R&D Communications Manager

R&D Communications Manager

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (Communications or relevant degree preferred)
• 10+ years of experience in communications, marketing, and/or PR.
• Experience working with and managing agencies.
• Experience working in science, innovation, food and beverage, or related fields.
• Ability to think and act independently, using sound judgment, in an often ambiguous and dynamic environment.
• Strong decision-making and resourceful, problem-solving skills.
• Executive presence and comfort around senior executives.
• Culturally and politically astute. Great judgment, empathy, perception and ability to ascertain a situation quickly and effectively.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills, particularly under tight deadlines and through the lens of general public, employees, stakeholders and KOLs.
• An awareness of the challenges facing global food and beverage companies through the lens of R&D and how that extends to other functions on the team (Sustainability, PPGA, Social Impact & Foundation).

Responsibilities

• Serve as a Communications Business Partner to the R&D Function.
• Support the development of the R&D communications strategy, working with key stakeholders to ensure the plan supports and enables the achievement of business priorities. Coordinate across Comms function partners, R&D Chief of Staff, and communications agency on execution of plan.
• Provide executive communication support for Chief Science Officer (CSO) and Senior Leadership Team (SLT); prepare briefing documents; vet external speaking opportunities; provide/cascade existing talking points that support enterprise priorities.
• Story mine across R&D, develop media materials, and provide guidance to spokespeople.
• Develop and execute LinkedIn strategy for R&D CSO in partnership with Director of Portfolio Transformation Communications.
• Lead review on Global R&D Scientific Publication, Presentation and Sponsorship review systems and Open Innovation portal.
• Coordinate with Media Relations and Issues Centers of Excellence on proactive and reactive media engagements as necessary.
• Review and counsel on partner announcements and external communications.
• Support communications related to sustainability/ESG agenda, specifically for the Positive Choices strategy.

Preferred Qualifications

No preferred qualifications provided.