VP, Public Relations & Communications (USA-based)

D2L•Maryland City, MD

16h

About The Position

Reporting to the CMO, t he Vice President of Public Relations & Communications is a senior leader responsible for shaping and executing the organization’s global PR and communications strategy. This role will shape how we communicate our mission , values, AI leadership , and the global customer wins to the market . You'll oversee all aspects of public relations, media relations, awards, brand sentiment, and executive communications . This ro le will lead a high-performing team, manage agency relationships, and collaborate cross-functionally to ensure compelling messaging across all channels. How will I make an impact? Strategic Leadership Develop and implement a comprehensive PR and communications strategy aligned with corporate goals. Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on reputation management, crisis communications, and media relations. Oversee brand positioning and messaging to ensure consistency across earned, owned, and shared media. Public Relations & Media Build and maintain strong relationships with media outlets, journalists, and industry influencers. Drive proactive media outreach and secure high-impact coverage in top-tier publications. Manage press releases, media statements, and industry awards. Oversee executive speaking engagements and leadership presentation opportunities, with a particular focus on AI leadership. Crisis & Issues Management Develop and maintain crisis communication protocols. Act as spokesperson during critical situations and ensure timely, transparent communication. Coach executive leadership in crisis communications and rapid response situations. Team & Budget Management Recruit, mentor, and develop a high-performing PR and communications team. Manage budgets for PR campaigns, social media initiatives, and agency partnerships. Key Deliverables (3 - 6 Months): A clearly articulated, externally validated AI narrative and executive messaging platform A fully onboarded PR agency with defined KPIs, cadence, and senior ownership Scheduled speaking calendar with 8+ tier 1 executive keynotes secured Robust awards calendar with 6+ submissions complete At least one flagship AI announcement with meaningful media pickup Baseline SOV and impact tracking in place, demonstrating PR/Comms momentum

Requirements

Proven success in managing media relations, media strategies, and crisis communications.
Exceptional writing, storytelling, and presentation skills.
Strong analytical skills with experience using metrics to inform brand strategy.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and influence at senior levels.
Experience leading PR/Comms in a fast-paced SaaS environment.
Familiarity with AI narratives, media relations, social media marketing, and integrated communications strategies.

Nice To Haves

Global communications and reputation management experience is a plus.
Strong network of media and leadership contacts, with a preference for learning industry and/or AI experts.
Master’s preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement a comprehensive PR and communications strategy aligned with corporate goals.
Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on reputation management, crisis communications, and media relations.
Oversee brand positioning and messaging to ensure consistency across earned, owned, and shared media.
Build and maintain strong relationships with media outlets, journalists, and industry influencers.
Drive proactive media outreach and secure high-impact coverage in top-tier publications.
Manage press releases, media statements, and industry awards.
Oversee executive speaking engagements and leadership presentation opportunities, with a particular focus on AI leadership.
Develop and maintain crisis communication protocols.
Act as spokesperson during critical situations and ensure timely, transparent communication.
Coach executive leadership in crisis communications and rapid response situations.
Recruit, mentor, and develop a high-performing PR and communications team.
Manage budgets for PR campaigns, social media initiatives, and agency partnerships.