Director, 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.

General Description:

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.

Major Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

• 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.

Public Relations & Media

• 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.

Crisis & Issues Management

• 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.

Team & Budget Management

• 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.

Competencies:

• 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.

Skills:

• 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.

Key Deliverables (3 - 6 Months):

• 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 announcements with meaningful media pickup
• Baseline SOV and impact tracking in place, demonstrating PR/Comms momentum

Suggested Qualifications/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or related field; Master’s preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in PR and strategic communications, including experience in B2B and leading teams and complex communications programs.
• Acumen with Artificial Intelligence tools.
• Strong network of media and leadership contacts, with a preference for learning industry and/or AI experts.
• Demonstrated experience developing and executing integrated communications programs with measurable business and reputation outcomes.
• Experience partnering across functions and geographies in a global or multi-market organization is strongly preferred.

This position is to fill an existing vacancy.

The expected base salary range for a new hire in this role is listed below. The annualized base salary offered is determined by each candidate’s relevant knowledge, skills, education, training and experience. It is aligned to ensure both internal and external competitiveness using market data for the geographic location and industry. As part of the total compensation at D2L the role may be eligible for additional benefits including a Wellness Subsidy, Equity Grants, Variable Incentive, and more.

Base Salary Range

$150,000—$160,000 CAD

Don’t meet every single requirement? We strongly encourage you to still apply! At D2L, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment. We encourage your application even if you don't believe you meet every single qualification outlined, because we love to help our people grow and develop!

Why we're awesome:

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.