Vice President of PR & Corporate Communications, Workiva

• 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

Desirable

• 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