Director, Public Relations & Communications

The Director, Public Relations & Communications, is responsible for leading the execution and ongoing evolution of D2L’s global PR and communications strategy. This role will shape how we communicate our mission, values, AI leadership, and the global customer win to the market. The Director leads public relations, media relations, awards, brand sentiment, and executive communications, translating corporate priorities into integrated communications programs. This role will lead a high-performing team, manage agency relationships, and collaborate cross-functionally to ensure compelling messaging across all channels. The successful candidate will bring practical experience using artificial intelligence to improve the speed, quality, insight, and impact of all communications work.

Develop and execute PR and communications plans aligned with the broader corporate and Marketing strategy.

Provide strategic communications counsel to senior and executive leaders on reputation management, crisis communications, and media relations.

Apply AI to monitor potential brand reputation risks, misinformation, sensitive issues, and changes in public conversation.

Use generative AI to accelerate research, story development, media pitches, executive briefs, speeches, thought leadership, Q&As, LLM brand visibility, and campaign content.

Build and maintain strong relationships with media outlets, journalists, and industry influencers.

Drive proactive media outreach and secure high-impact coverage in top-tier publications.

Manage press releases, media statements, and industry awards.

Oversee executive speaking engagements and leadership presentation opportunities, with a particular focus on AI leadership in learning .

Develop and maintain crisis communication protocols.

Support or act as a company spokesperson, as appropriate, during critical situations and ensure timely, transparent communication.

Prepare and coach senior and executive leaders for crisis communications, media engagement, and rapid response situations.

Recruit, mentor, and develop a high-performing PR and communications team.

Manage PR and communications budgets, agency partnerships, and resources to deliver against priorities and measurable outcomes.

Identify, evaluate, and implement emerging AI tools that improve communications operations without compromising editorial quality or brand trust.

Proven success in managing media relations, media strategies, and crisis communications.

Exceptional writing, storytelling, and presentation skills.

Strong analytical skills with experience using metrics to inform brand strategy.

Demonstrated experience integrating AI into PR, corporate communications, media relations, executive communications, content development, or communications analytics.

Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and influence at senior levels.

Working with the VP of Corporate Marketing, establish executive messaging with strategies for activation across all PR/Comms channels.

A fully onboarded PR agency with defined KPIs, cadence, and senior ownership

Scheduled speaking calendar with 4 + tier 1 executive keynotes secured

Robust awards calendar with 4 + in-depth submissions complete

At least two flagship AI announcement s with meaningful media pickup

Baseline SOV and impact tracking in place, demonstrating PR/Comms momentum

At D2L, we are dedicated to providing you with the tools to do the best work of your life. While some of our perks and benefits may vary depending on location or employment type, we are proud to provide employees with the following through #LifeAtD2L :

Impactful work transforming the way the world learns

Flexible work arrangements

Learning and Growth opportunities

Tuition reimbursement of up to $4,000 CAD for continuing education through our SkillsWave Program

2 Paid Days off for SkillsWave-related activities like exams or final assignments

Employee wellbeing (Access to mental health services, EFAP program, financial planning and more)

Retirement planning

2 Paid Volunteer Days

Competitive Benefits Package

Home Internet Reimbursements

Employee Referral Program

Wellness Reimbursement

Employee Recognition

Social Events

Dog Friendly Offices Spaces at our HQ in Kitchener, Winnipeg, Vancouver and Melbourne offices.