US PR & Communications Leader - AI-Driven Growth

IRIS Software Group; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

IRIS Software Group in the US market seeks a PR & Communications Manager to shape visibility across accounting, payroll and HR sectors. You will lead US media relations, craft data-led stories and coordinate with executives and agency partners.

Reporting to the Director, Global Communications & Brand, you will drive thought leadership, crisis management, and cross-functional collaboration to build IRIS' standout voice as growth accelerates.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in PR, media relations or corporate communications for B2B technology, SaaS or professional services.
• Strong working knowledge of the US media landscape and relationships with, or the ability to quickly build relationships with, trade, business and technology journalists.
• Demonstrable experience securing high-quality earned coverage and growing share of voice, from developing the angle through to landing the story.
• The ability to translate complex or technical subjects, including AI, into clear, credible, jargon-free stories that resonate with buyers and the media. Experience communicating an AI or emerging-technology narrative is a strong advantage.
• Experience supporting crisis and issues communications, with the judgement and composure to help handle sensitive situations calmly and quickly.
• Excellent writing and editing, with the judgement to set a quality bar and hold agencies and partners to it.
• Familiarity with the accounting, payroll and/or HR sectors, or a track record of getting up to speed quickly in specialist B2B markets.
• Experience managing PR agencies or external partners, briefing work and holding them accountable for results.
• Strong cross-functional and stakeholder skills. This role leads through relationships, influence and clear standards rather than direct reports.
• Comfort with PR measurement, media monitoring and reporting tools, and the ability to connect activity to outcomes the business cares about.
• Experience in a PE-backed, high-growth or fast-moving B2B environment is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• US PR and media relations: Build and lead the US PR programme, developing relationships with priority business, technology and trade media across accounting, payroll and HR.
• AI visibility: Align PR activity with IRIS’ wider AEO and AI visibility strategy, ensuring our stories strengthen IRIS in traditional media, search and discovery.
• Sector and stakeholder engagement: Partner with Accounting, Payroll and HR leaders to uncover newsworthy stories from our products, customers and markets.
• Executive visibility and thought leadership: Develop and deliver thought leadership and executive communications that build the profile of IRIS leaders in the US.
• Crisis and issues management: Support crisis and issues communications, including monitoring and rapid-response planning.
• Narrative and message consistency: Keep US earned media aligned to the brand narrative and tone of voice.
• Agency and partner management: Manage US PR agency partners, briefing work and ensuring results.
• Analyst and influencer awareness: Support relationships with industry analysts and influencers.
• Measurement and reporting: Track impact of PR activity and steer investments accordingly.

Job description

IRIS Software Group in the US market seeks a PR & Communications Manager to shape visibility across accounting, payroll and HR sectors. You will lead US media relations, craft data-led stories and coordinate with executives and agency partners.

Reporting to the Director, Global Communications & Brand, you will drive thought leadership, crisis management, and cross-functional collaboration to build IRIS' standout voice as growth accelerates.