Communications Manager

Communications ManagerFor our Lakewood office, we are searching for a Communications Manager, mainly focused on developing and executing internal and external communications strategies. Inside, that is several hundred independent franchise owners and their teams, plus the headquarters employees who support them. Outside, it is the customers, prospective owners, and press who should know more about Fortidia and our brands; AlphaGraphics, PostNet, and World Options. The Communications Manager acts as the strategic owner of communications for Fortidia US, responsible for building communication strategies, developing brand narratives, managing internal and external messaging, and driving engagement across multiple audiences. The role covers strategy and execution. You will build the communications plan and define how each brand sounds across our audiences. Measurement sits with you too, including what we track and what it tells us about whether the work is landing. Most of the writing and production is yours as well. You will work closely with franchise owners to figure out what actually reaches them. That means regular time with owners, testing new formats and messages with a small group before the full network sees them, and adjusting the plan through the year based on what comes back. The internal side is a build. Franchise owners are busy people running real businesses, and the communications that land with them are the ones with genuine editorial judgment behind them. You will decide what earns a message, write it so it gets read, and shape channels owners actually want to open. Proficiency with AI tools is a core requirement for this role to streamline workflows and maximize efficiency. The external side is an opening. We have strong stories across three brands and we tell too few of them. Owners are doing notable work in their markets, and our leaders have a point of view on franchising and small business worth hearing. You will get those stories in front of the right audiences and build the media relationships that keep them coming. The Communications Manager will report to the VP of Marketing.Compensation: $90k–$110k gross annual salary + bonus + benefits. Final compensation will depend on experience, skills, and internal equity criteria aligned with our compensation framework.Main tasks and responsibilities: Strategy & PlanningBuild the communications strategy for Fortidia US aligned with business priorities and communicate the rationale behind strategic decisions.Define the narrative for each brand and ensure consistency across internal and external communications.Design the audience and channel strategy, including communication cadence and channel purpose.Establish communication metrics, measure effectiveness, and report results to leadership.Advise leadership on communication strategies related to growth, organizational change, and sensitive situations.Build and maintain a feedback loop with franchise owners through advisory groups and listening sessions.Test messaging and communication formats with franchise owners before broad distribution.Adapt communication plans quickly as business priorities evolve.Own the editorial calendar and manage the communications request process across departments.Internal CommunicationsOwn the communications calendar for franchise owners across all three brands, including what is communicated, to whom, and when.Write and produce newsletters, leadership updates, launch announcements, and other recurring communications.Segment communications to ensure franchise owners receive relevant and actionable information.Develop content featuring franchise owners, their successes, and best practices.Manage internal communications for headquarters employees, including company updates, leadership messages, and organizational announcements.Lead communications for major initiatives including annual conferences, product launches, and organizational changes.Monitor communication performance through engagement metrics and franchise owner feedback to continuously improve communication effectiveness.External CommunicationsDevelop and execute public relations strategies, including media outreach and relationship management.Build executive thought leadership through articles, speaking opportunities, podcasts, and award submissions.Develop stories highlighting franchise owner and customer successes for media and owned channels.Write and manage press releases, company announcements, and messaging for high-profile or sensitive situations.Partner with marketing and social media teams to maximize earned media opportunities across owned channels.RequirementsBachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, English, or a related field.Excellent mastery of written and spoken English.Minimum of 5 years' experience in communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field with strong writing responsibilities.Experience leading internal and external communications programs, or significant experience in one with exposure to the other.Demonstrated success developing communications strategies and gaining leadership alignment.Experience defining communications metrics and reporting results to senior leadership.Experience working directly with franchise owners, field teams, dealers, members, or similar audiences.Media relations experience with a demonstrated track record of securing media coverage.Strong editorial judgment with the ability to write across multiple brand voices.Experience managing multiple brands and balancing competing stakeholder priorities.Proficiency with AI tools to streamline workflows and maximize efficiency.Franchise, multi-unit, or distributed network experience preferred.Crisis or issues communications experience preferred.Familiarity with email and communications platforms and interpreting engagement data preferred.Collaborative spirit, with appreciation of diverse perspectives.Bold, passionate, tenacious and curious mindset, not afraid to explore new ideas and challenge the status quo in pursuit of better solutions.What We OfferA vibrant international environment in a continuously growing company, with many professional and personal development opportunitiesExtensive training and development opportunities within the groupA multicultural organizational structure and team.Competitive health and welfare offerings including; Medical, Dental, Vision, Paid Time Off, volunteer time off, 401(k) with company match, EAP, Health Savings Accounts with company contribution.Hard work, collaboration, humanity, fun, and laughter. We are a small, passionate, driven, and highly collaborative team that is fully invested in the success of our company, and value contributions from each memberApplication Deadline: This position is expected to close on August 28th, but may close earlier or later based on business needs. Any updates to the application window will be reflected in this posting.Flexible work from home options available.Compensation: $90,000.00 - $110,000.00 per yearWe are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.At Fortidia, we empower businesses to grow through innovative marketing, print, and business solutions. As the parent company of leading brands like AlphaGraphics, PostNet, and World Options, we support entrepreneurs and organizations of all sizes with the tools, technology, and expertise they need to succeed.Our approach blends creativity, data-driven strategy, and operational excellence to deliver meaningful results for our customers and franchise partners. We are passionate about helping businesses connect with their audiences, streamline their operations, and unlock new opportunities for growth.At Fortidia, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We foster a collaborative, forward-thinking culture where ideas are encouraged, careers are developed, and impact is recognized. Whether supporting local communities or driving global initiatives, we are committed to making a difference—for our customers, our partners, and each other. We believe there's a place for everyone to grow. Whether you're just starting your career, looking for your next big opportunity, or ready for a change, we offer a variety of roles to match your goals. Join our team and grow with us- We invite EVERYONE to apply!