Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a proactive earned media strategy that increases positive national and regional coverage.
• Build, maintain, and deepen relationships with key journalists, editors, producers, and influencers across consumer, education, business, and trade media.
• Identify and pitch compelling stories that highlight Learning Care's impact, innovation, and leadership.
• Oversee media monitoring, measurement, and reporting to assess impact and inform strategy.
• Serve as a senior advisor during media opportunities and reputational risk situations.
• Shape and elevate the company’s thought leadership platform in early childhood education, workforce development, and family support.
• Identify timely industry trends and policy conversations where Learning Care can lead the dialogue.
• Partner with executives and subject matter experts to develop bylines, op-eds, speaking opportunities, awards submissions, and conference strategies.
• Ensure consistent, differentiated messaging that reinforces the company’s expertise and mission.
• Serve as a strategic communications partner to senior leadership.
• Develop executive messaging, speeches, talking points, Q&A, and external communications materials.
• Prepare executives for media interviews, speaking engagements, and public appearances.
• Ensure alignment between executive voice and broader corporate narrative.
• Lead corporate messaging that supports brand positioning, growth initiatives, partnerships, and community impact.
• Develop communications plans for major announcements, milestones, and initiatives.
• Partner cross-functionally with Marketing, Operations, HR, Legal, and Government Relations to ensure consistency and alignment.
• Support issues management and crisis communications planning as needed.
• Oversee a team that builds and coordinates philanthropic and community engagement.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, or related field
• 12+ years of progressive experience in communications, public relations, or related field
• Demonstrated success leading earned media strategies and cultivating strong media relationships
• Significant experience in thought leadership and executive communications
• Experience developing consumer-facing communications strategies; background in education, family-focused, retail, healthcare, or multi-site organizations preferred
• Strong understanding of reputation management and corporate communications best practices
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills
• Proven ability to operate at a strategic level while also driving execution

Preferred

• Strategic thinker with strong business acumen and understanding how mission relates to business outcomes
• Executive presence and ability to influence senior leaders
• Relationship builder with media and external stakeholders
• Mission-driven with passion for early childhood education
• Calm and decisive in high-visibility or fast-paced situations

Benefits

• Health and Wellness Benefits: Employees are eligible for a variety of health and welfare benefits based on their Full-time or Part-Time status on their date of hire, which include medical, dental, vision, healthcare & dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSAs), life insurance, disability, accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, pre-paid legal, pet insurance and identity theft protection.
• Employee perks/discounts: Education assistance including tuition reimbursement; Childcare discount available to all employees; Corporate partner Discounts; Flexible PTO plan with no set accrual.