Head of External Communications

SPS Commerce

. Own and execute SPS's day-to-day public relations program with its PR agency .

Posted 10/14/2026full-timeMinneapolis • Minnesota • United StatesLead💰 $94,800 - $141,700 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in public relations and analyst relations, with a strong focus on media strategy, relationship management, and data-driven insights. Proven ability to lead teams, manage external agencies, and communicate effectively with senior stakeholders.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Public Relations ManagementAnalyst Relations CoordinationMedia Strategy DevelopmentStrong Writing and Editing SkillsProject Management

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Public RelationsAnalyst RelationsMedia StrategyBudget OversightMedia MonitoringData AnalysisCrisis CommunicationStorytellingRelationship ManagementReport Coordination

Soft Skills

Influencing Senior ExecutivesCoaching and MentoringOrganizational SkillsSound JudgmentCommunication Skills

Tools & Technologies

Media Monitoring ToolsAnalytics Tools

Industry Keywords

B2B TechnologySaaSSupply ChainGartnerForresterIDC

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Own and execute SPS's day-to-day public relations program with its PR agency
Develop media strategy, proactively pitch stories, respond to reactive media situations, and lead executive visibility initiatives
Co-manage relationships with Gartner, Forrester, and IDC
Schedule and attend analyst briefings, manage briefing documents, record outcomes, and coordinate analyst inputs into research reports, rankings, and market landscape placements
Serve as a primary contact for reporters and trade press
Manage inbound media inquiries, coordinate interviews, and review press releases, briefing documents, and talking points
Partner with Marketing, Investor Relations, Internal Communications, Product, Legal, and executive stakeholders
Manage external PR agency and vendor relationships, budgets, deliverables, and brand alignment
Track and report PR and AR metrics, including media coverage, share of voice, sentiment, and analyst positioning
Use data-driven insights to refine program strategy
Lead, coach, and develop the Sr. Social Media Manager and Influencer Marketing Manager
Develop holding statements, FAQs, and response plans for sensitive or time-critical issues
Coordinate crisis-related communications with Legal and leadership

Requirements

What you’ll need

5-7 years of experience in public relations, analyst relations, or corporate communications
Experience ideally within a B2B technology, SaaS, or supply chain environment
Experience building and managing relationships with Gartner, Forrester, and IDC
Experience coordinating analyst briefings, inquiries, and report submissions
Established media relationships and a track record of securing earned media coverage
Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills
Ability to translate complex or technical topics into clear, compelling narratives
Experience managing external PR and AR agencies, including budget oversight and quality control
Sound judgment in sensitive topics, reactive media situations, and time-critical issues
Ability to influence senior executives and stakeholders with messaging and content
Experience presenting to senior audiences
Proficiency with media monitoring and analytics tools
Strong project management and organizational skills
Experience partnering with executives to prepare for interviews, briefings, and speaking opportunities
Prior experience managing or mentoring direct reports
Ability to coach, develop, and motivate team members while maintaining accountability
Commitment to affirmative action and equal opportunity

Benefits

Comp & perks

Health insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Disability insurance
Life insurance
Paid time-off
401(k)
Health and flexible spending accounts
Stock purchase plan
Hybrid work with remote flexibility
In-person collaboration
Diversity, equity, and inclusion commitment