Job Purpose

The Senior Communications Strategist serves as a trusted communications leader, developing and executing integrated communications strategies that strengthen the Groundworks brand, drive business growth, protect the company's reputation, and engage employees. This person will help lead and execute strategic public relations initiatives, oversee internal communications channels that keep employees informed, connected, and engaged, and measure communication effectiveness to continuously improve outcomes.

Working collaboratively across all major functions across the organization, the Senior Communications Strategist develops communication plans that align with business priorities and ensures messaging is delivered through the most effective channels. This role is responsible for managing proactive media relations, supporting executive communications, overseeing enterprise communication platforms, measuring communication effectiveness, and identifying opportunities to elevate both the employee experience and the Groundworks brand.

The ideal candidate is a proactive, highly organized communications professional with exceptional relationship-building skills, sound judgment, and the ability to influence across all levels of the organization. They thrive in a fast-paced environment, anticipate communication needs before they arise, and confidently manage multiple high-profile initiatives with professionalism and discretion.

Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Communications

• Develop and execute integrated communications strategies that support enterprise initiatives, business priorities, organizational change, and brand objectives.
• Partner with executive leadership and cross-functional stakeholders to recommend communication approaches, messaging priorities, timing, and channel strategy.
• Anticipate communication needs and proactively develop solutions that improve organizational alignment and engagement.
• Ensure communications are clear, consistent, timely, and aligned with the Groundworks brand and organizational values.

Public Relations & Brand Reputation

• Lead proactive public relations efforts that strengthen the Groundworks corporate brand and portfolio of regional brands.
• Partner with an external agency to develop and execute media relations strategies, including media outreach, press releases, pitches, executive statements, and supporting materials.
• Monitor industry trends, media coverage, and emerging issues while identifying opportunities to enhance brand visibility and reputation.
• Support crisis communications and reputation management efforts as needed.

Internal Communications

• Support the planning and execution of internal communications that keep employees informed, engaged, and connected across the organization.
• Manage communication platforms, including the company intranet, digital signage, employee text messaging, newsletters, and other internal communication channels.
• Develop communication plans supporting company initiatives, leadership announcements, employee engagement campaigns, organizational updates, and corporate events.
• Partner with Human Resources, Operations, Safety, and other business functions to ensure employees receive relevant, timely, and impactful communications.

Executive & Stakeholder Communications

• Serve as a trusted communications partner to executive leadership and senior business stakeholders.
• Support executive visibility through strategic communications, leadership messaging, speaking engagements, and thought leadership opportunities.
• Build collaborative relationships across departments to align messaging and support enterprise initiatives.
• Provide communications counsel while balancing diverse stakeholder needs and business priorities.

Communications Measurement & Optimization

• Measure and evaluate the effectiveness of public relations and internal communications initiatives using qualitative and quantitative metrics.
• Prepare executive-level reporting that highlights communication performance, media coverage, employee engagement, and campaign outcomes.
• Recommend improvements based on analytics, stakeholder feedback, and industry best practices to continuously strengthen communication efforts.

• Perform other related duties as assigned.
• It is an essential function of this role that each person regularly and reliably report to work each working day.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or related field, or equivalent professional experience.

Experience

• 5+ years of experience in corporate communications, public relations, internal communications, journalism, or related communications discipline.
• Experience managing internal communications platforms and enterprise communication channels.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills with strong editorial judgment.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Proven ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders across all levels of an organization, including executive leadership.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and navigate sensitive communications with professionalism.
• Demonstrated success developing and executing strategic communications and public relations initiatives.

Preferred

• Experience supporting a national or multi-brand organization.
• Experience with executive communications and reputation management.
• Experience managing communication during organizational change or transformation initiatives.
• Familiarity with communications analytics, media monitoring, and reporting tools.
• Agency and/or in-house corporate communications experience.

Working Conditions

This role will sit onsite in our corporate office in Virginia Beach, VA or Dallas, TX. The salary range for this position is $80,000- $100,00 and is based on candidate experience. This position is primarily performed in a professional office environment with prolonged periods of sitting, computer use, and frequent participation in meetings. The role requires regular collaboration with cross functional teams, executive leadership, and external partners, both in person and through virtual communication platforms. The Senior Communications Strategist must be able to manage multiple priorities, respond to changing business needs, and work effectively in a fast paced environment with frequent interruptions and competing deadlines. Occasional travel may be required to support company meetings, events, leadership engagements, or public relations activities. Flexibility to work outside of normal business hours may be necessary during organizational announcements, business critical initiatives, media events, or crisis communications.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands of this position are consistent with those of a professional office role. The employee is regularly required to sit for extended periods while using a computer, keyboard, telephone, and other standard office equipment. Frequent verbal communication is required to collaborate with employees, executives, media representatives, and external partners in person, by phone, and through virtual meeting platforms. The role requires the ability to read, prepare, review, and edit written communications and presentations with attention to detail. Occasional standing, walking, reaching, bending, and lifting or carrying materials weighing up to 15 pounds may be required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

What We Provide

• Competitive Pay
• Employee Company Ownership Opportunities
• Industry Leading Training Programs
• Leadership Development and Career Growth Tracks
• Comprehensive and Affordable Benefits Package
• Top Workplace with Award Winning Culture