Head of External Communications

SPS Commerce • Minneapolis, MN

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

SPS Commerce is a leading provider of cloud-based supply chain management solutions, serving a global network of retail trading partners. We foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment where innovation and continuous improvement are highly valued. Join SPS Commerce and be part of a dynamic team that's transforming the global retail supply chain! As the Head of External Communications on our Brand Marketing team, you will own the day-to-day operations of SPS Commerce's Public Relations and Analyst Relations programs. You'll also serve as the people manager for the Sr. Social Media Manager and Influencer Marketing Manager, ensuring social media and user generated content (UGC) strategies stay aligned with and reinforce SPS’ broader external communications priorities. Reporting to the Head of Brand Marketing, you'll shape and protect SPS's reputation with media, industry analysts, and the broader retail supply chain community. This role calls for a skilled storyteller and relationship builder who can translate complex supply chain and technology topics into compelling narratives, manage a busy media and analyst cadence, and serve as a trusted advisor to internal stakeholders and executives.

Requirements

• 5-7 years of experience in public relations, analyst relations, or corporate communications, ideally within a B2B technology, SaaS, or supply chain environment
• Demonstrated experience building and managing relationships with industry analysts including Gartner, Forrester, and IDC, and coordinating briefings, inquiries, and report submissions
• Established media relationships and a track record of securing earned media coverage in trade, business, or technology press
• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills with the ability to translate complex or technical topics into clear, compelling narratives for media and analyst audiences
• Experience managing external PR and AR agencies, including budget oversight and quality control of deliverables
• Sound judgment in navigating sensitive topics, reactive media situations, and time-critical issues with the ability to remain calm and clear under pressure
• Proven ability to influence senior executives and stakeholders with messaging and content, and experience presenting to senior audiences
• Proficiency with media monitoring and analytics tools, with the ability to translate coverage and sentiment data into actionable insights
• Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders simultaneously
• Experience partnering with executives to prepare for interviews, briefings, and speaking opportunities
• Prior experience managing or mentoring direct reports with a demonstrated ability to coach, develop, and motivate team members while maintaining accountability for shared goals

Responsibilities

• Own and execute SPS's day-to-day public relations program in partnership with our PR agency, including media strategy, proactive story pitching, reactive media response, and executive visibility initiatives
• Co-manage ongoing relationships with industry analysts including Gartner, Forrester, and IDC — scheduling and attending briefings, managing briefing documents, recording outcomes, and coordinating analyst inputs into research reports, rankings, and market landscape placements
• Serve as a primary point of contact for reporters and trade press, managing inbound media inquiries, coordinating interviews, and reviewing press release drafts, briefing documents, and talking points
• Partner with Marketing, Investor Relations, Internal Communications, Product, Legal, and executive stakeholders to ensure PR and AR activity is coordinated, accurate, and reflects a consistent company narrative across all external touchpoints
• Manage relationships with external PR agency and vendors, guiding day-to-day execution, monitoring deliverables against budget, and ensuring output aligns with brand voice and messaging guidelines
• Track and report on PR and AR performance metrics including media coverage, share of voice, sentiment, and analyst positioning, using data-driven insights to continuously refine program strategy
• Lead, coach, and develop the Sr. Social Media Manager and Influencer Marketing Manager through regular feedback, career development support, and clear priorities that keep social media and UGC execution aligned with broader external communications goals
• Support the development of holding statements, FAQs, and response plans for sensitive or time-critical issues, coordinating with Legal and leadership as needed

Benefits

• health, dental, vision, disability and life insurance
• paid time-off
• 401(k)
• health and flexible spending accounts
• stock purchase plan

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed