Executive Communications Lead - Internal & External

Gemological Institute of America; Carlsbad (CA); Hybrid; USD 126,000 - 178,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Competitive benefits package

Tuition assistance

Commuter benefits

Job summary

Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in Carlsbad, CA, seeks an Assistant Director of Corporate Communications to shape executive messaging and lead internal and external communications. You will partner with senior leaders to strengthen GIA’s reputation, engage employees, and manage media relations and agency partnerships.

The role emphasizes strategic communications, messaging development, and crisis preparedness, with a hybrid work schedule and domestic travel less than 20%.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in communications, PR, journalism, marketing, English, or related field.
• 8+ years of progressive corporate communications experience.
• Experience advising executives on messaging, interviews, and media engagements.
• Experience managing external agencies and complex communications programs.
• Gem and jewelry industry experience or international comms preferred.
• Willingness to travel domestically (<20%).

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead an executive communications strategy for the CEO and senior leaders.
• Create messaging across speeches, op-eds, social posts, and presentations.
• Identify high-value speaking, media, and thought-leadership opportunities.
• Prepare leadership for interviews, panels, and public-facing engagements.
• Oversee internal communications to inform and engage employees.
• Coordinate external media relations, crisis communications, and agency partnerships.

Skills

Executive comms

Strategic thinking

Leadership

Media relations

Crisis comms

Collaboration

Project management

Communications metrics

Travel ability

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications

Equivalent education/experience

Job description

Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in Carlsbad, CA, seeks an Assistant Director of Corporate Communications to shape executive messaging and lead internal and external communications. You will partner with senior leaders to strengthen GIA’s reputation, engage employees, and manage media relations and agency partnerships.

The role emphasizes strategic communications, messaging development, and crisis preparedness, with a hybrid work schedule and domestic travel less than 20%.