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Crisis Communications Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Eurest

SR COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$95K - $115K/yr

This leader will oversee external communications strategy and crisis communications response while ... issue management with trade, business and other relevant outlets. · Drive thought leadership ...

Compass Group

SR COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

Charlotte, NC

$95K - $115K/yr

Support Eurest's crisis communications readiness and response for external-facing issues ... Strong project management skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities without sacrificing ...

Compass Group

SR COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$95K - $115K/yr

This leader will oversee external communications strategy and crisis communications response while ... issue management with trade, business and other relevant outlets. • Drive thought leadership ...

Compass Group

SR COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

Charlotte, NC

$95K - $115K/yr

This leader will oversee external communications strategy and crisis communications response while ... issue management with trade, business and other relevant outlets. · Drive thought leadership ...

Beacon College

Communications Manager

Leesburg, FL

$48K - $60K/hr

Communications Manager DEPARTMENT: Institutional Advancement WORK TYPE: Full-Time | Staff LOCATION ... Provide support for website updates and assist with urgent communications, including crisis ...

Valley Metro, AZ

Communications Manager

Phoenix, AZ · On-site +1

$93K - $139K/yr

Public information and crisis communication management * Media relations and spokesperson responsibilities * Or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully ...

Valley Metro

Communications Manager

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$93K - $139K/yr

Public information and crisis communication management Media relations and spokesperson responsibilities Or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform ...

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Crisis Communications Manager information

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$41K

$85.9K

$145.5K

How much do crisis communications manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for crisis communications manager in the United States is $85,857.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,000.00 and $97,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Crisis Communications Manager do?

A Crisis Communications Manager is responsible for developing and implementing communication strategies to protect and defend an organization’s reputation during emergencies or unexpected events. They work closely with leadership to craft clear messaging, handle media inquiries, and coordinate internal and external communications. Their goal is to ensure that accurate information is shared quickly, minimize negative impacts, and maintain public trust in the organization.

What qualifications do you need to be a crisis manager?

A crisis communications manager typically needs a bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field. Relevant experience in public relations, media, or emergency management is important, along with strong communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Certifications such as the Accredited in Public Relations (APR) can enhance qualifications.

How much do crisis managers make in the US?

Crisis communications managers in the US typically earn between $70,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. Senior roles or those in large organizations can pay higher, often exceeding $150,000. Compensation may also include bonuses and benefits related to communication skills and crisis management expertise.

Is PR a high paying career?

Public relations (PR) careers, including roles like Crisis Communications Manager, can offer competitive salaries, especially with experience and in large organizations. Salaries vary based on industry, location, and level of responsibility, with senior positions often earning six-figure incomes. Certifications and strong communication skills can also influence earning potential.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Crisis Communications Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Crisis Communications Manager, you need expertise in public relations, strategic communication, and media relations, usually backed by a degree in communications, public relations, or a related field. Familiarity with crisis management frameworks, media monitoring tools, and social media platforms is essential, and certifications like CMP or APR can be advantageous. Exceptional problem-solving, composure under pressure, and strong interpersonal skills help you effectively navigate high-stress situations and maintain stakeholder trust. These competencies are vital to managing organizational reputation and ensuring clear, timely messaging during crises.

What are the 5 C's of crisis communication?

The 5 C's of crisis communication are clarity, consistency, credibility, compassion, and control. A Crisis Communications Manager uses these principles to effectively manage messaging during a crisis, ensuring accurate information is conveyed while maintaining public trust and organizational reputation.

What are the most common challenges faced by a Crisis Communications Manager, and how can they be addressed?

Crisis Communications Managers often face the challenge of responding quickly and accurately under pressure while managing incomplete or evolving information. Navigating internal alignment and gaining timely approvals from stakeholders can also be difficult, especially during high-stress situations. Successful managers rely on well-prepared crisis communication plans, strong relationships with key internal teams, and regular scenario-based training. Proactive media monitoring and clear protocols help ensure timely and consistent messaging. Building trust with leadership and practicing transparent, empathetic communication are essential for effective crisis management.
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What cities are hiring for Crisis Communications Manager jobs? Cities with the most Crisis Communications Manager job openings:
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Crisis Communications Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Crisis Communications Manager job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,857 per year, or $41.3 per hour.
External Communications Manager

External Communications Manager

Associated Wholesale Grocers

Kansas City, KS • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Associated Wholesale Grocers rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 121 rated grocery stores

Job description

External Communications Manager

Location: 5000 Kansas Avenue Kansas City, KS 66106

Department: Communications & Events

Make us your BEST Choice! 

Position Summary

Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG) is seeking a strategic, operationally minded communications professional to support external communications and member engagement programs. This role is responsible for executing communications strategies that support AWG's business objectives, strengthen relationships with member retailers and vendors, and promote consistent messaging across communication channels and regions. 

The External Communications Manager serves as a central communications partner across the organization's nine divisions, leading integrated messaging efforts that support AWG's corporate priorities, strengthen relationships with member retailers and vendors, and ensure consistency across our regions and communication channels.

This role requires a highly collaborative communications professional with excellent writing, planning and project management skills, crisis communications expertise, media relations experience, and the ability to manage complex, high-volume communications programs across a decentralized organization.

The ideal candidate is strategic but highly execution-oriented; skilled at building trust and influence across teams; organized and process-minded; adept at balancing centralized communications standards with regional flexibility; and passionate about clear, audience-centered communications that drive engagement and business impact.

Core Responsibilities

  1. External Communications & Reputation Management

  • Support and execute AWG's external communications strategy, including media relations, corporate storytelling, executive visibility, reputation management, and crisis communications. 

  • Develop integrated communications plans that align messaging, stakeholder engagement, media outreach, and digital communications around key business priorities and organizational initiatives. 

  • Partner with leadership to provide recommendations on external communications risks and opportunities, helping guide organizational response strategies during issues or crisis situations.

  • Draft, edit, and distribute vendor communications and external stakeholder messaging that support organizational initiatives, programs, events, partnerships, and business priorities while ensuring consistency of messaging and brand standards. 

  • Lead the development, writing, and distribution of press releases and maintain an updated media list.

  • Manage the organization's media monitoring and social listening platforms, including oversight of alerts, escalation workflows, stakeholder notifications, and trend analysis.

  • Provide regular communications insights and reporting for executive leadership, including analysis of media coverage, engagement trends, reputational risks, and communications performance.

  1. Member Communications & Engagement

  • Manage and evolve AWG's member communications strategy and governance model, ensuring member-facing communications are clear, coordinated, timely, and aligned with organizational priorities.

  • Oversee high-volume recurring communications programs, including weekly member digests, promotional and deal communications, surveys and engagement campaigns, and awards and recognition communications.

  • Partner closely with corporate departments, division leadership, and operational teams to improve communication effectiveness, streamline workflows, and ensure consistency across all member communications.

  • Establish and maintain communications standards, editorial processes, approval workflows, and channel governance practices for member-facing communications.

  • Monitor engagement and performance metrics to continuously optimize communications effectiveness and member experience.

  1. Digital Channels & Content Strategy

  • Oversee strategy, content governance, and performance for AWG's external communications channels, including corporate website, social media channels, and external video content.

  • Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure digital communications support organizational priorities, campaigns, events, and member engagement efforts.

  • Use analytics and audience insights to guide content strategy, channel optimization, and communications planning.

Qualifications

  • 8+ years of progressive experience in corporate communications, public relations, media relations, or integrated communications.

  • Demonstrated experience leading external communications and reputation management programs in a complex organization.

  • Strong crisis communications and issues management experience.

  • Experience developing strategic communications plans tied to business objectives and measurable outcomes.

  • Exceptional writing, messaging, editing, and storytelling skills across multiple communications formats and audiences.

  • Experience managing digital communications channels, social media strategy, and communications analytics.

  • Ability to manage multiple stakeholders, competing priorities, and fast-moving communications needs with sound judgment and professionalism.

  • Experience working across decentralized or multi-location organizations strongly preferred.

  • Familiarity with media monitoring, social listening, and communications platforms such as Meltwater strongly preferred.

  • Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or related field.

Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc. (AWG) is the nation's largest cooperative food wholesaler to independently owned supermarkets, serving 1,100 member companies and 3,500 locations throughout 33 states from 9 wholesale division support centers. Consolidated sales for AWG in 2025 were $12.2 billion. In addition to its cooperative wholesale operations, the company also operates subsidiary companies that provide certain real estate and supermarket development services, and pharmaceutical products. For more information, visit AWGinc.com.

Benefits:

  • Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance

  • Health Savings Account

  • Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account

  • Paid Vacation, Holiday, and Sick Time

  • 401(k) with 4% match along with 3 other contributions

  • Tuition Reimbursement

  • Basic & Supplemental Life and AD&D

  • Employee Assistance Program

  • Short-Term and Long-Term Disability 

  • Wellness Program

  • Yearly Holiday Bonus

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