Sustainability Communications Director

Job Description

Overview

The Director, Global pep+ Communications is an expert in sustainability communications with deep experience work on agriculture, climate, packaging and water communications or in other roles. They will play a key role on a high-visibility cross-functional team, responsible supporting the design of PepsiCo’s Sustainability Communications strategy and leading the execution of external and internal communications, as well as partnering with the R&D, PPGA (Public Policy, Government Affairs), and Social Impact & Foundation Communications teams.

Responsibilities

Reporting to the Senior Director, Global pep+ Communications, the Director, Global pep+ Communications will:

  • Help set and support an external Communications (earned and owned) strategy that advances our sustainability agenda, including leading press engagement on agriculture, climate, packaging and water with influential, global-reaching and North American media, both reactively and proactively.
  • Inform and support an innovative, global internal Communications strategy in partnership with the Global Internal Communications team to drive awareness and understanding of our pep+ sustainability agenda with all PepsiCo associates, from frontline to executive.
  • Proactive story-mining with global, local, and third-party partners to identify, develop and publicize examples of PepsiCo’s action and progress towards our pep+ goals in external channels.
  • Support the development and execution of an executive visibility strategy that positions our Chief Sustainability Officer, and other key executives as thought leaders, including overseeing social media strategies.
  • Co-develop content that will drive engagement, bolster PepsiCo’s reputation, and establish PEP executives as thought leaders in relevant Sustainability and business, including but not limited to bylines, podcasts, videos, speaking platforms, event sponsorships and activations, etc.
  • Support the development and timely delivery of pep+ messaging and communication tools to global and North American Corporate Affairs colleagues and other internal stakeholders to drive consistency across all channels and geographies.
  • Be a critical advisor on external strategies, media responses and materials related to sustainability from market and brand teams to ensure alignment to global narrative and mitigate risks.
  • Support communications related to sustainability/ESG reporting, including the development and design of annual reports, online databases, etc.
  • Manage one highly motivated sustainability communications professional and effectively supervise agency/partner relationships.

Compensation & Benefits:

  • The expected compensation range for this position is between $125,900 - $249,900.
  • Location, confirmed job-related skills, experience, and education will be considered in setting actual starting salary. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range during the hiring process.
  • Bonus based on performance and eligibility target payout is 25% of annual salary paid out annually and an additional target payout of 10% of annual salary is paid out over 3 years following the end of the performance period.
  • Long term incentive equity may be awarded based on eligibility and performance.
  • Paid time off subject to eligibility, including paid parental leave, vacation, sick, and bereavement.
  • In addition to salary, PepsiCo offers a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees and their families, subject to elections and eligibility: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Health, and Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Insurance (Accident, Group Legal, Life), Defined Contribution Retirement Plan.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Previous sustainability PR/communications experience a must; experience working in or supporting Sustainability, CSR, ESG, and/or in a related field or organization required.
  • 10+ years in a dynamic news-making environment with proven experience in generating positive media coverage; experience with crisis management, always with a sustainability lens.
  • Savvy media engagement skills, including direct interaction with sustainability reporters at top tier media and trade publications, consumer, and top tier business media.
  • Knowledge of the sustainability industry and the sustainability media landscape, including knowledge of emerging trends.
  • Hands-on experience working closely with sustainability professionals and developing external sustainability communications strategic plans and materials, including but not limited to press releases, media lists, pitches, and messaging.
  • Hands-on experience developing holistic internal sustainability communications strategic plans and materials, particularly across a broad employee base.
  • Knowledge and experience in dealing with critical sustainability issues including climate, sustainable packaging, water and agriculture, as well as participation in New York Climate Week or UNFCCC COPs.
  • Excellent written and verbal communications skills, particularly under tight deadlines and through the lens of general public, employees, stakeholders and KOLs.
  • Deep understanding of the media landscape and interconnectivity between paid, earned, social and owned approaches, and how it relates to sustainability communications.
  • An awareness of the challenges facing global food and beverage companies through the lens of sustainability and how that extends to other functions on the team (R&D, PPGA, Social Impact & Foundation).

What it takes to thrive in this role:

  • Deep knowledge of sustainability, strategic thinking and strong stakeholder relationship skills.
  • Ability to stay on top of evolving trends and media in the ESG/Sustainability space.
  • Self-starter mentality. Storyteller. Inquisitive by nature. Global mindset. Collaborative. Resourceful. Multi-tasker.
  • Comfort engaging with top-tier sustainability media and shaping, course-correcting, and landing favorable media coverage.
  • Exceptional time management and organizational skills.
  • Ability to learn, assess and articulate complex sustainability topics and information in a compelling and concise way.
  • Grace under pressure, executive presence and ability to manage key stakeholder relationships, and comfort around senior executives.
EEO Statement

Our Company will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and all other applicable laws, including but not limited to, San Francisco Police Code Sections 4901-4919, commonly referred to as the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance; and Chapter XVII, Article 9 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code, commonly referred to as the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.

PepsiCo is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Female / Minority / Disability / Protected Veteran / Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity

If you'd like more information about your EEO rights as an applicant under the law, please download the available EEO is the Law & EEO is the Law Supplement documents. View PepsiCo EEO Policy.

 Please view our Pay Transparency Statement

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