Strategic Communications Director, Internal Communications

Summary

At Perdue Farms, our associates are the heart of our business. We’re seeking a seasoned and forward-thinking Strategic Communications Director to lead internal communication efforts that support organizational change, cultural alignment, and associate engagement across our enterprise.

This newly created role will be instrumental in shaping how we communicate during pivotal moments—helping associates understand where we’re going as a company, why it matters, and how they contribute to our shared success. By listening deeply, communicating clearly, and building strong relationships across the business, the director will help strengthen the connection between our people and our purpose.

Working closely with senior leaders, HR, and cross-functional partners, the Director will serve as a strategic advisor and thought partner—ensuring communications are not only informative, but also inclusive, timely, and grounded in empathy. This role is especially critical during moments of transformation, when clarity and trust are most essential.

The Strategic Communications Director will also collaborate closely with the External Communications team to ensure internal messaging reinforces and complements our broader brand and reputation. Together, these teams will align the associate experience with Perdue’s purpose and values—helping every employee feel informed, inspired, and equipped to succeed.

This position can sit at HQ in Salisbury, MD or within a 2-3 hour driving distance of Corporate HQ.

The salary range for this position is  $143,000 - $215,000  per year, based on experience and qualifications with annual bonus available (variable depending on performance).  

In addition to the base salary, Perdue offers a competitive benefits package, including medical/Rx, 401(k) with employer match after 1 year, critical illness, accident insurance, dental, vision, life insurance, optional group life insurance, short-term and long-term disability protection, flexible spending accounts and paid time off.  

Principal and Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Strategic Planning & Alignment: Lead the development and execution of internal communications strategies that support business transformation, operational updates, and leadership priorities. Ensure all communication efforts are aligned with Perdue’s mission, values, and strategic roadmap.
• Change Communications Leadership: Serve as a strategic advisor during periods of organizational change, including restructuring, growth initiatives, and cultural alignment. Craft communications that build clarity, trust, and shared understanding across all levels of the organization.
• Narrative Development & Message Alignment: Develop and maintain a cohesive internal narrative that helps associates understand Perdue’s direction and their role in driving it forward. Promote message discipline across leaders and functions to reduce noise, reinforce priorities, and strengthen organizational clarity.
• Enterprise Initiative Communications: Lead internal communications strategy for cross-functional initiatives related to transformation, operational excellence, workforce modernization, and other enterprise priorities. Serve as the internal comms point of contact for major business programs that require broad engagement and alignment.
• Executive Communications Counsel: Partner closely with senior leaders to shape executive messaging that is human, strategic, and aligned with company values. Provide communication coaching and support to help leaders communicate with clarity and credibility during times of change.
• Scenario Planning & Change Readiness: Proactively anticipate organizational shifts and change scenarios that will require internal communication support. Build response frameworks, draft messaging templates, and create toolkits that enable timely, consistent communication across channels and stakeholder groups.
• Associate Engagement Strategy: Design and implement communication programs that foster associate connection to purpose, pride in work, and a sense of belonging. Ensure messaging reflects associate voices and celebrates shared moments, while distinguishing this work from milestone-based campaigns.
• Listening & Insights Activation: Lead listening efforts, including surveys, roundtables, and pulse tools, to surface associate sentiment and understand communication needs. Translate insights into actionable strategies that improve transparency, engagement, and trust.
• Measurement & Impact Reporting: Define and apply tools to measure the effectiveness of internal communications and engagement strategies. Use data and feedback to continuously refine messaging and demonstrate business impact to key stakeholders.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work in close partnership with HR, Operations, Legal, DEI, and the External Communications team to ensure alignment, consistency, and coordination in how we communicate with associates. Represent internal communications on key cross-functional initiatives and working groups.

Minimum Education and Experience

Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Organizational Development, or related field required, and 10+ years of experience in internal or employee communications, with strong focus on engagement, culture, and organizational change. A Master's Degree is a plus.

The ideal candidate will also have:

• Demonstrated ability to use insights, data, and feedback to shape internal strategies.
• Proven success working in matrixed environments and supporting change in large, distributed workforces.
• Exceptional writing and storytelling skills, especially for frontline and visual-first audiences.
• Experience advising HR, Operations, and Executive teams during times of transformation.
• Familiarity with multi-site communications and labor-sensitive environments is a plus.
• High degree of comfort with ambiguity and shifting priorities, with the ability to proactively anticipate communications needs.
• Ability to travel for business needs as requested.

Environmental Factors and Physical Requirements

1. Position is mostly sedentary but may require occasional moving to other offices or buildings.
2. May need to move light equipment or supplies from one place to another.
3. May need to access files, supplies and equipment.
4. Work activity is in an office, open-partitioned, cubicle environment