Director, Corporate Communications

As the Coffee Operating Unit of Keurig Dr Pepper prepares to become a global coffee company, the Senior Director, US External Communications & Corporate Brand will play a critical role in shaping and protecting the company’s corporate reputation and narrative in the United States.

This role has a dual mandate: serving as the strategic communications lead for US corporate and financial media while supporting the development and consistent implementation of the global corporate brand. The successful candidate will partner closely with Global Corporate Affairs, Investor Relations, Legal, Sustainability, and senior leadership to navigate complex business moments, strengthen stakeholder engagement, and position the company as a trusted global coffee leader.

Key Responsibilities

External & Financial Communications

• Serve as the primary US communications resource to Global Corporate Affairs and Investor Relations for financial communications, including earnings, transactions, and other significant corporate announcements.

• Develop and execute the US corporate media relations strategy in partnership with the Global Head of External Communications, with a focus on top-tier business, financial, sustainability, and industry media.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with influential journalists, analysts, opinion leaders, and other key external stakeholders.

• Anticipate and proactively manage media narratives related to significant trends impacting the global coffee industry, including commodity price volatility, supply chain challenges, regulatory developments, and other emerging issues.

• Serve as a senior communications counselor to C-suite and senior leaders, providing strategic guidance on messaging, reputation, and communications risk.

• Lead media training and prepare executives and spokespeople for high-profile interviews, earnings coverage, and other high-stakes media engagements.

Corporate Brand & Thought Leadership

• Support the development and execution of thought leadership programs and campaigns, including media opportunities, executive communications, op-eds, reports, podcasts, and other external platforms.

• Partner with Global Corporate Affairs and cross-functional stakeholders to bring the corporate brand to life in the US market.

• Ensure consistent application of corporate messaging and positioning across corporate communications, including the corporate website, investor materials, ESG and annual reports, employer brand assets, and executive communications.

• Identify opportunities to strengthen corporate reputation and increase the company’s visibility and credibility with priority stakeholders.

Crisis & Issues Communications

• Support the enterprise crisis communications framework, including preparedness, response, and recovery.

• Partner closely with Legal, Risk, Operations, Sustainability, and Corporate Affairs leaders to manage reputational risk and support the crisis leadership team during high-impact events.

• Lead or support communications related to issues such as supply chain disruptions, environmental or labor controversies, product quality or safety incidents, and activist or NGO campaigns.

• Ensure crisis communications are aligned with the company’s corporate narrative, credible across stakeholder groups, and appropriate for a publicly traded company subject to regulatory and disclosure requirements.

• Conduct post-incident reviews and translate learnings into improved crisis preparedness, communications capabilities, and brand resilience.

Insights & Measurement

• Monitor and analyze reputation and communications metrics across key stakeholder groups, including media, employees, investors, industry analysts, and influential commentators.

• Translate data, market intelligence, and stakeholder insights into actionable recommendations to refine communications strategy and priorities.

• Establish clear measures of success and demonstrate the impact and value of communications programs and investments.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. 

• Salary Range: $155,500 - $200,000
• Actual placement within the compensation range may vary depending on experience, skills, and other factors
• Benefits, subject to election and eligibility: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Paid Time Off (including paid parental leave, vacation, and sick time), 401k with company match, Tuition Reimbursement, and Mileage Reimbursement
• Annual bonus based on performance and eligibility

Experience

• 10+ years of progressive experience in corporate communications, corporate affairs, financial communications, or a related field, gained within a large multinational organization, top-tier consultancy, or a combination of both.

• Experience within consumer goods, food and beverage, coffee, or agricultural supply chain industries is highly desirable.

• Demonstrated experience supporting a significant corporate transformation, such as an IPO, spin-off, demerger, merger, acquisition, or other large-scale corporate transaction.

• Experience communicating for or advising a US-listed company, including familiarity with earnings cycles, transaction announcements, financial media, and complex disclosure environments.

• Proven track record serving as a trusted communications advisor to C-suite and senior executives, including preparing leaders for high-stakes interviews and challenging media questioning.

• Demonstrated experience leading issues and crisis communications during live, high-impact, reputationally sensitive events.

• Experience managing external agencies, budgets, and partners, with a strong focus on measurable outcomes and return on investment.

• Exceptional writing, editing, and editorial judgment, with the ability to develop a broad range of corporate communications, including press releases, executive communications, op-eds, media statements, briefing materials, and executive social content.

Leadership & Capabilities

• Strategic thinker who can connect business priorities to compelling external communications strategies.

• Exceptional communicator and storyteller with the ability to simplify complex business topics for diverse audiences.

• Strong executive presence and confidence advising senior leaders in high-pressure situations.

• Highly collaborative, with the ability to influence across functions and geographies.

• Strong understanding of the US media landscape, financial communications, and corporate reputation management.

• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, evolving environment with multiple priorities and high visibility.

• Strong judgment, discretion, and ability to navigate sensitive and confidential information.

Working Conditions

• Based in Burlington, MA, with regular travel to Amsterdam( upto 30% travel) and other markets as required.

Keurig Dr Pepper (Nasdaq: KDP) is a leading beverage company with more than 150 owned, licensed and partner brands that meet a wide range of needs and occasions. Our North American refreshment beverage business holds leadership positions across carbonated soft drinks, water, juice and mixers with a portfolio of iconic brands such as Dr Pepper®, Canada Dry®, Mott’s®, A&W®, Peñafiel®, GHOST®, 7UP®, Snapple®, Clamato® and Core Hydration®. Our global coffee business spans more than 100 markets and includes the leading Keurig® single-serve brewing system in the U.S. and Canada, along with powerhouse brands such as Peet’s, L’OR and Jacobs, and other regional coffee leaders. Our more than 50,000 employees aim to enhance the experience of every beverage and coffee occasion while making a positive impact for people, communities, and the planet.

We strive to be an employer of choice, providing culture and opportunities that empower our team to grow and develop. We offer robust benefits to support your health and wellness as well as your personal and financial well-being. We also provide employee programs designed to enhance your professional growth and development, while ensuring you feel valued, inspired and appreciated at work.

Whatever your area of expertise, at KDP you can be a part of a team that’s proud of its brands, partnerships, innovation and growth. Will you join us?

Keurig Dr Pepper is an equal opportunity employer and recruits qualified applicants and advances in employment its employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability or association with a person with a disability, medical condition, genetic information, ethnic or national origin, marital status, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.

A.I. Disclosure: 
KDP uses artificial intelligence to assist with initial resume screening and candidate matching. This technology helps us efficiently identify candidates whose qualifications align with our open roles.  AI does not make hiring decisions; all decisions throughout the hiring process are made by talent acquisition team members.  If you prefer not to have your application processed using artificial intelligence, you may opt out by emailing your resume and qualifications directly to kdpjobs@kdrp.com in lieu of clicking Apply. In order for your application to be considered and opted out of AI, you must include the words "AI Opt-Out" and either job title and location or Job ID # in the email subject line in your email application.