Vice President of PR & Corporate Communications

Reporting to the Chief Marketing Officer, the Vice President of PR & Corporate Communications will lead Workiva’s global communications function across external communications, public relations, product and crisis communications, public affairs, and executive communications
This leader will be responsible for building a modern communications engine that strengthens Workiva’s reputation, elevates executive visibility, and advances our position as a trusted global technology company
This is a highly cross-functional role that will partner closely with Marketing, Brand, People & Culture, Legal, Investor Relations, Product, Sales, Customer Experience, and the executive leadership team
The VP will lead a team of communications professionals and manage external agency partners to deliver proactive, integrated, and measurable communications programs
Lead Workiva’s Global Communications Strategy
Integrated Narrative Strategy: Develop and execute an integrated global strategy that translates company strategy, AI innovation, product value, regulatory trends, and customer momentum into compelling narratives
Executive & Internal Comms: Serve as trusted advisor to the CEO and leadership team. Build authentic executive thought leadership platforms, handle media prep, speechwriting, and executive social strategy. Partner with Internal Comms (People & Culture) so employees hear major news first
Operating Rhythms & Governance: Establish communications priorities, agency governance models, and measurable KPIs that align external storytelling with business outcomes
Own External Communications, Public Relations, and Reputation
PR & Media Management: Lead external communications, corporate announcements, media relations, awards, and thought leadership. Overseepress releases, briefing materials, and Q&A assets
Spokesperson & Brand Positioning: Serve as a senior company spokesperson when appropriate. Partner with Brand, Product Marketing, Customer Marketing, and CPX to amplify platform value and customer impact
Crisis Communications & Issues Readiness: Own crisis strategy in partnership with Legal, Security, People & Culture, IR, and CPX. Build playbooks, escalation paths, and scenario plans to provide calm, clear counsel during high-pressure events
Build Global Thought Leadership and Stakeholder Communications
Drive Global Thought Leadership & Reputation: Lead public affairs and strategic communications strategies to build Workiva’s global reputation, connecting the brand to high-impact global forums (e.g., Davos, UN) and core topics like trust, sustainability, and responsible innovation
Elevate Executive & Stakeholder Engagement: Define and execute high-visibility positioning for C-suite leaders—specifically the CEO and CFO—identifying strategic convenings, partnerships, and platform opportunities to expand external influence
Align Partnerships & Cross-Functional Messaging: Partner across the organization to integrate public and private partnerships into Workiva’s corporate narrative, ensuring cohesive messaging and brand alignment without direct lobbying responsibilities
Lead Executive Communications and Executive Social
Advise Executive Leadership: Serve as trusted communications advisor to the CEO and leadership team to build differentiated thought leadership platforms
Develop C‑Suite Content: Write executive speeches, keynotes, social content, and event narratives tied to major company announcements, financial milestones, and earnings moments
Prep Leaders for Key Moments: Brief and media‑train executives for press interviews, industry events, customer keynotes, and Board communications
Lead Crisis Communications and Issues Readiness
Lead Crisis Strategy & Counsel: Drive Workiva’s global crisis response strategy, providing calm, timely guidance to C‑suite leaders during high-pressure situations
Build Preparedness Infrastructure: Develop and maintain crisis playbooks, escalation paths, scenario plans, and messaging frameworks to ensure rapid response
Coordinate Cross-Functional Alignment: Partner with Legal, Security, People, IR, and external agencies to deliver coordinated, legally sound, and values‑aligned communications
Build and Lead a High-Performing Team
Lead & Develop the Team: Direct a team of 3–5 communications professionals plus external agencies, fostering a high-performance, inclusive, and accountable culture
Optimize Team Operations: Define clear goals, priorities, and an operating model that balances proactive storytelling, executive support, and daily execution
Manage Agency Performance: Oversee global agency relationships and contractors to maximize strategic ROI, execution quality, and measurable outcomes
The ideal candidate brings deep experience in B2B SaaS, global communications, and high-growth public company environments, with a proven ability to translate complex business, technology, regulatory, and market themes into clear narratives that inspire action and build trust
15+ years of progressive communications experience, including senior leadership experience in B2B SaaS, enterprise technology, or a similarly complex global business
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
Proven track record leading enterprise communications in a $1B+ revenue public or late-stage global B2B SaaS company
Exceptional business acumen and gravitas, with a history of serving as a peer advisor to CEOs, CFOs, and Board members
Strong grasp of B2B SaaS growth drivers, enterprise sales motions, investor expectations, and public market requirements
Cultivated, senior-level relationships across top-tier business, financial, and tech media, with a proven ability to shape high-level coverage
Demonstrated experience building public affairs programs and positioning leaders at premier global convenings
Experience establishing communications KPIs that tie public relations, public affairs, and executive positioning directly to corporate strategy and ROI
Proven command in navigating complex corporate crises, regulatory shifts, or sensitive reputational issues with calm, authoritative judgment

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