Sr. Director, Communications, Popeyes US&C

Core Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary communications advisor to the Popeyes President and Executive Leadership Team, helping shape messaging, business priorities and strategic communications plans.
• Develop executive communications for high-profile moments, including franchisee and leadership meetings, earnings support, annual Convention, Town Halls, media interviews, speaking engagements, and organizational announcements.
• Partner closely with Investor Relations and senior leadership to align earnings messaging and executive scripts with broader business strategy and brand positioning.
• Provide communications counsel during sensitive business decisions, organizational changes, and complex stakeholder situations.

Enterprise Communications Strategy

• Develop and execute an integrated communications strategy across internal, franchisee, restaurant and external audiences.
• Translate complex business initiatives into clear, compelling communications that drive understanding, engagement and execution.
• Ensure consistent messaging across all communication channels while strengthening the Popeyes brand narrative.
• Simplify complex information into clear, actionable messaging for diverse audiences.

Franchisee & Restaurant Communications

• Lead the communications strategy for Popeyes franchisees and restaurant leaders across approximately 4,000 restaurants throughout the U.S. and Canada.
• Oversee key franchisee communication channels including annual Convention, Franchise Board meetings, Roadshows, webcasts, newsletters, system updates, and operational communications.
• Partner with Operations, Marketing, Technology, Supply Chain, Finance, and other cross-functional teams to support successful business initiatives and drive franchisee engagement.

Internal Communications & Employee Engagement

• Lead internal communications strategy to connect employees to business priorities, strengthen organizational culture, and reinforce the Popeyes vision.
• Develop executive communications, organizational announcements and employee engagement initiatives that build alignment across Restaurant Support Centers and field teams.
• Identify new communication channels and technologies that improve employee engagement and effectiveness.

Public Relations & Brand Reputation

• Lead corporate communications and public relations strategy in partnership with Marketing and external agency partners.
• Drive proactive storytelling, executive thought leadership, corporate announcements, and reputation-building initiatives.
• Support major product launches, business announcements, and strategic initiatives through integrated communications planning.

Crisis & Issues Management

• Lead communications planning and response for crisis situations and sensitive business issues.
• Partner with Legal, Operations, Human Resources, and executive leadership to provide timely communications guidance that protects the Popeyes brand and minimizes business risk.
• Maintain crisis communication plans, messaging frameworks, and response processes.

Team Leadership & Operational Excellence

• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing communications team across franchisee communications, internal communications, and public relations.
• Manage external agency partners, budgets, and communications vendors to maximize effectiveness and return on investment.
• Establish communications KPIs, measure channel performance, and continuously improve communications based on audience insights and business outcomes.
• Champion innovation by leveraging AI and emerging technologies to improve content development, reporting, team efficiency, and communications effectiveness.

Education And Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or related field.
• 15+ years of progressive communications experience, preferably within the restaurant, retail, hospitality or consumer industries.
• Experience supporting senior executives and developing executive communications for high-visibility business moments.
• Strong understanding of franchise business models and multi-unit operations preferred.
• Exceptional writing, editing and storytelling skills with the ability to tailor messaging for diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to influence senior leaders and provide strategic communications counsel.
• Experience leading public relations, crisis communications, and reputation management initiatives.
• Proven success leading cross-functional projects in complex, fast-paced organizations.
• Strong people leadership experience with a track record of developing high-performing teams.
• Experience using data and audience insights to evaluate communications effectiveness and inform strategy.
• Passion for innovation and leveraging emerging technologies, including AI, to improve communications and team effectiveness.