Internal Communications Manager

Graco manufactures and markets premium equipment to move, measure, control, dispense and spray a wide variety of fluid and powder materials. What does that mean? Well, we pump peanut butter into your jar, and the oil in your car. We glue the soles of your shoes, the glass in your windows and the screen on your phone. We spray the finish on your vehicle, coatings on your pills, the paint on your house and texture on your walls. Graco is part of your daily life.

This role is currently based at our Minneapolis office and will transition to our new headquarters in Dayton, MN, in 2027.

The Internal Communications Manager is responsible for managing global internal communications programs that connect employees to the company's strategy, culture, and business. Through executive communications, channel management, and cross-functional partnership, this role drives organizational alignment, supports change initiatives and communications that enable employees to be informed, engaged and empowered to contribute to business success. 

Essential qualities for success in this position include a collaborative nature, flawless execution, exceptional writing skills, strong interpersonal skills, and the flexibility to adapt effectively and quickly to changing priorities. 

What You Will Do at Graco

Communications Strategy and Content Execution

• Develop and execute global internal communications plans that align employees understanding with company priorities 

• Govern enterprise communication channels, including the intranet, employee email platforms, and digital communication displays 

• Establish and maintain communication frameworks, editorial standards, processes and approval workflows 

• Create clear, compelling, and audience-focused communications content across multiple channels and formats 

• Develop and manage enterprise communication calendars, campaigns and messaging plans to ensure alignment and coordination across the organization 

• Partner with HR, IT, Finance, Operations and other business functions to develop and execute enterprise communications  

• Collaborate with brand, digital, PR and social media teams to ensure alignment between internal and external messaging 

• Leverage artificial intelligence tools and AI agents to enhance internal communications effectiveness by generating ideas, drafting and editing content, personalizing messaging, and analyzing engagement data, while maintaining editorial quality, brand standards, and strategic human oversight. 

• Champion the adoption of AI across internal communications by identifying high-value use cases, developing team best practices, creating reusable prompts and agents, automating routine work, and applying AI to improve the speed, quality, reach, and effectiveness of employee communications 

Executive Support, Change Management and Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as a communications advisor to senior leaders, providing guidance on messaging, audience strategy, timing, tone and communication channels 

• With the Senior Manager of Internal Communications, managing communication planning and execution for key business initiatives, organizational changes, enterprise programs and major company announcements 

• Develop and manage executive communications, including messaging, speeches, presentations, and video  

• Support enterprise change management initiatives through communication planning, stakeholder alignment and execution 

Internal Event Support & Performance Measurement

• Manage communications planning and delivery for enterprise events, town halls, leadership forums and significant company milestones 

• Evaluate communication effectiveness through analytics, feedback and stakeholder insights, and implement continuous improvements 

• Develop and enhance communication tools, systems and processes that improve scalability, efficiency and employee communication effectiveness 

What You Will Bring to Graco

•  B.A. degree in communications, public relations or related field.  

• 7+ years’ progressive experience in corporate or internal communications. 

• Experience in designing and implementing corporate communications programs, preferably within a global business context. 

• Project manager experience with a proven track record of delivering results-driven communications programs, initiatives and results 

• Success in working collaboratively with multiple cross-functional teams on simultaneous projects 

• A sense of urgency and decisiveness, along with sound problem-solving and negotiating skills 

• Excellent interpersonal skills, with demonstrated ability to support executive leaders and working collaboratively with multifunctional teams on multiple projects simultaneously.  

• Demonstrated ability to stay current with industry trends and apply best practices to communications and branding. 

• Ability to effectively convey complex information, ideas and concepts to a broad employee audience to drive awareness, engagement, understanding and action. 

• Demonstrated proficiency using generative AI and workflow automation tools (e.g., Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT, AI assistants, and agent-based automation platforms) to improve communication quality, increase productivity, streamline processes, and support data-driven communications strategies in a corporate environment.  

#LI-Hybrid

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a permanent and unrestricted basis. This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship now or in the future (e.g., H-1B, TN, E-3, O-1, L-1, or employment-based permanent residence sponsorship). Candidates working under temporary employment authorization, including F-1 OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, or similar programs, are not eligible for this position.

At Graco, you truly make a difference. Your unique talents contribute to our organizational growth and future. Not only do you make a difference, but Graco’s culture empowers employees to create their own career path. Whether you choose to advance within your current department or explore new opportunities in different divisions, you have the ability to build your future. Our managers are here to provide support and guidance as you continue to grow within your career.

Graco has excellent opportunities available to individuals who want to be part of a fast-moving, growing company that is committed to quality, innovation and solving fluid handling problems for our customers. Graco is proud to be named a Best Place to Work by Fortune Magazine in 2016, 2018, 2019, 2021 & 2022. Graco offers attractive compensation, benefits and career development opportunities. Graco’s comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, stock purchase plan, 401(k), tuition reimbursement and more.

Our company uses E-Verify to confirm the employment and eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify.

The base pay range for this position is listed below, exclusive of fringe benefits or other compensation.  If you are hired, your final base hourly rate will be determined based on factors such as geographic location, skills, competencies, education, and/or experience.  In addition to those factors, we will also consider internal equity of our current employees.  Please keep in mind that the range provided is the full base salary range for the role.  Hiring at or near the maximum of the range would not be typical to allow for future and continued salary growth.