Director External Communications Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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.

Lead Workiva's Global Communications Strategy

• Integrated Narrative Strategy: Develop and execute an integrated global strategy that translates company strategy, AI innovation, product value, regulatory trends, and customer momentum into compelling narratives

• Executive & Internal Comms: 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

• Operating Rhythms & Governance: Establish communications priorities, agency governance models, and measurable KPIs that align external storytelling with business outcomes

Own External Communications, Public Relations, and Reputation

• PR & Media Management: Lead external communications, corporate announcements, media relations, awards, and thought leadership. Overseepress releases, briefing materials, and Q&A assets

• Spokesperson & Brand Positioning: Serve as a senior company spokesperson when appropriate. Partner with Brand, Product Marketing, Customer Marketing, and CPX to amplify platform value and customer impact

• Crisis Communications & Issues Readiness: 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

• Drive Global Thought Leadership & Reputation: 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

• Elevate Executive & Stakeholder Engagement: 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

• Align Partnerships & Cross-Functional Messaging: 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

• Advise Executive Leadership: Serve as trusted communications advisor to the CEO and leadership team to build differentiated thought leadership platforms

• Develop C-Suite Content: Write executive speeches, keynotes, social content, and event narratives tied to major company announcements, financial milestones, and earnings moments

• Prep Leaders for Key Moments: Brief and media-train executives for press interviews, industry events, customer keynotes, and Board communications

Lead Crisis Communications and Issues Readiness

• Lead Crisis Strategy & Counsel: Drive Workiva's global crisis response strategy, providing calm, timely guidance to C-suite leaders during high-pressure situations

• Build Preparedness Infrastructure: Develop and maintain crisis playbooks, escalation paths, scenario plans, and messaging frameworks to ensure rapid response

• Coordinate Cross-Functional Alignment: 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

• Lead & Develop the Team: Direct a team of 3-5 communications professionals plus external agencies, fostering a high-performance, inclusive, and accountable culture

• Optimize Team Operations: Define clear goals, priorities, and an operating model that balances proactive storytelling, executive support, and daily execution

• Manage Agency Performance: Oversee global agency relationships and contractors to maximize strategic ROI, execution quality, and measurable outcomes

Minimum 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

Preferred Qualifications

• 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 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