Communications Manager, Strategic Communications

WD is building the infrastructure behind the AI-driven data economy. As AI scales, so does data. Every interaction, every model, every system generates data that must be stored, managed, and made accessible over time. That’s where we come in. We combine deep engineering expertise with global-scale manufacturing to deliver the storage systems that make AI possible, powering hyperscale data centers, cloud platforms, and enterprise infrastructure worldwide. This isn’t theoretical work. It’s real systems, at real scale, people solving some of the hardest challenges in technology today. We’re looking for people who want to build, solve, and operate at that level. Join us and let’s shape the future of data.

About the role

We are seeking a versatile and highly adaptable Communications Manager to join our Strategic Communications team. This role serves as a trusted utility player across the communications function, supporting high-priority initiatives, executive communications, major events, and emerging business needs. The ideal candidate is an experienced communications professional who can quickly step into a variety of projects, bring structure and clarity to complex initiatives, and help drive execution across multiple workstreams. This individual will partner closely with communications leaders and stakeholders throughout the company, providing both strategic and hands-on support wherever additional capacity or expertise is needed. Success in this role requires strong writing and messaging skills, exceptional project management capabilities, executive presence, sound judgment, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, constantly evolving environment.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Communications Support
  • Support communications initiatives across the Strategic Communications team, flexing between projects and priorities based on business needs.
  • Partner with communications directors to develop and execute communication strategies, plans, key messages, talking points, presentations, and executive materials.
  • Provide surge support for major initiatives, leadership communications, and high-priority announcements requiring additional capacity.
• Executive Communications & Leadership Engagement
  • Support executive presentations, keynotes, and leadership communications for internal and external events.
  • Develop key message documents, briefing materials, presentation content, and follow-up resources that ensure leaders communicate consistently across the organization.
  • Help translate complex business topics into clear, audience-appropriate messaging.
• Event Communications & Program Management
  • Serve as a connective point across major corporate events, leadership forums, and executive engagements.
  • Coordinate communications deliverables across multiple stakeholders to ensure alignment, consistency, and on-time execution.
  • Support event planning and communications execution, including content development, message frameworks, speaker preparation, and post-event communications. Examples may include company-wide meetings, leadership summits, employee events, executive offsites, and external speaking engagements.
• Content Development
  • Draft a wide range of communications materials, including:
    • Key message documents
    • Executive talking points
    • Presentation content
    • Internal communications
    • Leadership updates
    • Event communications
    • FAQs and communication toolkits
  • Ensure messaging aligns with company strategy, culture, and narrative priorities.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Partner with stakeholders across the business, including senior leaders, Human Resources, Operations, Legal, Product, Marketing, and Public Relations.
  • Build strong working relationships and establish credibility with leaders at all levels.
  • Help drive alignment across communications efforts and identify opportunities for greater consistency and coordination.

Requirements

• 7+ years of communications, corporate communications, executive communications, public relations, or related experience.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience developing executive presentations, talking points, and strategic messaging.
• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with senior leaders and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Proven ability to operate independently while maintaining attention to detail and delivering high-quality work under tight deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting executive leadership teams or senior executives.
• Experience supporting large-scale internal events, leadership meetings, or corporate communications programs.
• Background in technology, enterprise, or publicly traded companies.
• Experience working across both internal and external communications initiatives.

Key Attributes

• Adaptable and flexible; comfortable moving between projects and teams based on business priorities.
• Strategic thinker who can also execute and drive deliverables to completion.
• Strong collaborator who builds trust quickly.
• Resourceful, proactive, and solutions-oriented.
• Calm under pressure and comfortable navigating ambiguity.
• Capable of balancing multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.

Pay

The salary range is what we believe to be the range of possible compensation for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and this range is only applicable for jobs to be performed in California, Colorado, New York or remote jobs that can be performed in California, Colorado and New York. This range may be modified in the future. If your position is non-exempt, you are eligible for overtime pay pursuant to company policy and applicable laws. You may also be eligible for shift differential pay, depending on the shift to which you are assigned. You will be eligible to be considered for bonuses under either WD’s Short Term Incentive Plan (“STI Plan”) or the Sales Incentive Plan (“SIP”) which provides incentive awards based on Company and individual performance, depending on your role and your performance. You may be eligible to participate in our annual Long-Term Incentive (LTI) program, which consists of restricted stock units (RSUs) or cash equivalents, pursuant to the terms of the LTI plan. Please note that not all roles are eligible to participate in the LTI program, and not all roles are eligible for equity under the LTI plan. RSU awards are also available to eligible new hires, subject to WD's Standard Terms and Conditions for Restricted Stock Unit Awards.

Benefits

• Comprehensive package of benefits including:
  • Paid vacation time
  • Paid sick leave
  • Medical/dental/vision insurance
  • Life, accident and disability insurance
  • Tax-advantaged flexible spending and health savings accounts
  • Employee assistance program
  • Other voluntary benefit programs such as supplemental life and AD&D, legal plan, pet insurance, critical illness, accident and hospital indemnity
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Transit benefits
  • Applause Program
  • Employee stock purchase plan
  • WD Savings 401(k) Plan