Director Communications

Job Location: Hershey, PA

Note: Hershey, PA strongly preferred; candidates within commuting distance able to be onsite 1–2 days per week and as needed will also be considered.

Summary:

A critical communications leadership role shaping how The Hershey Company communicates—externally and internally. Leads executive visibility planning, employee communications strategy, and enterprise culture activation, partnering directly with C-suite leaders including strategic partnership with the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) to align communications with business cycles and drive organizational priorities. This position architects the external-first narrative to apply across external and internal audiences. Works across external and internal communications with pooled resourcing support across a collaborative team. The director will coach direct reports, build team editorial capabilities, and elevate the strategic value of the communications function.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

Executive Strategic Communications: Architect comprehensive executive visibility across platforms, audiences, and moments; establish external positioning first, then translate for internal audiences; lead editorial standards and quality control across all channels.

Employee Communications Strategy: Lead strategic partnership with CHRO on employee communications aligned with business cycles, planning periods, and strategic milestones; ensure business strategy and culture priorities land effectively with employees.

Enterprise Events & Internal Channels: Design and lead enterprise events (Leader Forums, Enterprise Meetings) and digital platforms as activation mechanisms for external narrative; develop content architecture across all channels.

Editorial Leadership: Own brand voice, message consistency, quality control, and editorial guidelines across external and internal communications; develop team editorial skills and capabilities.

Team Development & Enterprise Leadership: Coach direct reports, build team editorial capabilities, and elevate the strategic value of the communications function as a business enabler.

Core Competencies:

• Exceptional C-suite partnership and strategic counsel; proven ability to influence senior leadership and position communications as business enabler-
• Executive visibility architecture across platforms and audiences; external-first mindset with internal activation capability
• Editorial leadership: brand voice, message consistency, quality control, and team capability building
• Enterprise event design for large-scale meetings; culture activation through communications
• Systems thinking for communications infrastructure; building frameworks and standards that scale
• Outstanding verbal, written, and presentation skills; ability to translate complex business strategy into compelling narrative
• People leadership with focus on capability building, strategic delegation, and coaching for growth
• Strong business acumen; demonstrated ability to drive measurable business outcomes through communications

Education:

Bachelor's Degree required in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, or related field. Master's degree preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum 10-12 years of progressive communications experience with demonstrated strategic leadership
• Proven experience partnering with C-suite executives
• Experience leading enterprise communications strategy and large-scale employee communications
• Demonstrated people leadership experience with focus on team development and capability building

The Hershey Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The policy of The Hershey Company is to extend opportunities to qualified applicants and employees on an equal basis regardless of an individual's race, color, gender, age, national origin, religion, citizenship status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other categories protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

The Hershey Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Minority/Female/Disabled/Protected Veterans.

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You can request an accommodation via phone or email.

To request an accommodation via phone, please call +1 877-804-1794 and leave a voicemail with your contact information. You may also email a request for accommodation to [email protected]. Please be sure to include “Accommodation Needed” in the subject line. This will ensure that your email is routed to the appropriate contact who will handle your request.