[Hiring] Director, External Relations @Andela

Role Description

Andela is looking for a dynamic and seasoned Director, External Relations to lead our Public Relations (PR) and Analyst Relations (AR) programs. This is a strategic, senior role for someone who thrives at the intersection of storytelling, market influence, and executive communications. You will shape how the world understands Andela’s mission, products, and market position — earning mindshare with journalists, industry analysts, and the broader technology ecosystem.

Reporting to the VP, Global Head of Marketing, you will own the full external relations function:

• Setting the strategy
• Managing external agencies
• Developing an internal team member
• Executing high-impact programs that build Andela’s credibility and visibility globally

You will serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership and a key connector between Andela and the analysts and media who shape perceptions in our market.

Exceptional Leadership

As an Andelan, you'll serve as a role model for the rest of the company:

• Low ego, low drama: You share credit, take blame, and appreciate better ideas.
• One team mentality: You break silos across teams and prioritize the company and mission.
• Great listener, hungry for feedback: You seek to improve and solicit diverse opinions.
• Owner, not renter: You take responsibility for problems and find solutions.
• Team-player: You collaborate proactively and engage in important details.
• Business problem solver: You approach your function through the lens of solving business problems.

Key Responsibilities

Public Relations

• Develop and execute Andela’s global PR strategy.
• Build and maintain relationships with key journalists, editors, and media outlets.
• Manage and direct PR agencies, setting clear goals and reviewing deliverables.
• Serve as a strategic communications advisor to the executive team.
• Oversee the development of press releases, bylines, op-eds, and media pitches.
• Track and report on earned media coverage.
• Manage crisis communications planning and response.

Analyst Relations

• Design and lead Andela’s analyst relations program.
• Develop and execute a tiered analyst engagement strategy.
• Manage Andela’s positioning in key analyst vendor evaluations and reports.
• Ensure analyst intelligence and market insights are socialized internally.
• Negotiate and manage contracts with analyst firms.
• Oversee Gartner Peer Insights and similar peer review programs.

Team & Agency Management

• Directly manage one full-time External Relations team member.
• Manage day-to-day relationships with PR and AR agencies.
• Build scalable processes, playbooks, and reporting frameworks.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Partner closely with Marketing, Product, Sales, and People teams.
• Support high-visibility moments such as product launches and industry events.
• Represent Andela at industry conferences and media events.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in corporate communications, public relations, and analyst relations.
• At least 3–5 years at the senior manager level.
• Demonstrated success running both PR and AR programs.
• Proven experience managing and growing external agencies and direct reports.
• Deep existing relationships with relevant technology media and/or industry analyst communities.
• Experience managing or supporting participation in major analyst reports.

Skills & Capabilities

• Strong project management skills.
• Strong executive presence and ability to influence C-suite stakeholders.
• Track record of building and scaling communications programs.
• Highly organized, data-driven, and comfortable managing multiple priorities.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

Location

While Andela is a fully remote organization, this role should be based in the United States or Canada; ability to travel periodically for industry events and team gatherings.