Sr. Communications Specialist

Ascend Performance Materials; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Ascend Performance Materials in Houston seeks a Senior Communications Specialist to lead internal storytelling, strengthen employee engagement, and align operations with our strategy. You will translate complex manufacturing and technical topics into clear, engaging content, collaborate with site leadership, and manage enterprise-wide communication programs to support culture and change.

This role reports to the Senior Communications Manager and partners with leaders across manufacturing,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, English, Business, or a related field.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive communications experience, including internal and corporate communications.
• Experience developing strategy and executing enterprise-wide communication programs.
• Experience partnering with senior leaders and subject matter experts.
• Proven success translating complex topics into clear, compelling communications.
• Experience supporting organizational change and employee engagement programs.
• Manufacturing, industrial, chemical, engineering, or technical industry experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Enterprise storytelling: identify, develop, and publish stories highlighting achievements, safety, and values across sites and functions.
• Internal communications: develop strategies, lead content distribution, and ensure messaging alignment with priorities.
• Business/technical communications: translate complex topics for diverse employee audiences with accuracy.
• Planning and execution: manage editorial calendars, schedules, and content pipelines with deadlines.
• Stakeholder engagement: partner with leaders to support presentations, employee meetings, and campaigns.

Skills

Writing and storytelling

Interviewing and listening

Cross-functional collaboration

Executive presence

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, English, Business, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Internal communication platforms

Job description

POSITION OVERVIEW

Ascend Performance Materials is a global leader in high-performance chemicals, fibers and plastics, committed to enhancing quality of life through innovation. With fully integrated manufacturing facilities across North America, Europe, and Asia, we develop essential solutions that drive safer vehicles, cleaner energy, advanced medical devices, and durable consumer goods. Guided by a strong focus on safety, sustainability, and customer success, we operate responsibly while delivering value through cutting-edge technologies and industry expertise. Join our team and be part of a collaborative environment where your work drives meaningful global impact. The Senior Communications Specialist is responsible for developing and executing strategic internal communications that strengthen employee engagement, reinforce company culture, and enhance organizational alignment. This role serves as Ascend’s primary enterprise storyteller, proactively identifying and communicating compelling stories across manufacturing, commercial, technology, and corporate functions. The position partners closely with leaders and subject matter experts throughout the organization to translate complex business, operational, and technical topics into clear, engaging communications that connect employees to the company’s strategy, values, and achievements.

TARGETED OUTCOMES

• Establish a consistent and engaging internal communications cadence that improves employee awareness, understanding, and engagement.
• Increase the visibility of Ascend’s people, culture, operational, innovation, and business success stories across the enterprise.
• Strengthen employee connection to Ascend’s values, strategic priorities, and organizational initiatives through effective storytelling and communication.
• Develop a sustainable communications planning process, editorial calendar, and content pipeline that delivers timely and impactful communications.
• Enhance leadership communications by providing clear, professional, and engaging messaging that supports business objectives and organizational change.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Enterprise Storytelling Proactively identify, develop, and publish compelling stories that highlight employee achievements, operational excellence, innovation, safety, community engagement, and values in action. Build relationships across manufacturing sites, corporate functions, and leadership teams to uncover stories and communication opportunities. Conduct interviews with employees, leaders, and technical subject matter experts to gather information and develop engaging content. Create written, visual, and multimedia content that celebrates successes and strengthens organizational culture.
• Internal Communications Develop and execute internal communication strategies that support business priorities, organizational initiatives, and employee engagement. Lead the creation and distribution of employee communications, executive communications, organizational updates, culture messaging, and change communications. Support enterprise communication initiatives including leadership announcements, organizational changes, office transitions, and company-wide campaigns. Ensure communications are clear, timely, aligned with company values, and consistent across channels.
• Business and Technical Communications Translate complex manufacturing, engineering, supply chain, sustainability, technology, and commercial topics into clear and accessible communications for diverse employee audiences. Partner with business leaders and technical experts to develop messaging that improves understanding of strategic initiatives and business performance. Create communication materials that simplify technical concepts while maintaining accuracy and credibility.
• Communications Planning and Execution Develop and maintain editorial calendars, communication schedules, and content plans that establish a consistent communication rhythm across the organization. Manage multiple communication projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines and maintaining high-quality standards. Measure communication effectiveness through engagement metrics, feedback, and reporting. Continuously improve communication processes, tools, and channels to increase effectiveness and employee reach.
• Stakeholder Engagement Serve as a trusted communications partner to leaders across the organization. Build strong relationships with site leadership, operations, engineering, commercial, and functional teams to support communication objectives. Provide communications counsel and support for leadership presentations, employee meetings, and strategic initiatives. Collaborate across the organization to ensure alignment of messaging and communication priorities.

TEAM AND INTERACTIONS

Reports to: Senior Communications Manager This role partners extensively with executive and site leadership teams across the global organization.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, English, Business, or a related field.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive communications experience, including internal communications, employee communications, corporate communications, or public relations.
• Demonstrated experience developing communication strategies and executing enterprise-wide communication programs.
• Experience partnering with senior leaders and subject matter experts to develop communications for diverse employee audiences.
• Proven success translating complex business, operational, or technical topics into clear and compelling communications.
• Experience supporting organizational change, culture initiatives, and employee engagement programs.
• Manufacturing, industrial, chemical, engineering, or other technical industry experience is a plus.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling capabilities.
• Strong interviewing, listening, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to influence and collaborate effectively across all levels of the organization.
• Strong business curiosity and ability to quickly learn complex topics.
• Demonstrated initiative, sound judgment, and ability to operate independently with minimal direction.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Executive presence and professionalism when working with senior leaders.
• Strong verbal communication, presentation, and facilitation skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and internal communication platforms.
• Experience with graphic design, photography, video content creation, social media, or digital communications tools a plus.

Recruitment and Equal Opportunity

At Ascend Performance Materials, we value transparency and fairness in our hiring process. We do not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters, search firms, or staffing agencies. Any resumes received from such entities will be considered the property of Ascend Performance Materials, and we will not be obligated to pay any fees for such submissions. Our Talent Acquisition Team actively engages with preferred recruitment partners who have established agreements with us.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, citizenship, genetic information or other protected status under federal, state or local laws.

About Us

Ascend Performance Materials is the premium provider of high-quality chemicals, fibers and plastics focused on improving quality of life and inspiring a better tomorrow through innovation. We are a fully integrated material solutions provider with manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe and Asia. Our global workforce makes the materials used to make safer vehicles, cleaner energy, better medical devices, smarter appliances, and longer-lasting apparel and consumer goods. We are committed to safety, sustainability, and the success of our customers and our communities.

Why work at Ascend?

Our vision is to be the recognized leader in the nylon 6,6 value chain, creating new possibilities with PA66 for everyone, everywhere, every day. We achieve that through living our Ascend values: OARS. Our OARS values shape how we work, lead, and grow together. We take ownership, stay accountable, operate reliably, and support one another to deliver results safely and consistently. Through clear expectations, empowered decision-making, intentional communication, and continuous feedback, we create a culture built on action, visibility, and shared success. Together, OARS gives us a shared language and clear direction. These values guide our decisions, shape priorities and set expectations as we move forward – aligned, focused and committed to creating performance materials that improve lives today and inspire a better tomorrow.