Director Corporate Communications

Ascend Learning, LLC•Burlington, OR

20h•Hybrid

About The Position

Ascend Learning is hiring now for a Director, Corporate Communications. For this Director position, we are looking for a senior level communications strategist to join our dynamic Corporate Communications team. This is a high-visibility, high-impact individual contributor and leader role. Reporting to the VP of Corporate Communications, the Director will serve as the team's senior PR and external communications lead — partnering with our PR agency, communications teammates and internal leaders, to develop stories, build enterprise-wide awareness, and drive thought leadership across our brand portfolio. This person will also own day-to-day management and execution of a robust internal corporate communications event calendar and help evolve the corporate brand website as a unified storytelling platform across our portfolio of brands. Success in this role requires someone who builds trust quickly with senior leaders, navigates complex internal and external relationships with confidence, and manages vendors and matrix partners with clarity and accountability. You are equally comfortable developing the plan and rolling up your sleeves to activate it.

Requirements

10+ years of progressive communications experience with significant and demonstrable depth in public relations and external communications, story development and connection between internal and external messaging strategy
Proven track record managing PR agency relationships and delivering measurable thought leadership, media presence, and brand impact
Experience in or alongside healthcare, professional services, or a similarly complex, regulated industry strongly preferred
Demonstrated ability to plan and manage internal leadership events with strategic content and communications components — from intimate executive gatherings to large-scale multi-day summits
Strong executive presence — comfortable building relationships with and advising C-suite and senior leaders
Skilled at navigating matrixed organizations and earning trust across independently operating business units
Proven ability to manage vendors, agencies, and freelancers across communications, events, and design
Digital communications experience, including content strategy and website development; familiarity with SEO/GEO a plus
Ability to adapt to workflow and work design changes and use of AI tools to create efficiency and innovative solutions
Exceptional writer and communicator across formats — thought leadership content, executive messaging, event narratives, and digital content
A builder's mindset: able to develop strategy and create structure in an environment that is actively evolving
Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple workstreams, deadlines, and stakeholders simultaneously with an eye for detail
Bachelor's degree in the field of Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field preferred; advanced degree a plus. Demonstrated experience and a track record of results in communications will be considered in lieu of formal education requirements

Responsibilities

Lead day-to-day partnership with our external PR agency, managing priorities, performance, and reporting
Partner across our corporate and healthcare brands to identify and elevate stories, leaders, and brand milestones
Translate internal insights into media opportunities, thought leadership, and award submissions
Build and execute external visibility and recognition strategies
Support executive speaking opportunities and crisis communications in partnership with the VP
Track, measure, and report PR impact to VP and with key stakeholders on a regular cadence
Own planning, content development and execution management for a robust portfolio of key internal leadership events (Town Halls, Leader Summit, leadership dinners, and leadership forums)
Develop event narratives that drive alignment, engagement, and culture
Manage internal stakeholders and external partners to deliver high-quality event experiences on time and on budget
Support the activation of broader Corporate Communication initiatives, campaigns, and announcements, and program launches
Maintain a centralized communications and events calendar
Partner with the VP to develop and articulate the corporate brand story across all brands
Lead the evolution of the corporate website, ensuring a cohesive and compelling brand presence
Drive website enhancements including GEO/SEO, and user experience improvements in coordination with internal and external design and technology resources
Establish editorial governance and content calendar to keep the site current, accurate and aligned to brand narrative in partnership with communications team
Partner with the VP on annual communications planning, narrative architecture, and priority setting
Develop communications plans and materials for key initiatives and major corporate moments
Partner on executive communications tied to business strategy
Serve as a trusted communications partner to cross-functional leaders