Strategic Communications Lead, Tech Commercialization

ISU Research Park; Johnston (IA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

ISU Research Park in Johnston, IA seeks a Strategic Communications Lead, Tech Commercialization to own the integrated communications strategy translating priorities into a clear, audience-focused narrative.

You will advise the VP and leadership team, lead executive communications and thought leadership, drive change communications for major transformations, and collaborate across Marketing, Sales, Product and Customer Success to connect strategy with performance.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of executive communications experience.
• Change-management experience aligning coms with business objectives.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to translate complex priorities.
• Master-level PowerPoint development and data storytelling.
• Ability to tailor messages to diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Own and execute integrated tech commercialization communications strategy.
• Advise leadership on messaging, timing, and risks.
• Lead executive communications and thought leadership initiatives.
• Drive change communications for major transformations.
• Collaborate with Marketing, Sales, Product and other teams to align storytelling.

Skills

Executive communications

Change management

Business acumen

Visual storytelling

Data storytelling

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Tools

PowerPoint

Job description

Strategic Communications Lead, Tech Commercialization

As a Strategic Communications Lead, Tech Commercialization in Johnston, IA you will:

Own and execute the integrated Tech Commercialization communications strategy , translating business priorities, customer outcomes, and performance goals into a compelling and consistent narrative with clear audiences, objectives, channels, measures, and desired outcomes.

Serve as a trusted strategic communications advisor to the VP, Chief of Staff, and Tech Commercialization leadership team , providing proactive and candid counsel on messaging, timing, audience impact, employee engagement, and communication risks.

Act as an organizational strategic communicator; connecting strategy, decisions, priorities, customer outcomes, and business performance across Tech Commercialization so employees understand how individual initiatives fit together, why they matter, and how they contribute to the broader strategy.

Lead change communications for significant business, organizational, and strategic transformations , partnering with leaders early in the change process to articulate the “why,” anticipate stakeholder reactions and communication risks, and move audiences from awareness and understanding to commitment and action .

Lead executive communications and thought leadership for the VP and leadership team , developing executive-ready narratives, presentations, talking points, employee communications, leadership forums, and other high‑visibility engagements that strengthen leadership effectiveness and organizational alignment.

Own communications for critical business moments and employee engagement , including all‑employee meetings, strategy and goal rollouts, business updates, organizational announcements, and leadership forums—helping employees understand business direction, priorities, progress, and what is expected of them.

Serve as the communications bridge between Tech Commercialization and broader enterprise audiences , proactively identifying and elevating customer, dealer, product, technology, and business stories that demonstrate Tech Commercialization’s contribution to Deere’s enterprise strategy and customer value.

Build strong cross‑functional partnerships across Marketing, Sales, Product, Customer Success and other enterprise functions , aligning narratives and tailoring communications for employees, leaders, dealers, customers, and other stakeholders while identifying emerging needs, concerns, and communication gaps.

Measure communications effectiveness based on outcomes—not simply activity , assessing audience understanding, alignment, engagement, confidence, and desired behavioral or business outcomes, and using data and feedback to continuously improve communication strategy and execution.

Build a high‑performing communications capability , maintaining excellence from planning through publication while introducing new technologies, AI‑enabled tools, channels, storytelling approaches, and industry best practices that improve communication quality, speed, productivity, and impact.

VISA Sponsorship is NOT available for this position

What Skills You Need

3+ years of executive communication experience.

Change‑management experience as a trusted advisor, aligning communication and change narratives with business objectives, building stakeholder relationships, and delivering results.

Strong business acumen, listening and synthesis skills, with the ability to communicate complex priorities to multiple audiences.

Master‑level executive PowerPoint development, visual storytelling, and the ability to interpret data and communicate its business significance.

Sound judgment about audience needs, tone and timing, with the ability to prepare leaders for questions and sensitive communication.

Technology acumen, execution and project‑coordination skills, attention to quality, and a growth mindset.

What Makes You Stand Out

Experience as an embedded communications partner in a tech, business, or manufacturing environment.

A portfolio of executive communications demonstrating strong narrative development, PowerPoint craftsmanship and data storytelling.

Communications thought leadership and a record of rallying teams to deliver high‑quality results with a positive attitude.

Education

Ideally you will have a degree or equivalent related work experience in the following: