Ingredion Incorporated

Ingredion has a Director of Corporate Communications opportunity at our Westchester (IL) corporate headquarters. The Director of Corporate Communications is responsible for developing and executing the external communications strategy in support of Ingredion’s growth strategy and reputation management. Reporting to the vice president of investor relations, the director supports the CEO and other C-suite executives with media interviews and external speaking engagements, and is responsible for crisis communications. This position coordinates with but is not responsible for marketing communications or internal communications, which are managed by other functions.

Core Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and implementation of Ingredion’s external communications strategy to drive recognition amongst key business, financial and generalist media constituencies
• Serve as a day-to-day media contact
• Build and maintain strong, productive relationships with reporters at top-tier financial/business media as well as Chicago-area outlets
• Serve as a trusted partner and advisor to CEO and other C-suite executives for external communications, facilitate media interviews and public speaking engagements
• Ensure the overall communications approach reflects the company strategy, culture, and values
• Write, edit and create content, such as corporate press releases, social media posts, talking points, Q&As, executive bios and speeches; support vice president of investor relations on development of quarterly earnings releases and Q&As
• Maintain corporate website; responsible for updates and periodic refreshes and redesigns
• Manage corporate crisis communications program, including crisis communications training of key operations (manufacturing plant) personnel globally
• Manage the process for select awards applications; identify potential new awards for nomination and promote corporate awards
• Oversee the development of the annual report and sustainability update
• Help to shape key outreach events which exemplify and communicate Ingredion’s brand values
• Bring best-practice approaches to Corporate Communications from other organizations and industries, especially in the digital and social media sphere
• Support marketing and internal communications activities as needed to assure consistent messaging
• Supervise one full time manager

Qualified candidates will have:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, English, Humanities, Business, Social Science, or related field
• At least 10 years’ experience in (external) corporate communications, writing, marketing, media relations or a directly related field (in-house or communications consultancy); experience in ingredient, food or beverage industries a plus
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills as well as strong editing and proof-reading skills; ability to write effectively
• Recent experience as a hands-on communicator who can write effectively, accurately and with speed for a range of materials: press releases, executive speeches, websites, annual report, PowerPoint presentations and social media messages
• Solid understanding of social and traditional media channels
• Successful track record in developing and implementing communications strategies and measuring their effectiveness.
• Executive presence; experience in advising senior managers and C-suite executives on complex communications challenges, presentation delivery and media interviews
• Experience managing websites and social media outlets
• Some design sense and skill in production of visuals, including slides, posters, video and digital media as well as experience purchasing these services
• Experience with conducting media and crisis communication training
• Flexibility, positivity and responsiveness and self-motivation to work well on own initiative. Strong desire to please the client while also producing compelling messaging and content. 
• Strong organizational and analytical skills and attention to detail
• Flexible and able to thrive in a fast-paced matrixed organization and dynamic environment
• Ability to multi-task, work under tight deadlines, and manage multiple priorities, partners and changing business needs
• Ability to manage and build teams

Relocation Available: Within US

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. Ingredion seeks to provide a work environment that is free from harassment and discrimination. We will not tolerate any form of discrimination based on race, color, religion, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, handicap or disability—mental or physical—marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability resulting from military service, or any other classification protected by law (“protected classifications”). We are committed to establishing and maintaining a work environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

Relocation Available:

Yes, Within Country