Communications & Strategic Initiatives Director

READER PRECISION SOLUTIONS•Elkhorn, WI

About The Position

The Director of Communications & Strategic Initiatives leads the strategic direction of Reader Precision Solutions’ brand, communications, public relations, and marketing, while strengthening alignment among executive leadership, internal teams, and external partners. The Director leads the marketing function, represents RPS with economic development, business, and industry organizations, and advances a portfolio of executive-assigned strategic initiatives from priority to completion. Working closely with the President, CEO, and department leaders, the Director translates company priorities into clear actions, ownership, and follow-through. The role coordinates with Human Resources, Education and Outreach, Client Relations, Operations, Engineering, and Finance while respecting each department’s responsibility for its own function. The Director reports to the President, works closely with the CEO, and directly supervises the Marketing Coordinator. The position is primarily office-based, with regular walking through production areas, offsite meetings and events, and occasional travel. The schedule is full-time and salaried exempt, generally Monday through Friday during standard business hours, with flexibility as needed. Early mornings, evenings, occasional weekend events, and overnight travel may be required based on business needs. The role may involve occasional lifting or moving of event, trade show, or office materials weighing up to 25 pounds. Reader Precision Solutions describes its guiding pillars as Innovation, Empowerment, Integrity, and Respect. The company is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Requirements

7+ years of experience in strategic communications, marketing, brand leadership, public relations, or organizational strategy.
2+ 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 is 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, and review results quarterly.
Ensure consistent messaging across client, workforce, community, industry, and internal audiences.
Position the Youth Apprenticeship program and RPS workforce development story as a core brand differentiator.
Lead executive communications, major company announcements, presentations, thought leadership, and public relations initiatives.
Manage marketing agencies, vendors, and freelancers to align their work with business priorities and 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.
Coordinate messaging, events, and shared opportunities with the Director of Education and Outreach, who owns student-related work, the Youth Apprenticeship program, and relationships with educators and career counselors at K-12 schools and technical colleges.
Maintain regular communication with key partners and identify opportunities for collaboration, visibility, and engagement.
Coordinate executive participation in relevant industry, workforce, education, and community initiatives, connecting 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 the 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 involving multiple functions.
Participate in leadership discussions about 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 to improve efficiency, knowledge sharing, and decision-making.
Lead, facilitate, or transition ownership of initiatives according to 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 bring them to completion.
Help the President and CEO prioritize their time around company priorities and key external commitments.
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.
Present the annual marketing plan and budget to the President each December and report the strategic initiative portfolio at every Leadership Alignment Meeting with a named owner and due date for each initiative.
Maintain documented contact with key external partners and active RPS participation in priority organizations; support consistent brand messaging and executive preparedness.