Principal, Product Executive Communications

Workday•Pleasanton, CA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

This is a role for someone who loves technology—and loves making it make sense. As a Principal, Product Executive Communications, you'll serve as the strategic communications partner to Workday's SVP, Product (Max Wessel)—a leader at the center of Workday's core HR, Finance and planning product strategy and vision for agentic HR and finance. Max plays a pivotal role in shaping and articulating how Workday's product portfolio delivers value to customers, partners, industries, and the market at large. You'll help define and amplify his voice across internal and external audiences—translating complex product and AI narratives into clear, compelling stories that resonate. You'll build an integrated communications platform that spans thought leadership, keynote content, internal messaging, and digital presence—and help prepare him for the moments that matter most, from product keynotes and company meetings to customer engagements, analyst briefings, and industry forums. This role reports to Workday's Senior Director of Executive Communications and partners very closely with the internal communication lead for Product & Technology, as well as the executive communications leads for Workday’s President of Product & Technology, CTO, and CIO. There will also be essential collaboration with many other parts of the marketing organization including PR, AR, IR, thought leadership, social media, event marketing, and customer advocacy teams. If you're genuinely excited about agentic AI, energized by technically complex ideas, want to be a prominent leader in building Workday’s innovation story, and desire working with a leader who is at the forefront of Workday's impact on the future of work, this role was built for you. This is a senior individual contributor role that requires someone who leads through influence and craft—comfortable operating without a team beneath them, and skilled at driving outcomes through relationships, expertise, and exceptional execution.

Requirements

At least 15 years of experience in corporate communications, executive communications, or a related role within a technology company
Demonstrated experience supporting senior product executives on communications strategy and messaging—both externally to the market and internally to a large organization
Demonstrable, in-depth knowledge of AI concepts—including generative and agentic AI—and SaaS trends and innovations, beyond general technology knowledge
Demonstrable ability to understand complex technology and translate it into compelling stories for a wide range of audiences, from technical experts to the general public
Proven experience developing executive presentations, keynotes, and speaking engagements, including storyline development, script writing, and guiding visuals
Exceptional writing and storytelling skills, with the ability to translate complex ideas into clear, engaging narratives across a broad spectrum of multimedia channels
Sophisticated, hands-on understanding of how, where, and why to use AI—with proven experience applying a range of tools to accelerate executive communications work and raise the quality of output

Nice To Haves

Sound knowledge of AI's growing presence in the enterprise, including how AI will impact the future of SaaS and work itself
Experience supporting product or technology leadership within an enterprise SaaS company
Proven ability to build trusted relationships with senior leaders and their teams
Strong judgment, executive presence, and high emotional intelligence
Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities, ambiguous briefs, and tight timelines in a fast-paced executive environment
Data-minded and metrics-oriented, with experience building out reports and metrics-based programs for executive communications
Experience collaborating across communications, marketing, and executive leadership teams
Innovative mindset with a focus on improving how organizations communicate with and engage audiences

Responsibilities

Serve as a trusted, strategic communications advisor to Workday's SVP, Product—helping shape and amplify his voice across internal and external audiences
Develop and drive integrated executive communications plans that span internal and external channels—built collaboratively with key business stakeholders, tied to measurable outcomes, and continuously tracked and refined to ensure they effectively deliver on Workday's product strategy and messaging priorities
Translate complex product strategy, AI innovation, and technology roadmap priorities into clear, compelling narratives for a wide range of audiences—from technical experts to business leaders and general audiences
Build a passion and knowledge for Workday’s HR, Finance and Planning applications, and their unique impact on industries worldwide, including Workday’s vision for agentic HR and Finance
Help simplify sophisticated concepts—including agentic AI, machine learning, and SaaS platform strategy—into messaging that is clear, relevant, and actionable for different audiences
Write and develop a wide range of executive communications, including presentations, keynote content, speaking remarks, thought leadership blogs, and leadership messaging across channels
Support major executive moments—including product keynotes, company meetings, town halls, customer events, analyst briefings, industry speaking opportunities, and executive conversations such as fireside chats and panel discussions
Own the LinkedIn strategy and content program for Workday's SVP, Product—building a consistent cadence of timely, high-impact posts that reflect his voice, amplify key product and AI moments, and extend Workday's market narrative, developed in close partnership with Workday's social team
Partner closely with executive leadership teams, chiefs of staff, and other key stakeholders to prepare the executive for high-impact communications moments
Collaborate closely with Employee Communications, PR and AR, Product Marketing, Marketing, and Events teams to ensure alignment across Workday's narrative
Partner with design teams to guide the development of compelling visuals and slides that enhance executive presentations and engage audiences