Sunrise Senior Living, Inc

Director External Communications

Sunrise Senior Living, Inc$175K — $218K *
Business Services
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, Public Relations, or related field.
  • 10+ years of progressive experience in corporate communications, public relations, or strategic communications.
  • Proven track record in developing external communications strategies and corporate narratives.
  • Strong expertise in media relations, thought leadership, crisis communications, and reputation management.
  • Experience in financial and investor communications, able to convey complex business information clearly.
  • Exceptional writing, editing, and presentation skills, with a sharp focus on executive communication.
  • Proficient in managing PR agencies, vendors, budgets, and communications programs effectively.
  • Strong analytical capabilities, with a focus on measuring communications effectiveness and return on investment.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and implement a comprehensive external and corporate communications strategy aligned with business objectives.
  • Craft compelling corporate narratives that differentiate Sunrise in the market.
  • Oversee media relations and thought leadership initiatives, enhancing executive visibility.
  • Forge strong relationships with journalists, analysts, and key industry stakeholders.
  • Lead crisis communications and reputation management strategies in collaboration with legal and executive teams.
  • Collaborate with senior leadership on financial communications and market-moving announcements.
  • Create opportunities for executive thought leadership through op-eds and media appearances.
  • Manage PR agencies and ensure program performance against set KPIs.

Benefits

  • Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and Disability Plans
  • Retirement Savings Plans
  • Employee Assistance Program and Discount Program
  • Paid time off (PTO), sick time, and holiday pay
  • Flexible pay options with myFlexPay for immediate access to wages
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Potential for discretionary bonuses based on performance and eligibility.
Full Job Description
Sunrise Senior Living is seeking a Director of External Communications to lead corporate communications, media relations, thought leadership, and reputation management. This strategic leader will shape Sunrise's market narrative, strengthen brand awareness, position executives as industry authorities, and support strategic growth, business development, M&A, and investor communications.

Key Responsibilities
  • Develop and execute an integrated external communications and corporate communications strategy aligned with business and growth objectives.
  • Build compelling corporate narratives and messaging that differentiate Sunrise and establish category leadership.
  • Lead media relations, public relations, earned media, thought leadership, and executive positioning across business, industry, and financial media.
  • Build relationships with journalists, analysts, industry influencers, and key external stakeholders.
  • Lead crisis communications, issues management, reputation management, and rapid-response strategies in partnership with Legal and executive leadership.
  • Partner with Finance and senior leadership on financial and investor communications, acquisitions, corporate announcements, and market-moving initiatives.
  • Develop executive thought leadership, including op-eds, speaking opportunities, media appearances, and industry recognition.
  • Support Development, Growth, Marketing Communications, and M&A initiatives with strategic messaging and external communications.
  • Manage PR agencies, communications vendors, budgets, KPIs, and program performance.
  • Establish communications analytics and reporting to measure media coverage, brand perception, stakeholder engagement, investor sentiment, and ROI.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, Public Relations, or related field.
  • 10+ years of progressive corporate communications, public relations, media relations, or strategic communications experience.
  • Demonstrated success developing external communications strategies and shaping corporate narratives.
  • Strong experience with media relations, thought leadership, crisis communications, executive communications, and reputation management.
  • Experience with financial and investor communications and communicating complex business and financial information.
  • Exceptional writing, editing, presentation, and executive communication skills.
  • Experience managing PR agencies, vendors, budgets, and strategic communications programs.
  • Strong analytical and business acumen with experience measuring communications effectiveness and ROI.
  • Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, highly visible corporate environment and influence senior executives.

Director, External Communications | Corporate Communications | Media Relations | PR

Pay Range:
175,013.33 - 218,766.66

We also offer benefits and other compensation that include:
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and Disability Plans
  • Retirement Savings Plans
  • Employee Assistant Program / Discount Program
  • Paid time off (PTO), sick time, and holiday pay
  • myFlexPay offered to get paid within hours of a shift
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • In addition to base compensation, Sunrise may offer discretionary and/or non-discretionary bonuses. The eligibility to receive such a bonus will depend on the employee's position, plan/program offered by Sunrise at the time, and required performance pursuant to the plan/program.
  • Some benefits have eligibility requirements

About Sunrise Senior Living, Inc

Sunrise Senior Living, Inc. is a provider of senior living services. The Company's senior living services are provided through its portfolio of senior living communities located in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. The Company offers a range of personalized senior living services, including independent living, assisted living, care for individuals with Alzheimer's and other forms of memory loss, as well as nursing and rehabilitative services. The Company operates through two segments: Sunrise and Gracewell. The Sunrise segment includes the Company's communities in the United States and Canada, excluding management services. The Gracewell segment includes the Company's communities in the United Kingdom. The Company offers a range of senior living services, including independent living, assisted living, care for individuals with Alzheimer's and other forms of memory loss, as well as nursing and rehabilitative services.
Learn more about Sunrise Senior Living, Inc
Size
32,000 employees
Industry
Founded
1981

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