Director, Public Relations & Communications

General Description:

The Director, Public Relations & Communications, is responsible for leading the execution and ongoing evolution of D2L’s global PR and communications strategy. This role will shape how we communicate our mission, values, AI leadership, and the global customer win to the market. The Director leads public relations, media relations, awards, brand sentiment, and executive communications, translating corporate priorities into integrated communications programs. This role will lead a high-performing team, manage agency relationships, and collaborate cross-functionally to ensure compelling messaging across all channels. The successful candidate will bring practical experience using artificial intelligence to improve the speed, quality, insight, and impact of all communications work.

Major Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute PR and communications plans aligned with the broader corporate and Marketing strategy.
• Provide strategic communications counsel to senior and executive leaders on reputation management, crisis communications, and media relations.
• Apply AI to monitor potential brand reputation risks, misinformation, sensitive issues, and changes in public conversation.

Public Relations & Media

• Use generative AI to accelerate research, story development, media pitches, executive briefs, speeches, thought leadership, Q&As, LLM brand visibility, and campaign content.
• 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 in learning.

Crisis & Issues Management

• Develop and maintain crisis communication protocols.
• Support or act as a company spokesperson, as appropriate, during critical situations and ensure timely, transparent communication.
• Prepare and coach senior and executive leaders for crisis communications, media engagement, and rapid response situations.

Team & Budget Management

• Recruit, mentor, and develop a high-performing PR and communications team.
• Manage PR and communications budgets, agency partnerships, and resources to deliver against priorities and measurable outcomes.
• Identify, evaluate, and implement emerging AI tools that improve communications operations without compromising editorial quality or brand trust.

Competencies:

• 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. 
• Demonstrated experience integrating AI into PR, corporate communications, media relations, executive communications, content development, or communications analytics.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and influence at senior levels.

Skills:

• Experience leading PR/Comms in a fast-paced SaaS environment. 
• Familiarity with AI narratives, media relations, social media marketing, and integrated communications strategies. 
• Global communications and reputation management experience is a plus.

Key Deliverables (3 - 6 Months):

• Working with the VP of Corporate Marketing, establish executive messaging with strategies for activation across all PR/Comms channels.
• A fully onboarded PR agency with defined KPIs, cadence, and senior ownership 
• Scheduled speaking calendar with 4+ tier 1 executive keynotes secured
• Robust awards calendar with 4+ in-depth submissions complete 
• At least two flagship AI announcements with meaningful media pickup 
• Baseline SOV and impact tracking in place, demonstrating PR/Comms momentum

Suggested Qualifications/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or related field; Master’s preferred. 
• 10+ years of progressive experience in PR and strategic communications, including experience in B2B and leading teams and complex communications programs.
• Strong network of media and leadership contacts, with a preference for learning industry and/or AI experts.
• Demonstrated experience developing and executing integrated communications programs with measurable business and reputation outcomes.
• Experience partnering across functions and geographies in a global or multi-market organization is strongly preferred.