VP, Internal Communications

Job description

Risepoint is an education technology company that provides world-class support and trusted expertise to more than 100 universities and colleges. We primarily work with regional universities, helping them develop and grow their high-ROI, workforce-focused online degree programs in critical areas such as nursing, teaching, business, and public service. Risepoint is dedicated to increasing access to affordable education so that more students, especially working adults, can improve their careers and meet employer and community needs. The Impact You Will Make The Communications Function at Risepoint serves as the strategic voice of the organization, managing internal communications to enhance engagement, transparency, and brand reputation. Internally, the team ensures employees are informed, aligned, and inspired through clear messaging, executive communications, and culture-building initiatives. Externally, the department drives public relations, media outreach, thought leadership, and brand storytelling to elevate the organization’s presence and credibility. By integrating internal engagement with external visibility, the Communications Department plays a critical role in shaping the Risepoint’s narrative, fostering trust, and supporting business objectives. The Vice President, Internal Communications is responsible for developing and executing a strategic internal communications plan that enhances employee engagement, reinforces company culture, and ensures alignment with organizational goals. Reporting to the Chief Communications Officer (CCO), this leader will work closely with executives across the organization, senior leaders, the people team, and key stakeholders to create a transparent, inspiring, and effective communication strategy across departments and all levels of the organization to reinforce organizational goals. Since this role will lead all communications internally, ensuring employees are well-informed and engaged, especially during times of change, in addition to fostering a sense of purpose, community, and clarity among employees and leaders within a mission-driven higher education environment. This person will lead the development of compelling, story-driven content that highlights companywide accomplishments, employee success, and organizational priorities. This person should maintain a deep understanding of industry standards, best practices, and regulatory requirements. Communications should leverage insights from industry research to inform and enhance internal communication strategies. The Vice President, Internal Communications will act as a trusted advisor to the executive team as well as the senior leadership team, coaching them on effective internal messaging and engagement strategies as well as manage and execute systematic and transparent internal communications, ensuring timely and effective employee updates. Furthermore, in cooperation with the External Communications team, they will align internal messaging with university partner communications, and with the Brand Team to elevate internal and external brand reputation, ensuring consistency across audiences. How You Will Bring Our Mission to Life What You Will Do Strategic Communication Leadership with Content Development : Develop and implement comprehensive internal communication strategies that align with the Risepoint mission and business objectives. Oversee the creation of engaging content for various platforms, including email, intranet, and virtual company meetings, tailored to a remote-first workforce and manage functional budget for these initiatives in partnership with VP FP&A and CCO. This requires cross functional communication and collaboration with a variety of internal partners and teams. Communications Strategy & Governance: Establish enterprise communication standards, governance, and planning processes that ensure consistent, timely, and aligned messaging across the organization. Lead strategic communication planning for major business initiatives, organizational changes, executive priorities, and cross-functional programs while partnering with leaders across the business to align messaging, anticipate communication risks, and maximize employee understanding and engagement. Executive Collaboration : Work closely with the executive leadership team to advise and craft and disseminate key messages, ensuring consistency and clarity across all internal channels. Through influence and consultative guidance, the role will lead all of Risepoint’s overall messaging. Team Management : Lead, mentor, and develop a team of internal communication professionals, fostering a collaborative and high-performing remote work environment built on trust, partnership, and shared success. Develop a high performing team through continuous feedback, supporting training, and development coaching to optimize department effectiveness and impact. Change Management : Provide guidance to teams offering communication support during organizational changes, ensuring employees are informed, engaged, and supported throughout transitions including maintaining channels for employee feedback, promoting open dialogue and continuous improvement in communication practices. Measurement and Analysis : Utilize metrics to assess the effectiveness of internal communications and implement improvements based on data-driven insights. What Success Looks Like Develops and executes a strategic internal communications function that aligns employees with the organization's mission, business priorities, and evolving strategic direction. Establishes trusted partnerships with executive and senior leadership, providing strategic communications counsel that enhances leadership visibility, strengthens organizational culture, and drives employee engagement. Builds employee engagement and culture initiatives that strengthen organizational alignment across a remote-first workforce. Creates a high-performing communications team and scalable communications practices that deliver timely, transparent, and impactful messaging across the organization. Maintains a deep understanding of industry standards, best practices, regulatory requirements, and emerging research to inform and continuously enhance internal communication strategies. Proactively seek out professional development opportunities, including attending industry conferences, participating in webinars, and engaging with thought leaders. How Impact Will be Measured Employee engagement, awareness, and confidence in organizational communications as measured through engagement surveys, feedback channels, and communication effectiveness metrics. Successful execution of enterprise communication strategies supporting organizational initiatives, executive priorities, and business transformation efforts while meeting established timelines and objectives. Demonstrated effectiveness of internal communication channels and campaigns through engagement analytics, stakeholder feedback, and continuous improvement of communication strategies. What You’ll Bring to the Team Experience That Matters Most Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred. Minimum of 10 years of experience in internal communications, with at least 5 years in a leadership role. Proven experience managing internal communications in a remote or distributed workforce setting. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and concisely. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships across all levels of the organization. Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a team, driving both strategic vision and operational excellence. Proficiency with digital communication tools and platforms commonly used in remote work environments. Experience in higher education or edtech sectors is a plus. Experience That’s Great to Have Experience leading executive communications, including strategic messaging, town halls, organizational announcements, and leadership communications for senior executives. Proven success developing communication strategies that support organizational transformation, change management, and enterprise-wide business initiatives. Experience building employee engagement programs and culture initiatives within remote or hybrid work environments. Familiarity with AI-enabled communication tools, communication analytics, and emerging technologies that improve content development, employee engagement, and communication effectiveness. Risepoint is an equal-opportunity employer and supports a diverse and inclusive workforce.