Director, Public Relations (Remote)

Who we are:

Our purpose is to add life to a lifetime of learning. We have more than 20,000 employees that deliver our products and services in nearly 200 countries, all working towards a common purpose – to help everyone achieve their potential through learning. We do that by providing high quality, digital content and learning experiences, as well as assessments and qualifications that help people build their skills and grow with the world around them. We are the world’s leading learning company.

This position sits within our Virtual Learning Business, specifically in Pearson Online Learning Services (POLS), helping to support our various academic partner institutions in Higher Education.

Your role:

We are seeking a motivated communications leader to help us build creative and innovative PR strategies for Pearson Online Learning Services, the company’s online learning division for higher education.Reporting to the VP of Marketing Brand and Digital Experiences, this role works to raise the visibility of POLS through earned media, thought leadership, and other public relations activities. You’ll be with us on the cutting edge of changing how people around the world experience learning.

We’re looking for someone with a head for strategy and heart for vibrant storytelling. This is a leadership role that requires vision, a global perspective and the ability to collaborate across a large organization. The successful candidate for this role is someone who loves innovation and understands how to launch best in class consumer and tech products.

Key Responsibilities:

Deliver a Best-in-Class PR Program for Pearson Online Learning Services (POLS) working closely with the Partner Success, Business Development, and Marketing and Learner Acquisition teams to develop strategic public relations and earned media initiatives that support the POLS brand and POLS academic partners.

• Work with colleagues in Marketing and Communications to develop media positioning and messaging as new POLS products, new partners and pilot programs are launched.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key business, consumer, tech, and education journalists who are important to telling the POLS story.
• Develop and manage the development of media materials such as b-roll, photos, press releases, talking points, and FAQs.
• Working with our agencies, pitch and secure coverage for POLS in the United States and create opportunities for thought leadership in the higher education marketplace.

Building Relationships and Working Cross Functionally

• Collaborate closely and regularly with Investor Relations, Financial Communications, and global media teams to ensure consistent messaging and media efforts for POLS
• Display excellent interpersonal skills – someone who is likable, a team player and who has the personality, global perspective, and cultural sensitivity to collaborate across the company.
• Conduct yourself as a leader with a high level of personal and business integrity who will command respect with corporate executives, peers, and others within Pearson.
• Advocate for workplace inclusion and social responsibility.

Essential Skills and Experience

• 4-year degree from an accredited institution in Marketing, Business Administration or related field or appropriate combination of education and significant experience.
• Proven Communication Leadership: This role requires a minimum of 8-10 years of communications experience in a high-profile corporate setting, along with understanding of the media landscape and demonstrated experience working directly with media. Public relations agency or media company experience is a plus.
• Understanding of the Consumer, Tech, and Product Innovation Landscape: Experience launching consumer and B2B products is major plus in this role, along with media relationships in that space and an understanding of higher education and trends higher education innovation.
• Strategic and Commercially Oriented Thinking: Significant experience developing strategic media and communications plans that further business outcomes, reach multiple audiences, and drive proactive visibility.
• Executive Counsel: Demonstrated abilities to be a go-to leader and thought partner for senior executives.
• Creative Thinker: The ability to think quickly, creatively, and problem solve is a must.
• Collaborative approach: The ability to navigate internal relationships and stakeholders diplomatically, convincingly, and credibly; intellectual rigor and emotional intelligence are a must.
• Effective communication: As an education company, high quality written and spoken communication is essential; this person must be an effective and credible conveyor of information both internally and externally as an ambassador of the brand.
• Trend Spotter: Cultural savvy, curiosity, a knowledge of popular cultural and the ability to tie the Pearson brand to that.

While this position is remote-eligible, it includes the potential of up to 20% travel. The targeted salary range for this position is $130,000.00 - $150,000.00 and is eligible to participate in an annual bonus incentive program. To review the benefits offered at Pearson visit https://pearsonbenefitsus.com/.

Learning is the most powerful force for change in the world. More than 20,000 Pearson employees deliver our products and services in nearly 200 countries, all working towards a common purpose – to help everyone achieve their potential through learning. We do that by providing high quality, digital content and learning experiences, as well as assessments and qualifications that help people build their skills and grow with the world around them. We are the world’s leading learning company. Learn more at pearsonplc.com.

Pearson believes that wherever learning flourishes, so do people. We are committed to being an anti-racist company in everything we do. We value the power of an inclusive culture and a strong sense of belonging. We promote a culture where differences are embraced, opportunities are accessible, consideration and respect are the norm, and all individuals are supported in reaching their full potential. Through our talent, we believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion make us a more innovative and vibrant place to work. People are at the center, and we are committed to a sustainable environment and workplace where talent can learn, grow, and thrive.

To learn more about Pearson’s commitment to a diverse and inclusive workforce, please click here: http://www.pearson.com/careers/diversity-and-inclusion.html

Pearson is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer and a member of E-Verify. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business need. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other group protected by law.

Job: COMMUNICATION

Organization: Virtual Learning

Schedule: FULL\_TIME

Req ID: 7236