Communications Manager

Fortidia is seeking a Communications Manager to develop and execute internal and external communications strategies for our Lakewood, CO office. This hybrid role focuses on engaging several hundred independent franchise owners and their teams, as well as headquarters employees, customers, prospective owners, and the press. The role covers strategy, brand narrative development, messaging, and engagement across multiple audiences, including measurement and execution.

About the role

The Communications Manager acts as the strategic owner of communications for Fortidia US, responsible for building communication strategies, developing brand narratives, managing internal and external messaging, and driving engagement. You will work closely with franchise owners to test new formats and messages, ensuring communications are relevant and effective. The role involves both strategy and execution, including writing, production, and measurement.

The internal side focuses on building effective communications for busy franchise owners, using editorial judgment to shape messages and channels. The external side involves amplifying stories across three brands (AlphaGraphics, PostNet, and World Options) and building media relationships to highlight notable work and thought leadership.

Proficiency with AI tools is required to streamline workflows and maximize efficiency. The role reports to the VP of Marketing.

Responsibilities

• Build the communications strategy for Fortidia US aligned with business priorities and communicate the rationale behind strategic decisions.
• Define the narrative for each brand and ensure consistency across internal and external communications.
• Design the audience and channel strategy, including communication cadence and channel purpose.
• Establish communication metrics, measure effectiveness, and report results to leadership.
• Advise leadership on communication strategies related to growth, organizational change, and sensitive situations.
• Build and maintain a feedback loop with franchise owners through advisory groups and listening sessions.
• Test messaging and communication formats with franchise owners before broad distribution.
• Adapt communication plans quickly as business priorities evolve.
• Own the editorial calendar and manage the communications request process across departments.
• Own the communications calendar for franchise owners across all three brands, including what is communicated, to whom, and when.
• Write and produce newsletters, leadership updates, launch announcements, and other recurring communications.
• Segment communications to ensure franchise owners receive relevant and actionable information.
• Develop content featuring franchise owners, their successes, and best practices.
• Manage internal communications for headquarters employees, including company updates, leadership messages, and organizational announcements.
• Lead communications for major initiatives including annual conferences, product launches, and organizational changes.
• Monitor communication performance through engagement metrics and franchise owner feedback to continuously improve communication effectiveness.
• Develop and execute public relations strategies, including media outreach and relationship management.
• Build executive thought leadership through articles, speaking opportunities, podcasts, and award submissions.
• Develop stories highlighting franchise owner and customer successes for media and owned channels.
• Write and manage press releases, company announcements, and messaging for high-profile or sensitive situations.
• Partner with marketing and social media teams to maximize earned media opportunities across owned channels.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, English, or a related field.
• Excellent mastery of written and spoken English.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field with strong writing responsibilities.
• Experience leading internal and external communications programs, or significant experience in one with exposure to the other.
• Demonstrated success developing communications strategies and gaining leadership alignment.
• Experience defining communications metrics and reporting results to senior leadership.
• Experience working directly with franchise owners, field teams, dealers, members, or similar audiences.
• Media relations experience with a demonstrated track record of securing media coverage.
• Strong editorial judgment with the ability to write across multiple brand voices.
• Experience managing multiple brands and balancing competing stakeholder priorities.
• Proficiency with AI tools to streamline workflows and maximize efficiency.
• Franchise, multi-unit, or distributed network experience preferred.
• Crisis or issues communications experience preferred.
• Familiarity with email and communications platforms and interpreting engagement data preferred.
• Collaborative spirit, with appreciation of diverse perspectives.
• Bold, passionate, tenacious, and curious mindset, not afraid to explore new ideas and challenge the status quo.

Benefits

• Competitive health and welfare offerings, including medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid time off and volunteer time off.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Health Savings Accounts with company contribution.
• Opportunity for advancement.
• Parental leave.
• Training and development opportunities.
• Employee discounts.
• Flexible schedule.
• Free food and snacks.
• Company parties.
• Bonus based on performance.

Pay

$90,000–$110,000 gross annual salary + bonus.

Schedule

Hybrid: Work from home Monday and Friday, in-office Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.