Job Description

We’re looking for a Media Relations Manager to drive earned media strategy for the US market. This person will be critical in translating the US business narrative and strategic priorities in a clear, compelling way for media – ultimately driving brand affinity and trust.

This position will be based in Chicago and report directly to the Director, US Field Communications & PR. You will be a member of the broader North American Impact team.

Responsibilities:

In this role, you will:

• Lead national media relations strategy and execution across key US business/operations, marketing, community and people initiatives
  • Use data and knowledge of the earned media landscape to develop creative approaches to reach key audiences
  • Draft and review materials including strategic communications plans, pitches, press releases, statements, Q&A and more
• Drive high-impact thought leadership opportunities for McDonald’s US C-Suite, including pitching/securing interviews, developing narratives and briefing executives
• Triage and manage media issues and crises impacting the US business
• Partner with the Field Communications team to ensure McDonald’s national priorities and narrative are cascaded locally in all 10 Field Offices
• In partnership with Global Media Relations, serve as a media relations subject matter expert for the Communications team and other functional partners
  • Build and strengthen reporter relationships on behalf of the brand
  • Constantly mine for potential news angles and data to support opportunistic storytelling
  • Work with the Measurement & Insights team to refine analytics and reporting for earned media coverage

Qualifications

• BA/BS degree required
• Natural storyteller with excellent speaking, writing and editing skills
• Ability to navigate, orchestrate and work through complex issues with a strategic lens
• Strong experience and knowledge of the earned media landscape
• Adept at navigating media issues and crises for large brands
• Strong business knowledge with a demonstrated ability to understand business strategy and how to use communications as a mechanism to drive that strategy
• Proven leadership and ability to influence and work with Sr. Leadership and multi-disciplined teams
• On the record media relations experience & experience managing agencies is a plus

Additional Information

McDonald’s is an equal opportunity employer committed to the diversity of our workforce. We promote an inclusive work environment that creates feel-good moments for everyone. McDonald’s provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities as part of the application or hiring process or to perform the essential functions of their job. If you need assistance accessing or reading this job posting or otherwise feel you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process, please contact mcdhrbenefits@us.mcd.com. Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

McDonald’s provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to sex, sex stereotyping, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, and medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), race, color, religion, ancestry or national origin, age, disability status, medical condition, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, protected military or veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Nothing in this job posting or description should be construed as an offer or guarantee of employment.