The Senior Manager, Brand Communications will oversee earned communications strategy and execution for leading brands in some of Danone North America's most exciting business units, including Yogurt, across brands such as Oikos, Activia, Too Good & Co., Light + Fit, Dannon, and more. This role involves identifying key cultural trends, developing sustainable and purpose-driven brand communications strategies, building integrated programming and leveraging digitally driven ideas. The Senior Manager will contribute to building cultural relevance, positive reputation, conversation and media attention for our brands, aligning with the company story. The candidate will partner with internal stakeholders across brand management, marketing, social & digital, media, legal, and more to build data-driven, creative PR & social programming that excites and engages key external stakeholders, including media, consumers, customers, and CPG food industry leaders. This role supports integrated campaigns and brand activities, developing 360 (screen-to-shelf) programming. The ideal candidate excels in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, multitasking with minimal supervision, and understands the role of strategic communication in driving positive business results.

This hybrid position offers an excellent opportunity to touch many aspects of communications and build broad expertise. Based in White Plains, NY, this person will work closely with and report to the Senior Director, Brand Communications.

RESPONSIBILITES:

• Develops and executes comprehensive communication plans – taking a leadership role in driving brand communications with strategic and critical thinking, while understanding the importance of gaining alignment and incorporating feedback on the plans from key leaders and internal clients throughout the process.
• Leads day-to-day management of brand agency partners and is an active part of the integrated-agency team (IAT).
• Ad hoc communications support for the Danone business and senior leadership, as needed
• Oversees the ongoing progress and success of programs and has the ability to spot optimization opportunities.
• Advises and assists executive leadership, business unit leaders, brand team representatives and other function leaders in developing communications strategies to drive the organization’s keys priorities and objectives.
• Provides strategic counsel through planning and execution, to internal and external parties as a business partner, with a keen understanding of the audiences to whom the company and its brands needs to communicate.
• Thrives on understanding the evolving media landscape and has both the written skills and experience to spot the right angle for a story/pitch that will make a difference in this competitive landscape. Candidate is hungry to build close contacts on behalf of Danone (and already has a network of media friendlies).
• Candidate is comfortable media training others to prepare them for opportunities, and serving as the “voice” of Danone when called upon
• Has experience with crisis and issues communication plans and tactics. Proactively manages and mitigates issues to the extent possible, keeping a close eye on how an issue unfolds within social media, the food industry and among our key demographics. Has experience working with legal and other parties to evaluate, assess and consider action regarding issues/crisis communications.
• Has a proven track record with content creation (in many forms). Understands the power communications assets (i.e. pitch, press release, data points, brand anthem, etc.) and how to bring an editorial view balanced with paid media best practices.
• Will carry a point-of-view on how brand storytelling should manifest in earned media, but is also reflected in digital platforms, executive presentations/speeches, talking points and memos.
• Understands the evolving role of Communications in the larger landscape of marketing, and brings forward proactive thinking to everyday work
• Comfortable managing brand activations across scales – from digital-focused to IRL experiences

The base compensation range for this position is $120-150k commensurate with experience. Danone North America additionally offers a performance-based bonus and has a strong benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription Drug Coverage, 401k Plan, Wellness Program, Life Insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, Flexible Time Off, and Paid Parental Bonding Leave, among other benefit plan options. To give our employees flexibility, Danone is a hybrid work environment.