Strategic Senior Manager, Corporate Communications

Stride, Inc.; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 79,000 - 142,000; Full time

Job summary

Stride, Inc. is seeking a Communications Senior Manager to drive the Corporate Communications roadmap across the Media, Channels, and Enablement pods, combining strategy with hands-on media execution. You will lead national media, internal and executive communications, plus crisis planning, shaping Stride’s reputation across education, consumer, and AI-related coverage.

This is a remote, high‑visibility role requiring 7–10+ years of experience. All employment is at-will.

Qualifications

• 7–10+ years in corporate communications covering national media strategy, internal comms, brand/reputation, executive comms, and crisis comms.
• Experience with PR and earned media in AI-driven search, with a clear POV on impact on brand visibility.
• Experience in K‑12, higher education, or a regulated consumer sector preferred.
• Public company experience a plus.
• Proven success designing large-scale media programs with measurable outcomes.
• Experience managing external agencies and cross-functional or matrixed teams.
• Experience developing and coaching communications talent.
• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree a plus.
• Ability to travel up to 20%.
• Ability to clear required background check.

Responsibilities

• Cross‑Pod Strategy and Roadmap Leadership – Own and drive the Corporate Communications roadmap across the Media, Channels, and Enablement pods.
• Partner with pod leads on annual planning, campaign calendars, and cross‑functional initiatives.
• Media and Brand Strategy – Shape national media and brand strategy across education, consumer, and trade media.
• Guide how the team builds reputation across earned media, owned channels, and emerging surfaces like AI and generative search.
• Prepare executives and subject matter experts to be credible, confident spokespeople.
• Crisis and Issues Communications – Lead crisis and issues planning, response, and recovery with the Senior Director.
• Serve as the senior communications decision‑maker during crisis when the Senior Director is unavailable.
• Team and Agency Leadership – Lead without direct authority: set direction for pod members, ensure deadlines, and develop team capability.
• Manage external PR agencies and consultants to ensure alignment with strategy and measurable impact.

Skills

Strategic communicator

Media instincts

Crisis communications

Leading large‑scale media programs

Cross-functional leadership

Executive communications

Influence without authority

Agency management

Talent development

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree a plus

Job description

Stride, Inc. is seeking a Communications Senior Manager to drive the Corporate Communications roadmap across the Media, Channels, and Enablement pods, combining strategy with hands-on media execution. You will lead national media, internal and executive communications, plus crisis planning, shaping Stride’s reputation across education, consumer, and AI-related coverage.

This is a remote, high‑visibility role requiring 7–10+ years of experience. All employment is at-will.