Associate Director, Brand PR

Job DescriptionThe Associate Director of Brand Public Relations is a strategic leader responsible for shaping, elevating and protecting the reputation of Kraft Heinz’s North American brands while driving breakthrough earned visibility that builds cultural relevance and business growth. This role sits at the intersection of brand storytelling, earned media strategy and integrated communities, partnering closely with brand marketing, creative, and agency teams to deliver best-in-class communications.This individual is an externally oriented communicator with strong executive presence, sharp storytelling instincts, and the ability to operate with speed, ownership, and influence in a complex, fast-moving environment.Role ResponsibilitiesAdvance Kraft Heinz’s North American brand PR and communications strategy, ensuring alignment to business priorities, brand growth objectives, and long-term equity buildingSpearhead earned media efforts for North American brands, partnering closely with marketing, creative, legal and agency teams to design and execute high-impact communications campaigns that drive awareness, cultural relevance, brand affinity and measurable business outcomes including consideration and purchase intentServe as an internal culture intelligence function, identifying and shaping culturally relevant narratives that connect brand purpose to consumer momentsAct as a strategic advisor and thought partner to brand, marketing and executive leadership teams – shaping early-stage thinking on brand decisions, communications implications and reputational impactProvide proactive counsel on cultural risk, opportunity spaces and reputational implications of brand, product and marketing decisionsBuild and maintain strong relationships with agenda-setting media to ensure consistent brand presence in relevant conversationsManage external PR agencies, setting clear strategy, expectations, and performance metricsEnsure that all communications and activity reflect the Company’s core values and advance Kraft Heinz’s business strategyOperate as a key connector across the organization, ensuring brand PR is embedded early in planning cycles and fully integrated across marketing and creative functionsPersonal SkillsAbility to quickly assess complex situations and make sound decisionsStrong instinct for what is – and isn’t – a story, with a clear understanding of reputational risk vs. opportunityComfort making decisions with incomplete informationConfident, credible advisor to senior leaders; able to challenge constructively and influence decisionsNaturally curious with a sharp editorial mindsetDeep interest in culture, media and how attention shiftsStrong understanding of how earned media influences the information large language models learn from and surface in responsesOur Total Rewards philosophy is to provide a meaningful and flexible spectrum of programs that equitably support our diverse workforce and their families and complement Kraft Heinz’ strategy and values.New Hire Base Salary Range:$164,200.00 - $205,200.00Bonus: This position is eligible for a performance-based bonus as provided by the plan terms and governing documents.The compensation offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factorsBenefits: Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare, protection, and saving for the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family’s needs. Coverage for benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.Wellbeing: We offer events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire a physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families.You’ll be able to participate in a variety of benefits and wellbeing programs that may vary by role, country, region, union status, and other employment status factors, for example:Physical - Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Screenings/AssessmentsSocial - Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Flexible Work Arrangements, Recognition, TrainingEmotional – Employee Assistance Program , Wellbeing Programs, Family Support ProgramsFinancial – 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, DisabilityLocation(s)Chicago/Aon CenterKraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for protected individuals, applicants that require accommodation in the job application process may View email address on click.appcast.io assistance.SummaryLocation: Chicago, ILType: Full time