Director, Segment Communications

Covista•Chicago, IL

9h•Hybrid

About The Position

This role sits within Covista’s Corporate Affairs team and reports to the Senior Director, Segment Communications. You’ll lead communications strategy and execution across two interconnected mandates: Walden University as an institution, and initiatives spanning marketing, digital, and innovation across Covista’s portfolio under the Office of the Chief Growth & Innovation Officer. This includes a significant executive communications component, supporting a high-profile leader operating at the enterprise level. As part of Corporate Affairs, you’ll have access to proprietary research assets, visibility into enterprise strategy, and a seat at the table where reputation is built and protected. Set direction and lead execution for communications supporting Walden University, the CGIO’s enterprise mandate, and executive visibility for senior leadership. You’ll serve as a trusted advisor, connect institutional and enterprise narratives, and drive a proactive earned media and executive visibility program — while ensuring internal stakeholders remain informed and aligned. This role requires a strategic thinker who can translate complex priorities into clear stories, counsel executives with confidence, and deliver high-quality work across a fast-moving portfolio.

Requirements

10+ years of experience in communications, public relations, or a related field
5+ years in a leadership role with direct ownership of communications strategy
Demonstrated experience building and executing earned media programs with measurable results
Proven track record supporting C-suite executives with broad enterprise mandates
Experience developing executive thought leadership programs across media, speaking, podcast, and social platforms
Background collaborating with marketing organizations to integrate earned and paid/owned strategies
Experience managing issues and crisis communications, including cross-functional stakeholder coordination
Strategic communications planning that connects institutional storytelling to enterprise growth priorities
Strong media relations instincts — builds reporter relationships, not just pitches
Exceptional writing across formats: press releases, op-eds, executive talking points, board narratives, and social content
Experienced preparing and advising senior leaders across media, broadcast, podcast, and speaking formats
Counsels senior leaders with confidence and candor; builds trust across the institution and enterprise
Identifies connection points across institutional and enterprise priorities rather than siloing them
Knows when to move quickly and when to hold — especially around claims, spokesperson readiness, and announcement timing
Familiarity with AI tools and their application to communications workflows

Nice To Haves

Higher education, healthcare, or professional services experience preferred

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary communications partner to the Chief Growth & Innovation Officer and President of Walden University, supporting both institutional and enterprise-level communications needs
Develop and manage a proactive executive visibility program spanning earned media placements, op-eds, podcast appearances, conference speaking, and LinkedIn thought leadership
Prepare the CGIO and key faculty for media interviews, broadcast formats, and public appearances through structured briefings and message development
Identify and pursue speaking opportunities at priority industry conferences; develop abstracts and oversee submission logistics
Connect the executive narrative across growth, innovation, and AI/digital themes central to the CGIO mandate while maintaining Walden’s distinct institutional voice
Own and drive Walden’s earned media strategy, building the institution’s reputation among key audiences in higher education, healthcare workforce, and adult learning
Develop and advance communications narratives that support the CGIO’s enterprise mandate — including the convergence of marketing, digital innovation, and AI in education
Build and manage a portfolio of media relationships with reporters, editors, and producers across higher education, business, workforce development, and AI/technology in learning
Develop media materials including key messages, press releases, media briefings, and spokesperson talking points
Leverage proprietary research assets, including the Covista Care Capacity Monitor, to develop localized, data-driven pitches that differentiate Walden and advance Covista’s healthcare workforce narrative
Identify connection points across institutional and enterprise priorities, integrating Walden’s story into broader Covista campaigns where appropriate
Oversee issues and crisis communications in partnership with the Public Affairs team, including drafting response statements and coordinating with legal and academic affairs as needed
Partner with marketing — now unified under the CGIO — to integrate earned media into broader growth and student engagement strategies
Partner with Alumni Engagement and Student Affairs to identify and prepare alumni and student spokespeople for media opportunities
Establish and track segment communications metrics including media coverage quality, message pull-through, and share of voice, using data and insights to continuously optimize strategy
Lead communications strategy for Walden town halls, all-colleague meetings, and institutional leadership briefings
Support internal announcement drafting and colleague communications tied to segment news, milestones, and institutional updates
Develop board-level segment updates, presentation narratives, and leadership talking points
Partner with stakeholders across academic affairs, student success, and enrollment to surface stories and maintain a consistent segment narrative