Aramark

External Communications Director

Aramark$100K — $130K *
Business Services
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree required.
  • Minimum 12 years of experience in communications, particularly in media relations.
  • Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects with urgency and precision.
  • Exceptional writing and content creation skills under tight deadlines.
  • Strong knowledge of social media tactics to protect and elevate brand reputation.
  • Familiarity with AI tools for public relations.
  • Experience advising and influencing senior executives.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and implement external communications strategies to elevate Aramark's brand.
  • Lead media relations efforts, managing interviews and sensitive issues with professionalism.
  • Serve as a trusted advisor to senior executives, providing coaching and building communications strategies.
  • Research industry trends to position Aramark as a thought leader.
  • Create and edit issues-response materials like media statements and FAQs.
  • Manage crisis communications across various media platforms.
  • Oversee project management for complex initiatives to ensure timely delivery.

Benefits

  • Collaborative work environment with cross-functional teams.
  • Flexible problem-solving opportunities in a high-pressure setting.
  • Access to executive leadership for coaching and mentorship.
Full Job Description
Job Description

The Director of External Communications will provide strategic counsel and lead the development and execution of communications strategies, plans, and tactics to positively promote Aramark's brand and protect its reputation. This role requires a seasoned communications professional with expertise in media relations, issues management, and project management, capable of functioning independently with sound business judgment and delivering both strategic and tactical results.

The successful candidate will bring experience across diverse disciplines, including writing and editing, news content development, executive coaching, crisis and issues management, and stakeholder engagement. This individual must thrive in high-pressure environments, inspire confidence among executives and clients, and ensure consistency of messaging and execution across the organization.

Job Responsibilities
• Develop and implement external communications strategies that elevate Aramark's brand and safeguard its reputation.
• Lead media relations efforts, including proactive outreach, managing interviews, and handling sensitive issues with tact and professionalism.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior executives, providing coaching and building sponsorship for communications strategies.
• Research industry trends and identify compelling themes to position Aramark as a thought leader.
• Create and edit sophisticated issue-response materials, including media statements, FAQs, and talking points.
• Manage crisis and issues communications across mainstream and social media platforms.
• Oversee project management for multiple complex initiatives, ensuring timely delivery and alignment with business objectives.
• Develop and monitor communications metrics to measure reach and impact.
• Media train spokespeople and manage external events.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align company interests with client and front-line team needs.
• Demonstrate flexibility and resiliency in navigating challenges and pursuing innovative solutions.

Scope & Relationships
• Reports to: Vice President, External Communications
• Key relationships: Sector Presidents, Regional Vice Presidents, Legal, Community Relations, Marketing
• Requires in-office presence four days per week.
• Knowledge of food and facility services and experience promoting corporate community relations activities is a plus.

Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree required.
• Minimum 12 years of experience in communications, with a strong focus on media relations.
• Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects with urgency and precision.
• Exceptional writing and content creation skills; ability to produce clear, compelling materials under tight deadlines.
• Strong knowledge of social media channels and tactics to protect and elevate brand reputation.
• Familiarity with AI tools for public relations and experience leveraging them effectively.
• Demonstrated success advising and influencing senior executives.
• Experience in both corporate and agency environments preferred.

About Aramark

Aramark provides food services, facilities management, and uniform and career apparel to health care institutions, universities and school districts, stadiums and arenas, and businesses around the world. ARAMARK’s position as a world leader in facility services stems from decades of experience and superior service in the diversified outsourcing industry. From their humble beginnings in 1936 at the helm of Davre Davidson and his peanut vending machines to our place — for the sixth time in nine years — at the top of Fortune magazine’s list of the “World’s Most Admired Companies,” ARAMARK has maintained an unwavering focus on providing world-class experiences, environments, and outcomes for their clients. At ARAMARK, they take care of buildings and infrastructure so that their customers can take care of their core business. They are proud to provide exceptional facility management services for 1,600 companies in 16,000 facilities — about 1.8 billion square feet worldwide. ARAMARK provides comprehensive facility service solutions that enable its clients to maximize safety, productivity, and reliability. Their success is the result of their steadfast commitment to service excellence. They pride themselves on delivering customizable, sustainable solutions in a wide range of facilities by working closely with their clients to achieve mutual goals. Self-performed services, ongoing client communication, performance metrics, and an environment of team learning and development enable us to perform beyond expectations in virtually every client engagement. Whatever the company’s facility needs, ARAMARK is here to consistently exceed the expectations for service excellence with the best people, the most innovative processes, and the latest technologies.

Aramark Careers

Join Aramark's vibrant team today and be part of a company that values innovation, leadership, and diversity. As a global leader in food, facilities, and uniform services, Aramark offers unparalleled job opportunities designed to enhance your professional growth and development. Work You’ll Do At Aramark, we are committed to fostering a culture of growth and innovation. Our team members are at the heart of our operations, providing essential services across various industries. By joining our team, you will collaborate with skilled professionals dedicated to making a meaningful impact every day. Aramark offers a wide range of employment opportunities, from frontline positions to executive roles, each contributing to our mission of delivering experiences that enrich and nourish lives. Whether you are looking for a full-time position or an internship, Aramark provides a path that will advance your career and expand your skills. Leadership and Development Step into a role that challenges you to be your best. Aramark’s leadership is committed to nurturing talents through robust training programs and diversity initiatives that ensure all team members are valued and have the opportunity to succeed. Our leadership training equips you with the tools necessary to lead with confidence and integrity. Innovation at Work Innovation is at the core of Aramark, where we continuously seek cutting-edge solutions to improve our services and operations. Engage in work that pushes the boundaries and leads to transformative outcomes, not just for our company but for the industries we serve. Join Our Team Explore the multitude of job opportunities at Aramark, where your career aspirations can take flight. We are actively hiring creative, curious, and motivated individuals who are ready to contribute to a team that celebrates diversity and is driven by excellence. Internship Programs Kickstart your career with an Aramark internship, where you can apply your classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios. Our internships provide a foundation for learning and development, plus the opportunity to build professional networks that can be pivotal in your career journey. Benefits and Culture Aramark is dedicated to supporting our employees with a comprehensive benefits package that promotes a healthy, fulfilling life both inside and outside of work. Our culture thrives on teamwork, respect, and inclusivity, creating an environment where every employee can thrive. Stay Connected Search open positions that match your skills and interests on the Aramark Jobs portal. We look for passionate, solution-driven team players who are eager to make a difference. Keep Up to Date Stay ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work at Aramark. Job Alert Emails Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities that await at Aramark. Join Aramark today and be part of a team that is dedicated to excellence and innovation in everything we do. Your future starts here!
Learn more about Aramark
Size
248,300 employees
Market Cap
$10.6 billion
Industry
Net Income
-$688.5 million
Founded
1936
5 Year Trend
+2.3%
Revenue
$11.3 billion
NASDAQ

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