JOB SUMMARY 

The Sr. Director of Corporate & External Communications directs the activities of the following related functions: Corporate and Brand Consumer & Business Public Relations and Crisis Communications. This role requires work with Leadership Committee members (CEO, CBO/CMO and Head of DE&I in particular), cross-functional leaders, agency partners, the work of two direct reports as well as others outside this position’s span of control to accomplish the goals and objectives of the role.  The position’s main goals are to aggressively tell the Denny’s story through promotion of brand initiatives, protecting and enhancing the brand reputation and effectively communicating internal activities. This position demands an individual who sets an aggressive vision and works effectively and efficiently in stressful situations that may require immediate action, along with aggressive work demands and deadlines. 

Essential Responsibilities  
 

CONSUMER & BUSINESS PUBLIC RELATIONS  

Lead the development of Consumer and Corporate public relations strategies and media outreach while partnering with brand team to drive awareness and interest in national programs, inclusive or corporate communications, DEI (Diversity, Equality and Inclusion) communications, social responsibility communications and marketing/brand promotional related communications.  With a lens of breakthrough and innovative storytelling, direct the development of national and local press outreach through the management of external PR agency execution.  Manage assignments, hours and act as the agency’s point-of-contact.  
  

CRISIS COMMUNICATIONS    

Lead role in reputation management; act as a strategic communications advisor to management by keeping track of public attitudes, flagging possible consequences of decisions, developing key messages and managing issues and crisis communications. In conjunction with the Crisis Communications agency, lead, activate and manage the internal Crisis Rapid Response Team as situations dictate. Works and leads cross functional team across all situations.  Direct the daily activities of responding to potential crises across the brand through the direction of internal and external resources.  
 

Essential Behaviors  
 

CREATIVE   

Is proactive and creative in identifying, developing and maximizing brand presence on various mediums and publications through integrated PR opportunities   

STRATEGIC   

Creates and drives strategy for PR, Corporate Communications, DEI, Social Impact/CSR initiatives, corporate communications and other activities  
 

PROACTIVE  

Aggressively seek out positive and news-worthy brand stories to build the brand and public reputation  
 

RELATIONSHIP BUILDER   

Manage relationships internally by seeking out “story worthy” brand initiatives across all disciplines and working across key functional leaders to understand business challenges and opportunities.  With marketing peers and public relations agencies, assist with marketing briefs and keep agencies and corporate partners informed of relevant news and updates to maximize opportunities for exposure.  Additionally, as appropriate, engage in media relations by actively managing professional relationships with national and regional media.  
 

COLLABORATIVE  

Actively work with the Leadership team, head of DE&I and cross-functional departments to ensure proper awareness and alignment on all related PR and corporate communication campaigns and processes  
 

CONSISTENT  

Ensure external & corporate messaging and creative is aligned across all PR activities and internal & external communications.   
 

Education and Experience Requirements  
 

Education:  

Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in business, communications, public relations, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred, in business, communications, public relations, or a related field.  
 

Experience:  

Must have 15+ years of experience in communications, public relations or related field.  Experience working across multicultural partners and/or agencies strongly preferred.  Retail or restaurants experience is strongly preferred.  A constant sense of urgency tempered with a calm driving purpose required.  
 

Required Knowledge and Skills  

Sense of urgency while maintaining an exceptional service attitude focusing on professionalism and responsibility.  Strong communications skills, including excellent speaking, writing and editing ability.  Excellent skills at managing and influencing people.  Excellent time management, prioritization and organizational skills.  Possess the demeanor and adaptability to work with individuals at different levels within and outside the Brand.  Ability to adapt quickly to varying situations, make quick decisions, and take appropriate actions.  

 

Denny's Corporation is committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all persons regardless of age, race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, genetic information, military or veteran's status, criminal background, or any other characteristic protected by Federal, State, or local law. 

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process should contact 864-597-8000. PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT THIS NUMBER TO CHECK THE STATUS OF YOUR APPLICATION.

Denny’s Corporation participates in E-Verify. We will provide the Social Security Administration, and if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security, with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. For more information on E-Verify, please contact the DHS at 888-897-7781 or dhs.gov/e-verify.  Please note that we do not use this information to pre-screen job applicants.