Senior Communications Strategist

Calix

8d•Remote

About The Position

You’ll join a flourishing communications function— and you’ll help shape what it becomes. Calix is a fast-moving public company innovating cloud and AI broadband solutions that transform rural and regional communities, and how we tell that story is a core part of our impact. We hold storytelling to a high degree, and we take it very seriously. We love to craft a narrative that engages our customers, prospects, investors, and media. We’re seeking a strategic Senior Communications Specialist to elevate storytelling in external communications channels. Reporting to the Communications Director, you’ll serve as one of two primary writers for press releases, owning planning, strategy, and execution for one of our most visible channels. In addition to leading the press release program, you’ll architect integrated communications plans and partner with communications leadership to identify which stories have true media value — and how to tell them. You’ll help improve processes and raise the bar for how Calix shows up externally. The ideal candidate brings sharp strategic judgment, exceptional writing and editing skills, strong cross-functional communication ability, and the confidence and discipline to manage regular C-suite communications. This is a highly visible role that partners directly with some of the company’s most impactful leaders. If you love storytelling and want to help build a modern communications function in its next phase of growth, this role offers that opportunity.

Requirements

10–15 years of experience in communications, journalism, PR, or related fields (Bachelor’s degree required)
Proven experience supporting public-company or market-moving announcements
Strong business acumen with the ability to advise and collaborate directly with C-suite leaders
Extraordinary writing, editing, interviewing, and narrative development skills (journalistic instinct a must)
Experience shaping integrated communication programs across digital and traditional channels
Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects end-to-end under tight timelines and evolving priorities
Skilled in stakeholder management, cross-functional collaboration, and external partner communication
Ability to maintain confidentiality, composure, and sound judgment in sensitive or fast-moving situations

Responsibilities

Press Releases Lead the strategy, prioritization, and execution of the press release channel, personally owning end-to-end development—from story sourcing and cross-functional alignment to final publication.
Identify and evaluate stories across the organization (product marketing, field marketing, customer success, revenue leaders, and more), testing each concept’s strategic value to ensure it fits the channel and advances business priorities.
Conduct interviews with executives, customers, and partners as part of story development; this role includes external-facing conversations.
Draft and refine press releases and manage the full review cycle through C-suite approval, partnering with web, social, and design teams to finalize assets and ensure flawless execution across owned channels.
Support integrated communications strategy by understanding how each release contributes to broader media and marketing efforts, and analyze and report on channel performance quarterly to drive continuous improvement.
Integrated Communications Strategy Recommend integrated communication plans for major Calix announcements, including optimal sequencing and deployment of external channels (press releases, social, web, executive communications, etc.).
Assess channel audiences and advise on the right mix of touchpoints to maximize reach and impact.
Partner with internal communications and cross-functional teams when internal amplification is needed.
Maintain strong cross-functional relationships to ensure consistency, timeliness, and alignment across all communications.
Media Relations Support Support the media agency partnership in collaboration with communications leadership.
Serve as a liaison between the press release channel and the media team, helping identify which stories offer the strongest media value.
Coordinate with the agency on rollout logistics, including timing, narrative development, and execution for news announcements.
Additional Responsibilities Help refine and improve communications processes, policies, and workflows across the function.
Stay current on industry trends, competitive activity, and relevant news, using insights to inform communications storytelling strategy and keep Calix ahead of the curve.
Track campaign and initiative performance, bringing forward data-driven insights and recommendations.
Contribute to internal culture and communications efforts to keep employees informed, engaged, and aligned.