[Hiring] Vice President of PR & Corporate Communications @Workiva Inc.

Role Description

Workiva is looking for a strategic, high impact, and business-minded communications leader to shape and scale how we tell the Workiva story to the audiences that matter most. 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. 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.

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.

What You’ll Do

• Lead Workiva’s Global Communications Strategy
  • Develop and execute an integrated global strategy that translates company strategy, AI innovation, product value, regulatory trends, and customer momentum into compelling narratives.
  • 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.
  • Establish communications priorities, agency governance models, and measurable KPIs that align external storytelling with business outcomes.
• Own External Communications, Public Relations, and Reputation
  • Lead external communications, corporate announcements, media relations, awards, and thought leadership. Oversee press releases, briefing materials, and Q&A assets.
  • Serve as a senior company spokesperson when appropriate. Partner with Brand, Product Marketing, Customer Marketing, and CPX to amplify platform value and customer impact.
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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
  • Serve as trusted communications advisor to the CEO and leadership team to build differentiated thought leadership platforms.
  • Write executive speeches, keynotes, social content, and event narratives tied to major company announcements, financial milestones, and earnings moments.
  • Brief and media-train executives for press interviews, industry events, customer keynotes, and Board communications.
• Lead Crisis Communications and Issues Readiness
  • Drive Workiva’s global crisis response strategy, providing calm, timely guidance to C-suite leaders during high-pressure situations.
  • Develop and maintain crisis playbooks, escalation paths, scenario plans, and messaging frameworks to ensure rapid response.
  • 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
  • Direct a team of 3–5 communications professionals plus external agencies, fostering a high-performance, inclusive, and accountable culture.
  • Define clear goals, priorities, and an operating model that balances proactive storytelling, executive support, and daily execution.
  • Oversee global agency relationships and contractors to maximize strategic ROI, execution quality, and measurable outcomes.

Qualifications

• 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.

Requirements

• 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.
• Proven command in navigating complex corporate crises, regulatory shifts, or sensitive reputational issues with calm, authoritative judgment.
• Experience establishing communications KPIs that tie public relations, public affairs, and executive positioning directly to corporate strategy and ROI.

Travel Requirements & Working Conditions

• Travel is expected up to 25% for executive meetings, company moments, media opportunities, industry events, team connection, and strategic stakeholder engagements.
• Reliable internet access for any period of time working remotely and not in a Workiva office.

Benefits

• Salary range in the US: $266,000.00 - $345,700.00.
• A discretionary bonus typically paid annually.
• Restricted Stock Units granted at time of hire.
• 401(k) match and comprehensive employee benefits package.