Manager, External Communications

Perdue Farms is a fourth-generation, family-owned food and agricultural business deeply rooted in tradition yet with a forward-thinking mindset. We believe that success starts with our people, and our culture is built on a foundation of teamwork, integrity, and respect, where every voice matters and everyone is encouraged to contribute to our shared goals. We are dedicated to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where associates feel valued and inspired to make an impact, both within the company and in the communities we serve. From promoting growth and development to prioritizing work-life balance, we're committed to helping our team members thrive. That's Perdue.

Summary

We're looking for a mission-driven, strategic, and experienced communicator to join our Corporate Communications team as a Manager of External Communications. In this highly visible and influential role, you'll help shape and share the story of who we are — not just as a food company, but as a values-led organization committed to sustainability, community impact, and creating a great place to work.

WHY JOIN US?

At Perdue Farms, we believe communication is a force for good — and that how we tell our story matters. You'll be part of a collaborative, passionate, and forward-thinking team committed to driving trust, transparency, and impact across our business and communities.

This role will be a lead driver of communications and public relations around our Perdue Farms corporate story, including but not limited to sustainability, stewardship, and purpose-related initiatives — from telling the stories of our regenerative agriculture pilots and waste-to-energy projects, to amplifying our employer brand and community partnerships. You'll also play a key role in deepening our relationships with external stakeholders, including NGOs, nonprofits, and mission-aligned partners.

This is a great opportunity for a curious, collaborative, and purpose-minded communicator to make a tangible impact inside and outside the organization. The ideal candidate will bring 7–10 years of experience in external communications, sustainability/purpose storytelling, or corporate affairs, with strong media instincts, content development chops, and stakeholder engagement experience.

We are open to someone who could on site at our Salisbury, MD Corporate Offices with relocation assistance available for qualified candidates, or the role can be remote for candidates living within three hours driving distance of those Corporate Offices. Travel Potential: 10% (events, conferences 2 -3 days duration at a time likely).

The salary range for this position is $97,000 - $145,000 per year, based on experience and qualifications with annual bonus available (variable depending on performance).

In addition to the base salary, Perdue offers a competitive benefits package, including medical/Rx, 401(k) with employer match after 1 year, critical illness, accident insurance, dental, vision, life insurance, optional group life insurance, short-term and long-term disability protection, flexible spending accounts and paid time off.

Principal and Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Purpose & Sustainability Storytelling: Lead the development and execution of communications strategies and campaigns that spotlight our environmental, social, and animal care leadership — translating technical data into compelling, human-centered stories. Work with key subject matter experts across the organization in this space to support and amplify the ongoing work and to promote the future plans.
• External Stakeholder Engagement: Support and grow relationships with key NGOs, nonprofits, community organizations, and thought leaders — ensuring communications are aligned, collaborative, and representative of our commitments.
• Media & Reputation Management: Proactively identify storytelling opportunities and support media outreach around sustainability, workforce, community, and reputation topics. Interact and coordinate with external agency partners to support narrative development, placement, and response.
• Employer Brand & Great Workplace Messaging: Partner with HR, DEI, and marketing teams to help position the company as a top employer. Develop content and materials that reflect our culture and values to both external and internal audiences.
• Content Development & Editorial Leadership: Be a key driver for the overall content calendar for purpose-driven storytelling across owned channels (LinkedIn, website, reports, press releases). Write, edit, and produce high-quality materials that advance our corporate voice and messaging.
• Community Impact Communications: Collaborate with our Community Impact and Corporate Giving leaders at the company to help elevate our philanthropic partnerships and associate engagement initiatives, ensuring alignment with our broader purpose narrative.
• Executive & Issues Support: Support messaging and materials for senior leaders on purpose- and stakeholder-related topics. Help manage issues or reputational risks related to sustainability and external partnerships as needed.
• Metrics & Insights: Track and report on the reach, engagement, and effectiveness of purpose-driven communications, using insights to optimize future efforts and show meaningful progress.

Education and Experience Required.

REQUIRED:

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Environmental Studies, or a related field.
• 7–10 years of relevant experience in corporate communications, public relations, sustainability communications, public affairs, or stakeholder engagement.
• Excellent writing and editing skills with experience developing content for diverse audiences.
• Strong project management and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Comfort working with media, external partners, and senior executives.
• A genuine interest in purpose-driven work and telling stories that make an impact.

PREFERRED:

• Experience in agriculture, food, or related industries.
• Knowledge of ESG, sustainability reporting, or public policy topics.
• Familiarity with measurement tools (media monitoring, social analytics, etc.).
• Experience working with nonprofit or advocacy organizations as a communicator or liaison.

Environmental Factors and Physical Requirements

• Positions at Corporate are mostly sedentary but may require occasional moving to other offices or buildings, or support in facilities when they are deployed to a site.
• May need to move light equipment or supplies from one place to another.
• May need to access files, supplies and equipment.
• Work activity is in an office, open-partitioned, cubicle environment.
• Travel Potential: 10% (events, conferences 2 -3 days duration at a time likely).

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Perdue Farms Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

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