Senior Communications Strategist

Job Purpose

The Senior Communications Strategist serves as a trusted communications leader, developing and executing integrated communications strategies that strengthen the Groundworks brand, drive business growth, protect the company's reputation, and engage employees.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Develop and execute integrated communications strategies that support enterprise initiatives, business priorities, organizational change, and brand objectives.

• Partner with executive leadership and cross-functional stakeholders to recommend communication approaches, messaging priorities, timing, and channel strategy.

• Anticipate communication needs and proactively develop solutions that improve organizational alignment and engagement.

• Ensure communications are clear, consistent, timely, and aligned with the Groundworks brand and organizational values.

• Lead proactive public relations efforts that strengthen the Groundworks corporate brand and portfolio of regional brands.

• Partner with an external agency to develop and execute media relations strategies, including media outreach, press releases, pitches, executive statements, and supporting materials.

• Monitor industry trends, media coverage, and emerging issues while identifying opportunities to enhance brand visibility and reputation.

• Support crisis communications and reputation management efforts as needed.

• Support the planning and execution of internal communications that keep employees informed, engaged, and connected across the organization.

• Manage communication platforms, including the company intranet, digital signage, employee text messaging, newsletters, and other internal communication channels.

• Develop communication plans supporting company initiatives, leadership announcements, employee engagement campaigns, organizational updates, and corporate events.

• Partner with Human Resources, Operations, Safety, and other business functions to ensure employees receive relevant, timely, and impactful communications.

• Serve as a trusted communications partner to executive leadership and senior business stakeholders.

• Support executive visibility through strategic communications, leadership messaging, speaking engagements, and thought leadership opportunities.

• Build collaborative relationships across departments to align messaging and support enterprise initiatives.

• Provide communications counsel while balancing diverse stakeholder needs and business priorities.

• Measure and evaluate the effectiveness of public relations and internal communications initiatives using qualitative and quantitative metrics.

• Prepare executive-level reporting that highlights communication performance, media coverage, employee engagement, and campaign outcomes.

• Recommend improvements based on analytics, stakeholder feedback, and industry best practices to continuously strengthen communication efforts.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or related field, or equivalent professional experience.

• Experience: 5+ years of experience in corporate communications, public relations, internal communications, journalism, or related communications discipline.

• Experience: Managing internal communications platforms and enterprise communication channels.

• Skills: Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills with strong editorial judgment.

• Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Proven ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders across all levels of an organization, including executive leadership.

• Organizational and Project Management: Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously.

• Judgment: Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and navigate sensitive communications with professionalism.

• Strategic Communications: Demonstrated success developing and executing strategic communications and public relations initiatives.

Preferred Experience

• Supporting a national or multi-brand organization.

• Experience with executive communications and reputation management.

• Experience with organizational change or transformation initiatives.

• Familiarity with communications analytics, media monitoring, and reporting tools.

• Agency and/or in-house corporate communications experience.

Working Conditions

• This role will sit onsite in our corporate office in Virginia Beach, VA or Dallas, TX.

• The salary range for this position is $80,000- $100,00 and is based on candidate experience.

• This position is primarily performed in a professional office environment with prolonged periods of sitting, computer use, and frequent participation in meetings.

• The role requires regular collaboration with cross functional teams, executive leadership, and external partners, both in person and through virtual communication platforms.

• The Senior Communications Strategist must be able to manage multiple priorities, respond to changing business needs, and work effectively in a fast paced environment with frequent interruptions and competing deadlines.

• Occasional travel may be required to support company meetings, events, leadership engagements, or public relations activities.

• Flexibility to work outside of normal business hours may be necessary during organizational announcements, business critical initiatives, media events, or crisis communications.

Physical Requirements

• The physical demands of this position are consistent with those of a professional office role.

• The employee is regularly required to sit for extended periods while using a computer, keyboard, telephone, and other standard office equipment.

• Frequent verbal communication is required to collaborate with employees, executives, media representatives, and external partners in person, by phone, and through virtual meeting platforms.

• The role requires the ability to read, prepare, review, and edit written communications and presentations with attention to detail.

• Occasional standing, walking, reaching, bending, and lifting or carrying materials weighing up to 15 pounds may be required.

What We Provide

• Competitive Pay

• Employee Company Ownership Opportunities

• Industry Leading Training Programs

• Leadership Development and Career Growth Tracks

• Comprehensive and Affordable Benefits Package

• Top Workplace with Award Winning Culture