Head of External Communications

SPS Commerce Inc; Minneapolis (MN); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 142,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

401(k)

Health savings account

Stock purchase plan

Job summary

SPS Commerce is seeking an Head of External Communications to lead Public Relations and Analyst Relations programs. You will manage media outreach, analyst interactions, and cross-functional alignment with executives, while mentoring senior social media and influencer managers.

This role combines storytelling with strategic oversight to protect and advance SPS's reputation in the retail supply chain space. Hybrid work from Minneapolis or remote options are available, with a competitive salary

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of experience in public relations, analyst relations, or corporate communications.
• Experience building relationships with industry analysts (Gartner, Forrester, IDC) and coordinating briefings.
• Proven media relationships and track record of earned coverage.

Responsibilities

• Own and execute day-to-day PR program and media strategy with agency support.
• Co-manage analyst relations programs and briefing logistics.
• Serve as primary contact for reporters and trade press.
• Coordinate with executives and cross-functional teams to align external communications.
• Lead and mentor Sr. Social Media Manager and Influencer Marketing Manager.
• Develop holding statements and response plans for sensitive issues.
• Track, analyze, and report PR/AR performance metrics.

Skills

Public relations

Analyst relations

Media relations

Storytelling

Stakeholder management

Team leadership

Writing & editing

Budget oversight

Job description

Description

SPS Commerce is a leading provider of cloud-based supply chain management solutions, serving a global network of retail trading partners. We foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment where innovation and continuous improvement are highly valued. Join SPS Commerce and be part of a dynamic team that's transforming the global retail supply chain!

Position Summary

As the Head of External Communications on our Brand Marketing team, you will own the day-to-day operations of SPS Commerce's Public Relations and Analyst Relations programs. You'll also serve as the people manager for the Sr. Social Media Manager and Influencer Marketing Manager, ensuring social media and user generated content (UGC) strategies stay aligned with and reinforce SPS’ broader external communications priorities. Reporting to the Head of Brand Marketing, you'll shape and protect SPS's reputation with media, industry analysts, and the broader retail supply chain community. This role calls for a skilled storyteller and relationship builder who can translate complex supply chain and technology topics into compelling narratives, manage a busy media and analyst cadence, and serve as a trusted advisor to internal stakeholders and executives.

What You'll Do

• Own and execute SPS's day-to-day public relations program in partnership with our PR agency, including media strategy, proactive story pitching, reactive media response, and executive visibility initiatives


• Co-manage ongoing relationships with industry analysts including Gartner, Forrester, and IDC — scheduling and attending briefings, managing briefing documents, recording outcomes, and coordinating analyst inputs into research reports, rankings, and market landscape placements


• Serve as a primary point of contact for reporters and trade press, managing inbound media inquiries, coordinating interviews, and reviewing press release drafts, briefing documents, and talking points


• Partner with Marketing, Investor Relations, Internal Communications, Product, Legal, and executive stakeholders to ensure PR and AR activity is coordinated, accurate, and reflects a consistent company narrative across all external touchpoints


• Manage relationships with external PR agency and vendors, guiding day-to-day execution, monitoring deliverables against budget, and ensuring output aligns with brand voice and messaging guidelines


• Track and report on PR and AR performance metrics including media coverage, share of voice, sentiment, and analyst positioning, using data-driven insights to continuously refine program strategy


• Lead, coach, and develop the Sr. Social Media Manager and Influencer Marketing Manager through regular feedback, career development support, and clear priorities that keep social media and UGC execution aligned with broader external communications goals


• Support the development of holding statements, FAQs, and response plans for sensitive or time-critical issues, coordinating with Legal and leadership as needed

Where You'll Work

This role is hybrid out of our headquarters in Minneapolis, MN or open to fully remote candidates. We Succeed Together through in-person collaboration, balanced with remote work to provide flexibility.

What You'll Bring

• 5-7 years of experience in public relations, analyst relations, or corporate communications, ideally within a B2B technology, SaaS, or supply chain environment


• Demonstrated experience building and managing relationships with industry analysts including Gartner, Forrester, and IDC, and coordinating briefings, inquiries, and report submissions


• Established media relationships and a track record of securing earned media coverage in trade, business, or technology press


• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills with the ability to translate complex or technical topics into clear, compelling narratives for media and analyst audiences


• Experience managing external PR and AR agencies, including budget oversight and quality control of deliverables


• Sound judgment in navigating sensitive topics, reactive media situations, and time-critical issues with the ability to remain calm and clear under pressure


• Proven ability to influence senior executives and stakeholders with messaging and content, and experience presenting to senior audiences


• Proficiency with media monitoring and analytics tools, with the ability to translate coverage and sentiment data into actionable insights


• Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders simultaneously


• Experience partnering with executives to prepare for interviews, briefings, and speaking opportunities


• Prior experience managing or mentoring direct reports with a demonstrated ability to coach, develop, and motivate team members while maintaining accountability for shared goals

What We Offer

The annual salary range for this role is: $94,800 - $141,700. The actual salary offered will be determined based on the factors listed above and may fall anywhere within the range.

• SPS Commerce offers a comprehensive package of benefits including health, dental, vision, disability and life insurance, paid time-off, 401(k), health and flexible spending accounts, stock purchase plan and more.

We are committed to affirmative action and equal opportunity in all aspects of employment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Commitment to our Employees

At SPS we power connections that drive the world of commerce forward, and our success depends on making strong decisions, fostering innovation, delivering unparalleled customer solutions, and driving outstanding business performance. We achieve this by creating an environment where every employee feels a true sense of belonging. We embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring everyone feels accepted, valued, and empowered to make a meaningful impact. We are committed to affirmative action and equal opportunity in all aspects of employment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Why SPS Commerce?

Welcome to SPS Commerce — where innovation meets impact.

As the world’s largest retail network, we empower over 46,000 customers across diverse industries with cutting‑edge cloud technology and expert support, helping them streamline supply chain operations and focus on what they do best.

• Impactful Work: Be part of a tech-driven, market-focused company that simplifies complex processes and helps products reach customers faster.


• Belonging Culture: We thrive on curiosity, collaboration, and celebrating wins together. Your voice matters here.


• Growth Opportunities: Enjoy diverse career paths, training, and visibility across roles — all within a company that values your contributions.


• Make Your Career Here: We invest in our people and provide the resources you need to succeed.

At SPS, careers aren’t just grown — they’re made. When you succeed, we all succeed. We’re committed to creating a workplace where you’re empowered to do your best work, champion new ideas, and grow your career. We’re all about innovation, collaboration, and growth — and we’re just getting started.