Head of PR & Communications - Remote

Overview We Impact Lives Through Purpose-Driven Work in A People First Culture Ascend Learning, a leading healthcare and learning technology company, is the connection between a powerful portfolio of brands serving students, educators, and employers with outcomes-based, data-driven solutions across the lifecycle of learning. From testing to certification, Ascend Learning products are used by physicians, emergency medical professionals, nurses, allied health professionals, certified personal trainers, financial advisors, skilled trades professionals and insurance brokers.
Headquartered in Burlington, MA, with additional office locations and hybrid and remote workers in cities across the U.Ascend Learning was recognized by Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group as one of America’s 2025 Greatest Workplaces as well as America’s Best Places to work for Mental Well-Being for 2025.
We\'re always looking for talented, passionate professionals to join us in our mission to help change lives. What You'll Do Director, Corporate Communications Ascend Learning is hiring for a senior level communications strategist to join our dynamic Corporate Communications team. Reporting to the VP of Corporate Communications, the Director will serve as the team\'s senior PR and external communications lead — partnering with our PR agency, communications teammates and internal leaders, to develop stories, build enterprise-wide awareness, and drive thought leadership across our brand portfolio. This person will also own day-to-day management and execution of a robust internal corporate communications event calendar and help evolve the corporate brand website as a unified storytelling platform across our portfolio of brands.
Where You’ll Work This position will work a hybrid schedule from our Leawood, KS or Burlington, MA office location preferred, requiring light travel. Remote will be considered within the United States, with required travel. Public Relations & External Communications
Lead day-to-day partnership with our external PR agency, managing priorities, performance, and reporting
Partner across our corporate and healthcare brands to identify and elevate stories, leaders, and brand milestones
Support executive speaking opportunities and crisis communications in partnership with the VP
Track, measure, and report PR impact to VP and with key stakeholders on a regular cadence
Internal Leadership Events & Corporate Communications Activation
Own planning, content development and execution management for a robust portfolio of key internal leadership events (Town Halls, Leader Summit, leadership dinners, and leadership forums)
Manage internal stakeholders and external partners to deliver high-quality event experiences on time and on budget
Support the activation of broader Corporate Communication initiatives, campaigns, and announcements, and program launches
Maintain a centralized communications and events calendar
Corporate Brand Website & Digital Communications
Partner with the VP to develop and articulate the corporate brand story across all brands; lead the evolution of the corporate website, ensuring a cohesive and compelling brand presence
Drive website enhancements including GEO/SEO, and user experience improvements in coordination with internal and external design and technology resources
Establish editorial governance and content calendar to keep the site current, accurate and aligned to brand narrative in partnership with communications team
Strategic Communications & Executive Support
Partner with the VP on annual communications planning, narrative architecture, and priority setting
Develop communications plans and materials for key initiatives and major corporate moments
Partner on executive communications tied to business strategy
Serve as a trusted communications partner to cross-functional leaders

What You\'ll Need 10+ years of progressive communications experience with significant and demonstrable depth in public relations and external communications, story development and connection between internal and external messaging strategy
Proven track record managing PR agency relationships and delivering measurable thought leadership, media presence, and brand impact
Demonstrated ability to plan and manage internal leadership events with strategic content and communications components — from intimate executive gatherings to large-scale multi-day summits
Strong executive presence — comfortable building relationships with and advising C-suite and senior leaders
Skilled at navigating matrixed organizations and earning trust across independently operating business units
Proven ability to manage vendors, agencies, and freelancers across communications, events, and design
Digital communications experience, including content strategy and website development; Exceptional writer and communicator across formats — thought leadership content, executive messaging, event narratives, and digital content
A builder\'s mindset: able to develop strategy and create structure in an environment that is actively evolving
Bachelor\'s degree in the field of Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field preferred; Demonstrated experience and a track record of results in communications will be considered in lieu of formal education requirements

Benefits Flexible and generous paid time off
Competitive medical, dental, vision and life insurance
On-site workout facilities (Leawood, Gilbert, Burlington)
Community outreach groups
Tuition reimbursement

Our values-driven culture unifies our teams and inspires a mindset of action, innovation, and collaboration, with a relentless focus on customers. Applications for U.