Manager, External Communications & Content Creation

Job Description:

Title: Manager, External Communications & Content Creation 

Location: Chicago, IL

Workstyle: Onsite

Mars Snacking does not sponsor visas for this role. This position is not eligible for relocation benefits

Mars Snacking is seeking a strategic, creative, and highly collaborative communications professional to serve as Manager, External Communications & Content Creation as part of the Mars Snacking Global Corporate Affairs team. This role will help protect and enhance the reputation of Mars by developing compelling content, driving proactive storytelling, and supporting external communications strategies across key business priorities. 

The Manager will be responsible for creating and amplifying earned, owned, and shared content that advances Mars’ corporate reputation, showcases business and brand initiatives, and supports thought leadership across a variety of channels. The role will partner closely with senior leaders and cross-functional teams including Corporate Affairs, Marketing, R&D, P&O, social impact and regional communications teams to translate business priorities into engaging and impactful narratives. 

This position requires a strong storyteller, exceptional writer, content creator, and media-savvy communicator who can operate effectively in a fast-paced environment while balancing proactive communications with issues and reputation management support. 

What will be your key responsibilities?

External Communications Strategy & Execution 

• Support the development and execution of external communications strategies aligned with Mars Snacking business objectives and Corporate Affairs priorities 

• Manage the press office process for media inquiries including after-hours monitoring 

• Identify opportunities to elevate Mars Snacking's reputation through proactive storytelling, executive visibility, and industry engagement 

• Collaborate across global, regional, and market teams to ensure consistency of messaging and alignment with Mars Snacking messaging and policies, as well as broader Mars communications strategies  

• Leverage knowledge of social media trends and identify white space opportunities for Mars and brands to engage 

• Serve as the global system owner and strategic lead for our media measurement and monitoring platform; champion standardized KPI frameworks for the direct team while partnering with regional markets to drive tool adoption, share best practices, and maximize global utilization. 

Content Creation & Storytelling 

• Serve as a lead content creator for Mars Snacking's external communications channels. 

• Write, edit, design and manage a variety of content including:  

• Press releases, thought leadership articles, media statements 

• Social media content including videos and images 

• Website content 

• Internal-to-external storytelling assets 

• Fact sheets and FAQs 

• Presentation materials 

• Translate complex business, scientific and policy topics into compelling and accessible narratives 

• Ensure all content reflects Mars' Five Principles, purpose, and reputation priorities while maintaining a consistent voice and brand alignment 

• Support content creation requests for broader Corp Affairs team, as time allows 

Executive Communications & Thought Leadership 

• Support external visibility opportunities for Mars Snacking leaders 

• Develop executive messaging, media interview and panel briefing materials, and leadership communication assets 

• Identify opportunities to position leaders as credible voices on topics such as the future of snacking, innovation, responsible marketing, workforce initiatives, and industry leadership 

Digital & Social Media Communications 

• Create, manage and optimize external content for digital and social platforms 

• Monitor content performance and audience engagement, leveraging insights to improve effectiveness and reach 

• Stay current on emerging platforms, content trends, and best practices; report out to team and broader Corp Affairs audiences with relevant updates 

Reputation & Issues Support 

• Monitor emerging topics, industry trends, and reputational risks that may impact Mars Snacking 

• Support communications planning, social listening and media reporting during issues and crisis situations 

• Develop holding statements, Q&A documents, stakeholder messaging, and response materials as needed 

• Contribute to internal issues management and preparedness processes 

Agency & Stakeholder Management 

• Partner with external agencies, content creators, and creative partners 

• Coordinate content development projects from concept through execution 

• Build strong partnerships with internal stakeholders to source stories and identify opportunities for external visibility 

What are we looking for?

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, English, or related field required 

• 5-8+ years of experience in external communications, public relations, corporate communications, journalism, content strategy, or related disciplines 

• Experience developing multimedia content for both corporate and consumer-facing audiences 

• Experience with a matrixed, global organization preferred 

• Food, consumer packaged goods (CPG), public affairs, or consumer brand experience strongly preferred 

• Experience supporting executive communications and reputation management initiatives preferred 

Strategic Communications 

• Strong understanding of corporate reputation management and stakeholder communications 

• Ability to connect business priorities with compelling communications strategies 

• Demonstrated ability to identify newsworthy stories and translate them into impactful content 

Content Excellence 

• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling capabilities 

• Experience developing multimedia and digital-first content 

• Ability to adapt tone and messaging for diverse audiences and channels 

• Strong editorial judgment and attention to detail 

• Strong understanding of media 

Collaboration & Influence 

• Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills 

• Ability to influence without authority and work effectively in a highly matrixed environment 

• Comfortable interacting with senior leaders and cross-functional teams 

Agility & Execution 

• Strong project management and organizational skills 

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously 

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with evolving priorities 

• Sound judgment and discretion when handling sensitive topics 

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with over 130,000 diverse and talented Associates, all guided by The Five Principles.
• Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
• Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
• An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.

#RW-Onsite

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The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is between the range listed below, however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position will include variable pay, medical and dental benefits, participation in 401k plan, and paid time off benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an applicant receives an offer of employment.