Director, Communications

About the role

The Culinary Media Group is seeking a Director, Communications to oversee the company’s communications and media relations strategies for America’s Test Kitchen (ATK), Food52 and any subsequent acquisitions. This supervisory role based in Brooklyn, NY reports to the Chief Executive Officer and will have a significant role in helping to shape the future of the company. The Director, Communications will formulate a long‑range communications plan to capitalize on ATK’s and Food52’s unique positions as pioneering brands in food and lifestyle media, and a leading producer of premium food content across TV, streaming, digital and social media, podcasts, magazines, cookbooks, and more.

Responsibilities

• Formulate a communications strategy that simultaneously raises visibility and brand perception of ATK and Food52 with new and existing audiences, while achieving micro‑level goals such as promoting TV shows, selling new books, and increasing subscriptions.
• Manage all interactions and requests with the media across TV, digital, and print platforms, including consumer‑facing and trade press.
• Develop and maintain a network of media contacts across national, local, and trade press, communicating regularly and proactively.
• Craft storylines and identify themes that support the company’s business goals.
• Strengthen media profiles for top and emerging on‑screen talent, securing appearances that align with strategic goals for each talent.
• Write and edit press releases, briefing documents, and select messaging for internal company communications.
• Serve as the primary communications spokesperson.
• Identify opportunities for management, business, and content teams to tell ATK and Food52 stories in target media outlets.
• Monitor press coverage and compile recurring clip packages documenting competitor placements, stories, and references in the media.
• Conduct regular competitive‑landscape analysis to monitor marketplace trends, industry best practices, and opportunities for differentiation.
• Collaborate closely with Marketing teams on brand positioning and communication strategies for varied audiences.
• Explore diverse ways to communicate ATK’s and Food52’s value, including lectures, cooking demos, and influencer interviews.
• Interact regularly with ATK and Food52 employees to understand their work and inform pitches and storylines.
• Develop fluency with ATK’s and Food52’s content to lead collaborations with talent on media appearance segments, scripts, and elements.
• Enhance ATK’s and Food52’s role as thought leaders and trusted information sources for media.
• Position ATK and Food52 for industry recognition, including submitting nominations for top food and media organization awards.

Qualifications

• At least 8–10 years of experience in communications and media/public relations.
• Experience as a manager and owner of a communications strategy.
• Proven success building and fostering relationships with the media.
• Prior experience in cooking/food communications preferred, but not required.
• Expertise in media public relations for television, magazines, books, and digital media.
• Track record of securing high‑impact placements that position companies/brands favorably.
• Strong understanding of social media and how to leverage platforms to enhance communications efforts.
• Superior attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple projects/requests simultaneously.
• Unparalleled verbal and written skills, with proficiency presenting ideas clearly and concisely.
• Strong analytical skills and understanding of how to measure the value of media placements.

Pay

Salary Range: $120,000 – $130,000. The actual salary offered will be determined based on factors such as relevant experience, job‑related knowledge, skills, geographical location, and other lawful considerations.

Schedule

Hybrid schedule of 3–4 days per week in the Brooklyn Navy Yard office, with regular trips to the Boston office.

About Culinary Media Group

Culinary Media Group is the leading authority in food media, comprising four iconic brands: America’s Test Kitchen, Food52, Cook’s Country, and Cook’s Illustrated. Together, we bring the full funnel of food media to life. Our mission is to make every day more delicious and meaningful through thoughtful content, curated products, and vibrant community experiences.