Senior Director, External Communications

Develop and implement strategic media relations, issues management, and external communications for a fortune 500 company with some of the most iconic brands! Have a bachelor’s degree with twelve years of external communications and media relations experience, preferably in a regulated space? If so, we want to speak with you!

We are currently looking for a Senior Director, External Communications, to join our Corporate Communications team in Richmond, VA, or we are open to remote work arrangements.

What You will be Doing:

• Develop external communications strategy and plans across a multitude of stakeholders and channels.
• Develop and execute comprehensive external communications campaigns across paid and earned media, social media, thought leadership and executive presence.
• Collaborate closely with internal teams (Government Affairs, Regulatory Affairs, Investor Relations, Altria Group Distribution Company and others) to develop stakeholder engagement and communications strategies that advance Altria’s Vision, business goals and reputation.
• Lead the development and management of media relations team and infrastructure and develop and maintain effective working relationships with key media contacts.
• Develop and design external communications and identify appropriate communications channels and tactics to effectively reach and activate priority stakeholders.
• Lead and direct the development of effective press releases; Prepare information for media kits.
• Oversee and review all communications items produced by the team, identify and track key metrics to understand and enhance communications efficacy and impact.
• Direct the activities of external communications agencies and business partners that develop and implement communication strategies and information programs.
• Leverage technology and AI for external monitoring, communications development, and Generative Engine Optimization.
Maintain communications policy and recommend updates as needed.

We Want You to Have:

• Bachelor's Degree in communications, business administration, journalism, or related field.
• 12+ years of external communications and media relations experience, preferably in a regulated space.
• Deep understanding of external communications best practices, active adoption of new and emerging communications tactics and channels, and a continuous learning mindset.
• Experience with reputation and issues management, crisis communications, and driving media and communications in support of policy and regulatory priorities at the federal, state and local levels.
• Experience in organizing, planning, and executing large-scale, multi-channel communications programs informed by audience segmentation.
• Recent media relations experience and existing media relationships with top-tier outlets.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong business and financial acumen. Experience with investor communications preferable.
• Digital fluency; experience using AI to develop and optimize communications a plus.
• Strong people leadership and influencing and negotiating skills.

As a People Leader at Altria, you are accountable for both results and the experience of your team. You drive alignment by connecting strategy to daily work, and you model collaboration by embracing diverse perspectives. By creating trust, offering feedback, and leading with authenticity, you help strengthen Altria’s culture and deliver meaningful outcomes.

The starting salary is based on but not limited to experience, knowledge, and qualifications in determining compensation decisions. The Salary Range for this position is: $174,700.00 - $305,650.00.

Why You’ll Love Building Your Career at Altria

At Altria, we believe a great career starts with feeling supported — both at work and in life. Here’s what you’ll find here:

• Work where life works for you — with flexible and remote options that fit your world, not the other way around.
• Own your time — start with 15 days of paid time off, 13 paid holidays, 2 floating holiday days, and a 37.5-hour workweek so you can recharge and live fully
• A place where you belong — where your ideas are welcomed, your growth is encouraged, and your impact is real
• Get recognized for your work – annual merit increases and performance bonus
• A future you can count on — 401(k) matching from day one; plus Deferred Profit Sharing, an annual company contribution in an amount equal to 13%-17% of your base salary
• Help with your goals — get help with student loan repayment assistance, attend a conference, or gain a new certification with professional development stipends
• Support for what matters most — comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family
• Celebrating your milestones — paid parental and bonding leave for life’s biggest moments.
• Wellness that goes beyond work — programs that care for your whole well-being at whatever stage you are in your life
• A culture that gives back — paid volunteer days and a shared commitment to making a difference

At Altria, we offer more than benefits — we offer a career that fits your life, rewards your ambition, and celebrates your impact.

This position is not eligible for sponsorship.