Associate Director of External Communications (Business)

Ladders; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 200,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Flexible spending accounts

25 days PTO and 10 holidays

Parental leave and fertility benefits

Life insurance and long-term/disabilty

Backup care services

Job summary

Ladders is seeking an Associate Director of External Communications (Business) in San Diego to lead external communications strategy for a professional services environment, with emphasis on media relations, executive visibility, and reputation management.

The role partners closely with senior leaders to shape messaging, respond to issues, and elevate the organization’s profile across national business and financial media.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of direct experience in communications/public relations, with 4+ years in a management role.
• Bachelor's degree in English, Journalism, Communications, Marketing, Business, or a related field.
• Strong knowledge of the national media landscape and financial markets.
• Experience managing teams, including hiring and performance evaluations.
• Demonstrated ability in crisis communications and issues management.
• Understanding of digital marketing and social media best practices.
• Ability to operate at a senior level, influencing key decisions and team direction.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of communications professionals in media relations efforts
• Develop strategic communication initiatives to support department priorities and enhance the organization's reputation
• Oversee the awards and recognitions program, from prioritization to submission preparation
• Craft and edit communications materials, including press releases and statements
• Shape compelling stories around the organization and its clients, with a focus on the innovation economy
• Implement proactive campaigns positioning senior professionals as authoritative voices across media platforms
• Serve as a primary spokesperson for media inquiries and provide strategic media advice to firm leaders

Skills

Media relations

Team leadership

Crisis communications

Strategic communications

Digital marketing

Education

Bachelor's degree in English/Journalism/Communications/Marketing/Business

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 environment, with a strong emphasis on media relations, executive visibility, and reputation management. The position partners closely with senior leaders to shape messaging, respond to issues, and elevate the organization’s profile across national business and financial media. It also oversees team direction, awards positioning, and high-impact storytelling that supports business priorities.

Location: San Diego, CA

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

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of communications professionals in media relations efforts
• Develop strategic communication initiatives to support department priorities and enhance the organization's reputation
• Oversee the awards and recognitions program, from prioritization to submission preparation
• Craft and edit communications materials, including press releases and statements
• Shape compelling stories around the organization and its clients, with a focus on the innovation economy
• Implement proactive campaigns positioning senior professionals as authoritative voices across media platforms
• Serve as a primary spokesperson for media inquiries and provide strategic media advice to firm leaders

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of direct experience in communications/public relations, with 4+ years in a management role
• Bachelor's degree in English, Journalism, Communications, Marketing, Business, or a related field
• Strong knowledge of the national media landscape and financial markets
• Experience managing teams, including hiring and performance evaluations
• Demonstrated ability in crisis communications and issues management
• Understanding of digital marketing and social media best practices
• Ability to operate at a senior level, influencing key decisions and team direction

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance options
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
• 25 days of Paid Time Off and 10 paid holidays annually
• Generous parental leave and fertility benefits
• Life insurance and long-term disability coverage
• Backup care services for children and adults

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.