Sr. Communications Specialist

About the role

Ascend Performance Materials is a global leader in high-performance chemicals, fibers and plastics, committed to enhancing quality of life through innovation. The Senior Communications Specialist is responsible for developing and executing strategic internal communications that strengthen employee engagement, reinforce company culture, and enhance organizational alignment.

This role serves as Ascend’s primary enterprise storyteller, proactively identifying and communicating compelling stories across manufacturing, commercial, technology, and corporate functions. The position partners closely with leaders and subject matter experts throughout the organization to translate complex business, operational, and technical topics into clear, engaging communications that connect employees to the company’s strategy, values, and achievements.

Targeted outcomes include establishing a consistent and engaging internal communications cadence, increasing the visibility of Ascend’s people, culture, operational, innovation, and business success stories, strengthening employee connection to Ascend’s values, strategic priorities, and organizational initiatives, developing a sustainable communications planning process, and enhancing leadership communications.

Responsibilities

• Proactively identify, develop, and publish compelling stories that highlight employee achievements, operational excellence, innovation, safety, community engagement, and values in action.
• Build relationships across manufacturing sites, corporate functions, and leadership teams to uncover stories and communication opportunities.
• Conduct interviews with employees, leaders, and technical subject matter experts to gather information and develop engaging content.
• Create written, visual, and multimedia content that celebrates successes and strengthens organizational culture.
• Develop and execute internal communication strategies that support business priorities, organizational initiatives, and employee engagement.
• Lead the creation and distribution of employee communications, executive communications, organizational updates, culture messaging, and change communications.
• Translate complex manufacturing, engineering, supply chain, sustainability, technology, and commercial topics into clear and accessible communications for diverse employee audiences.
• Partner with business leaders and technical experts to develop messaging that improves understanding of strategic initiatives and business performance.
• Develop and maintain editorial calendars, communication schedules, and content plans that establish a consistent communication rhythm across the organization.
• Manage multiple communication projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines and maintaining high-quality standards.
• Measure communication effectiveness through engagement metrics, feedback, and reporting.
• Serve as a trusted communications partner to leaders across the organization and build strong relationships with site leadership, operations, engineering, commercial, and functional teams.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, English, Business, or a related field.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive communications experience, including internal communications, employee communications, corporate communications, or public relations.
• Demonstrated experience developing communication strategies and executing enterprise-wide communication programs.
• Experience partnering with senior leaders and subject matter experts to develop communications for diverse employee audiences.
• Proven success translating complex business, operational, or technical topics into clear and compelling communications.
• Experience supporting organizational change, culture initiatives, and employee engagement programs.
• Manufacturing, industrial, chemical, engineering, or other technical industry experience is a plus.

Skills

• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling capabilities.
• Strong interviewing, listening, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to influence and collaborate effectively across all levels of the organization.
• Strong business curiosity and ability to quickly learn complex topics.
• Demonstrated initiative, sound judgment, and ability to operate independently with minimal direction.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Executive presence and professionalism when working with senior leaders.
• Strong verbal communication, presentation, and facilitation skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and internal communication platforms.
• Experience with graphic design, photography, video content creation, social media, or digital communications tools a plus.