Sr. Director, Corporate Communications

Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.Direct message the job poster from Panera BreadThe Sr Director, Corporate Communications will report to the Chief Corporate Affairs Officer. The leader is responsible for three key functions: earned media including public relations, corporate communications, crisis communication, social impact and executive thought leadership. The leader is accountable for:Corporate communications and reputational management, including internal council for company and franchise team members for crisis and managing all external crisis communications.Creation and management of the Panera Bread and Panera Bread executive team’s thought leadership plan including executive placement within multiple mediums including but not limited to public events to NGO meetings to podcasts.Redefining social impact and leadership with the foundation and other related matters.Candidates must be seasoned media relations professional, as well as creative marketers who go beyond the channel to develop impactful and breakthrough ideas and execution.Location: Newton, MADuties & ResponsibilitiesThe primary responsibilities of this job include, but are not limited to:Strategic PlanningDevelop proactive strategic communications to promote, protect and defend the organization.Provide communications counsel and plans to Panera’s business units (Panera at Home, Panera to You) as well as to senior leaders in the organizationCoordinate with various internal marketing functions and agency teams to develop impactful plans that support Panera initiativesCorporate Media RelationsOversee campaign execution, in conjunction with agencies, including managing/attending c-suite level press toursRespond to inbound media inquiries, staff interviews and provide counsel to senior executivesDraft company statements, messaging and press materialsCrisis and Issues ManagementServe as one of the lead members of Panera’s Crisis and Issues management team interfacing with Panera legal, QA, operations and customer carePlan for and prepare for potential crisesProvide strategic counsel to senior leadership and messaging support when issues ariseManage specialist agencies and retain counsel when necessaryQualifications (Education & Experience)Qualifications include:At least 8-10 years of experience in the public relations field with in-house and agency experienceHigh energy self-starter with an unapologetic bias for actionExcellent understanding of the news media, news cycles, media relations strategy and executionMust be able to work autonomously with people at all levels within the organizationAbility to quickly understand and vet potential brand risk and craft issues response strategyExperience managing agency resourcesAbility to multi-task, work successfully with teams, and work under pressureStrong verbal and written communication skillsMaster’s degree, preferably with a concentration in public relations, marketing or communicationsFood and wellness experiencePerformance-orientedFlexibility to respond to issues as they happen requiredWorking ConditionsRequired travel – occasional travel requiredPhysical RequirementsWhile performing this job, the incumbent is regularly required to stand, sit, talk hear & use hands and fingers to operate keyboardsDirect ReportsThis position will have approximately 2-3 direct reports.Seniority levelSeniority levelDirectorEmployment typeEmployment typeFull-timeJob functionJob functionPublic Relations and Strategy/PlanningIndustriesRestaurantsReferrals increase your chances of interviewing at Panera Bread by 2xGet notified about new Director Corporate Communications jobs in Newton, MA.(Senior) Director of Public Relations (Public Affairs)Vice President, Investor Relations and Corporate CommunicationsDirector, Medical Communications & PublicationsDirector, Customer Communications & MarketingDirector of Strategic Marketing and CommunicationsVice President, Investor Relations and Corporate CommunicationsDirector, Customer Communications & MarketingSenior Manager, Scientific CommunicationsSystem Director, Communications StrategyAsst. Director of Marketing, Communications & Digital EngagementBoston, MA $65,000.00-$75,000.00 1 month agoDirector, Medical Communications, OncologySenior Manager, Scientific CommunicationsDirector Digital & Performance MarketingGlobal Senior Director Patient and Community EngagementMarketing & Communications Data and Analytics DirectorDirector, Subscriber Retention & InsightsDirector, Regulatory - Advertising & PromotionalWe’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI. #J-18808-Ljbffr

Created: 2025-09-18