperson and media advisor for the organization.
Build and maintain strong relationships with key media targets.
Oversee media monitoring, messaging consistency, and reputation tracking.
Lead issues management external communication strategies.
Develop and execute crisis communication plans in collaboration with senior leadership and legal teams.
Support externally facing community affairs strategies for driving media awareness.

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.

Benefits

Comp & perks

health insurance
pre-tax spending accounts
retirement benefits
paid time off
short-term and long-term disability
employee stock purchase plan
life insurance