Associate Director of External Communications (Business)

Ladders; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 200,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision insurance

Health savings and flexible spending

Life insurance and long-term disablity

Paid Time Off and holidays

Parental leave and fertility benefits

Professional development

Job summary

Ladders is seeking an Associate Director of External Communications to lead our media relations and reputation efforts from Colorado Springs, CO. This role partners with senior leadership to craft executive messaging, manage awards submissions, and position the firm as a thought leader in the Legal & Accounting space.

The ideal candidate brings 8+ years in communications or public relations, with 4+ years in management, and a track record in crisis communications, media strategy, and

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years in communications or public relations, including 4+ years in a management role.
• Bachelor's degree in English, Journalism, Communications, Marketing, Business, or related field.
• Experience in crisis management communications.
• Strong working knowledge of media relations and business concepts.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and relevant firm applications.
• Proven ability to lead teams and manage employee development.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a communications team focused on media relations
• Develop communication strategies with leadership to enhance the organization's reputation
• Oversee the awards program and manage submission processes
• Write and edit press releases and other communications materials
• Shape compelling stories showcasing the organization’s expertise and innovation
• Implement proactive communication campaigns to position the organization as a thought leader
• Act as a spokesperson for media inquiries and advise on media strategies

Skills

Media relations

Leadership

Crisis management

Communications strategy

Press releases

Education

Bachelor's degree in English, Journalism, Communications, Marketing, Business, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

For our client, we are seeking a Associate Director of External Communications (Business) to join the team of a leader in the Legal & Accounting space.

This role will lead external communications strategy for a professional services organization, with a strong emphasis on media relations, reputation management, and executive messaging. The position will partner closely with leadership to shape compelling narratives that highlight the firm's expertise, innovation, and market presence. It also involves overseeing awards submissions and serving as a key spokesperson for media-facing opportunities.

Location: Colorado Springs, CO

Compensation: $200,000 – $240,000 annually

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a communications team focused on media relations


• Develop communication strategies with leadership to enhance the organization's reputation


• Oversee the awards program and manage submission processes


• Write and edit press releases and other communications materials


• Shape compelling stories showcasing the organization’s expertise and innovation


• Implement proactive communication campaigns to position the organization as a thought leader


• Act as a spokesperson for media inquiries and advise on media strategies

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of experience in communications or public relations, including 4+ years in a management role


• Bachelor's degree in English, Journalism, Communications, Marketing, Business, or a related field


• Experience in crisis management communications


• Strong working knowledge of media relations and business concepts


• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and relevant firm applications


• Proven ability to lead teams and manage employee development

Benefits

• Medical, dental and vision insurance


• Health savings and flexible spending accounts


• Life insurance and long-term disability coverage


• 25 days of Paid Time Off and 10 paid holidays annually


• Generous parental leave and fertility benefits


• Professional development and education opportunities

Our client is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every qualification—your background could be exactly what this team needs.