VP, Public Relations & Communications

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

What You’ll Bring To The Role

• 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.
• Global communications and reputation management experience is a plus.

Suggested Qualifications/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or related field; Master’s preferred.
• 12+ years of progressive experience in PR and strategic communications, including leadership roles.
• Strong network of media and leadership contacts, with a preference for learning industry and/or AI experts.

Why We're Awesome

At D2L, we are dedicated to providing you with the tools to do the best work of your life. While some of our perks and benefits may vary depending on location or employment type, we are proud to provide employees with the following:

• Impactful work transforming the way the world learns
• Flexible work arrangements
• Learning and Growth opportunities
• Tuition reimbursement of up to $4,000 CAD for continuing education through our Catch the Wave Program
• 2 Paid Days off for Catch the Wave related activities like exams or final assignments
• Employee wellbeing (Access to mental health services, EFAP program, financial planning and more)
• Retirement planning
• 2 Paid Volunteer Days
• Competitive Benefits Package
• Home Internet Reimbursements
• Employee Referral Program
• Wellness Reimbursement
• Employee Recognition
• Social Events
• Dog Friendly Offices at our HQ in Kitchener, Winnipeg, Vancouver and Melbourne.

Key skills/competency

• Public Relations Strategy
• Media Relations
• Crisis Communications
• Executive Communications
• Brand Positioning
• AI Narrative Development
• Team Leadership
• Agency Management
• SaaS Communications
• Reputation Management