Overview We are seeking a Director of Brand Communications to join the PepsiCo Beverages U.S. Communications team, leading public relations (PR)/communications for Mountain Dew, Starry, and the PepsiCo Beverages Flavors portfolio. We are looking for candidates who have their finger on the pulse of culture with deep experience, understanding and proven results of connecting brands to key influential audiences. The Director of Brand Communications reports to the Vice President of Communications for PepsiCo Beverages U.S. and is responsible for leading the strategic development and execution of comprehensive U.S. communications plans for Mountain Dew, Starry, and the PepsiCo Beverages Flavors portfolio. This includes working closely with the Vice President of Marketing and other cross-functional leadership to align on annual and real-time communications priorities, providing strategic counsel, crisis/issues management, managing PR budget, retaining agencies, and managing day-to-day PR activities, including agency management, media outreach, concept/campaign development and execution. This role will be a critical driver for communications priorities to strengthen awareness, trial and overall cultural relevance of the brands within the portfolio. The ideal candidate will have a knowledge and passion for sports and entertainment, a track record of fostering brand love through earned channels and the ability to work seamlessly across a complex matrix of partners. Responsibilities Lead Brand Communications: Partner closely with the marketing team to align communications strategies with key business objectives. Provide strategic counsel and support to ensure cohesive and effective brand messaging. Leverage Data to Inform Strategies: Use data analytics and consumer insights to develop and refine communications strategies that drive brand awareness and engagement. Regularly analyze campaign performance and adjust tactics to optimize results. Agency Leadership: Lead agency partners with empathy and kindness, prioritizing weekly to ensure optimal resource allocation and performance. Foster a collaborative and supportive environment that encourages innovation and excellence. Operational Excellence: Operate with a sense of urgency, ambition, humility, and kindness. Demonstrate intellectual curiosity and a team-first mindset, continuously seeking opportunities to learn and grow. Legacy Brand Stewardship: Recognize the honor of working on a legacy brand and strive to advance its presence in a dynamic and fragmented media ecosystem. Develop strategies that honor the brand's heritage while driving its relevance in contemporary culture. Accountabilities: Lead development and execution of communications plans to support these beverage brands that leverage key consumer insights Establish and manage annual PR budget in conjunction with brand teams Lead the development and/or management of issues/crisis management plans specific to managed brands Lead communications for and provide strategic counsel to brand marketing teams on high-level partnerships and programs including key talent deals, sports and media Drive awareness of brand programs and elevate reputation of brands against pre-determined brand health metrics Identify, retain and manage agency partners to deliver cost-effective programs Ensure that PR team consistently delivers quantity/quality of earned media impressions against pre-determined program goals Cultivate strong relationships with key media partners, especially in the sports, music and entertainment industries Coordinate with cross-functional partners to ensure brand programs are vetted and approved Partner with employee communications team to ignite system support and build pride in PepsiCo Coordinate with partners in communications to protect brand/company reputation and ensure timely and effective reactive communications and issue/crisis management. Collaborate with PepsiCo Corporate comms team to support PepsiCo communications priorities Compensation and Benefits: The expected compensation range for this position is between $125,900 - $249,900 Location, confirmed job-related skills, experience, and education will be considered in setting actual starting salary. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range during the hiring process Bonus based on performance and eligibility target payout is 25% of annual salary paid out annually and an additional target payout of 10% of annual salary is paid out over 3 years following the end of the performance period Long term incentive equity may be awarded based on eligibility and performance Paid time off subject to eligibility, including paid parental leave, vacation, sick, and bereavement In addition to salary, PepsiCo offers a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees and their families, subject to elections and eligibility: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Health, and Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Insurance (Accident, Group Legal, Life), Defined Contribution Retirement Plan Qualifications Minimum Qualifications: 10-12+ years PR experience, including direct media contact, development of media materials, strategic and creative planning, and agency management Experience managing brand communications in fast-moving consumer goods category preferred Experience with a broad range of media and influencers across sports, lifestyle, trade, advertising, business and entertainment Ability to take others along and drive alignment Strong interpersonal skills Executive presence and ability to work in advisory role with senior executives Ability to be proactive and drive alignment in a complex, matrixed environment BA in English, Communications, PR or related field preferred Some travel required EEO Statement Our Company will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and all other applicable laws, including but not limited to, San Francisco Police Code Sections 4901-4919, commonly referred to as the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance; and Chapter XVII, Article 9 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code, commonly referred to as the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status. PepsiCo is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Female / Minority / Disability / Protected Veteran / Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity If you'd like more information about your EEO rights as an applicant under the law, please download the available EEO is the Law & EEO is the Law Supplement documents. View PepsiCo EEO Policy. Please view our Pay Transparency Statement