Communications & Strategic Initiatives Director

Reader Precision Solutions•Elkhorn, WI

18h

About The Position

The Director of Communications & Strategic Initiatives leads the strategic direction of Reader Precision Solutions' brand, communications, and marketing, while strengthening alignment between executive leadership, internal teams, and external partners. The role leads the marketing function, represents RPS with economic development, business, and industry organizations, and coordinates a portfolio of strategic initiatives from executive priority through completion. The Director works closely with the President, CEO, and department leaders to translate company priorities into clear actions, ownership, and follow-through, while respecting each department's functional responsibilities. The position partners with Human Resources, Education and Outreach, Client Relations, Operations, Engineering, and Finance to align messaging, partnerships, and initiatives with business strategy. It reports to the President and works closely with the CEO. The Marketing Coordinator reports directly to the Director. The position provides leadership, coaching, mentoring, and development for the Marketing Coordinator, including performance standards, evaluations, feedback, and career development support. This is a full-time, salaried exempt, benefits-eligible role, following a Monday-through-Friday core schedule during standard business hours, with flexibility as needed. Early morning, evening, and occasional weekend events and overnight travel may be required based on business needs. The work is primarily office-based, with regular walking through production areas and attendance at offsite meetings and events. Occasional travel and occasional lifting or moving of event, trade show, or office materials weighing up to 25 pounds may be required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

Requirements

7 or more years of experience in strategic communications, marketing, brand leadership, public relations, or organizational strategy.
2 or more years of experience leading people, agency teams, or cross-functional projects.
Strong understanding of manufacturing, industrial, or business-to-business environments.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with executive leadership and cross-functional teams.
Excellent writing, presentation, and relationship management skills.
Experience managing external partners, vendors, industry associations, or community organizations.
Ability to manage multiple strategic priorities while maintaining clarity, discretion, and follow-through.
Working knowledge of AI-supported business tools and emerging technologies.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead the strategic direction of the RPS brand, communications, public relations, and marketing priorities.
Develop and manage the annual marketing plan and budget, subject to approval by the President.
Ensure consistent messaging across client, workforce, community, industry, and internal audiences.
Position the Youth Apprenticeship program and the RPS workforce development story as core brand differentiators.
Lead executive communications, major company announcements, presentations, thought leadership, and public relations initiatives.
Manage marketing agencies, vendors, and freelancers to ensure their work supports business priorities and delivers measurable results.
Oversee trade show and event strategy, including planning, budgets, staffing, and post-event follow-up.
Represent RPS with economic development, business, and industry organizations, including local chambers of commerce, WCEDA, and WMC and its WDIC group.
Partner with the Director of Education and Outreach to coordinate messaging, events, and shared opportunities related to students, the Youth Apprenticeship program, and educator and career counselor relationships.
Maintain regular communications with key partners and identify opportunities for collaboration, visibility, and engagement.
Coordinate executive participation in relevant industry, workforce, education, and community initiatives.
Connect external partnerships to workforce development, recruiting, reputation, and long-term company priorities.
Represent Reader Precision Solutions professionally in external meetings, events, and partnership discussions.
Serve as a liaison between the President, CEO, and department leaders to translate executive priorities into actions, owners, and timelines.
Maintain visibility across a strategic initiative portfolio assigned by the President, reviewed quarterly, and report its status at Leadership Alignment Meetings.
Coordinate interdepartmental dependencies, decisions, and follow-up for initiatives crossing multiple functions.
Participate in leadership discussions related to strategic priorities, organizational planning, and annual strategic planning.
Support the introduction of structured goal-setting, accountability, and business planning practices as the organization grows.
Support the AI Council and responsible adoption of AI and other tools that improve efficiency, knowledge sharing, and decision-making.
Lead, facilitate, or transition ownership of initiatives based on organizational needs.
Prepare briefing materials, talking points, agendas, and background information for key client, employee, industry, community, and partner interactions.
Track executive priorities, decisions, and commitments requiring follow-up and help move them to completion.
Help the President and CEO prioritize their time around company priorities and key external commitments.
Improve visibility and continuity across executive priorities without replacing functional department ownership.
Provide leadership, coaching, mentoring, and development for the Marketing Coordinator.
Establish expectations, goals, and performance standards for the marketing function; conduct performance evaluations, provide ongoing feedback, and address performance concerns as necessary.
Support skill development, cross-training, and career growth within the marketing function.
Lead by example through active engagement, visibility, and participation across the facility.