VP, Public Relations & Communications

D2L is a cloud company that is modernizing education and building the Future of Work. The old models of teaching and learning are in the midst of the largest transformation in history, and D2L is at the heart of that fundamental shift.

New models of teaching and learning enable a personalized, student-centric experience – and deliver improved retention, engagement, satisfaction, and results for learners of all ages – in schools, campuses, and companies.

D2L is disrupting the way the world learns, by providing the next generation learning environment and solutions to engage and inspire learners. And most importantly, by giving customers a platform that is easy, flexible, and smart. No other company provides a solution as robust and innovative as D2L.

D2L has had a singular mission for 25 years and is dedicated to that same mission in the years ahead: to transform the way the world learns – and by doing so, we will help improve human potential globally.

Every application we receive is personally reviewed by a member of our Talent Acquisition team - yes, a real person looks at your resume! While we use AI tools internally to streamline tasks like meeting notes, summaries, and administrative work, these tools never rank resumes, make hiring decisions, or influence candidate evaluations.

Job Summary:

Reporting to the CMO, the Vice President of Public Relations & Communications is a senior leader responsible for shaping and executing the organization’s global PR and communications strategy. This role will shape how we communicate our mission, values, AI leadership, and the global customer wins to the market. You'll oversee all aspects of public relations, media relations, awards, brand sentiment, and executive communications. This role will lead a high-performing team, manage agency relationships, and collaborate cross-functionally to ensure compelling messaging across all channels.

How will I make an impact?

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement a comprehensive PR and communications strategy aligned with corporate goals.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on reputation management, crisis communications, and media relations.
• Oversee brand positioning and messaging to ensure consistency across earned, owned, and shared media.

Public Relations & Media

• 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.

Crisis & Issues Management

• Develop and maintain crisis communication protocols.
• Act as spokesperson during critical situations and ensure timely, transparent communication.
• Coach executive leadership in crisis communications and rapid response situations.

Team & Budget Management

• Recruit, mentor, and develop a high-performing PR and communications team.
• Manage budgets for PR campaigns, social media initiatives, and agency partnerships.

Key Deliverables (3 - 6 Months):

• A clearly articulated, externally validated AI narrative and executive messaging platform
• A fully onboarded PR agency with defined KPIs, cadence, and senior ownership
• Scheduled speaking calendar with 8+ tier 1 executive keynotes secured
• Robust awards calendar with 6+ submissions complete
• At least one flagship AI announcement with meaningful media pickup
• Baseline SOV and impact tracking in place, demonstrating PR/Comms momentum

What you’ll bring to the role:

• 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.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and influence at senior levels.
• Experience leading PR/Comms in a fast-paced SaaS environment.
• Familiarity with AI narratives, media relations, social media marketing, and integrated communications strategies.
• Global communications and reputation management experience is a plus.

Suggested Qualifications/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or related field; Master’s preferred.
• 12+ years of progressive experience in PR and strategic communications, including leadership roles.
• Strong network of media and leadership contacts, with a preference for learning industry and/or AI experts.