Head of External Communications

Description:

SPS Commerce is a leading provider of cloud-based supply chain management solutions, serving a global network of retail trading partners. We foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment where innovation and continuous improvement are highly valued. Join SPS Commerce and be part of a dynamic team that's transforming the global retail supply chain!

Position Summary:

As the Head of External Communications on our Brand Marketing team, you will own the day-to-day operations of SPS Commerce's Public Relations and Analyst Relations programs. You'll also serve as the people manager for the Sr. Social Media Manager and Influencer Marketing Manager, ensuring social media and user generated content (UGC) strategies stay aligned with and reinforce SPS’ broader external communications priorities. Reporting to the Head of Brand Marketing, you'll shape and protect SPS's reputation with media, industry analysts, and the broader retail supply chain community. This role calls for a skilled storyteller and relationship builder who can translate complex supply chain and technology topics into compelling narratives, manage a busy media and analyst cadence, and serve as a trusted advisor to internal stakeholders and executives.

What You'll Do:

• Own and execute SPS's day-to-day public relations program in partnership with our PR agency, including media strategy, proactive story pitching, reactive media response, and executive visibility initiatives
• Co-manage ongoing relationships with industry analysts including Gartner, Forrester, and IDC — scheduling and attending briefings, managing briefing documents, recording outcomes, and coordinating analyst inputs into research reports, rankings, and market landscape placements
• Serve as a primary point of contact for reporters and trade press, managing inbound media inquiries, coordinating interviews, and reviewing press release drafts, briefing documents, and talking points
• Partner with Marketing, Investor Relations, Internal Communications, Product, Legal, and executive stakeholders to ensure PR and AR activity is coordinated, accurate, and reflects a consistent company narrative across all external touchpoints
• Manage relationships with external PR agency and vendors, guiding day-to-day execution, monitoring deliverables against budget, and ensuring output aligns with brand voice and messaging guidelines
• Track and report on PR and AR performance metrics including media coverage, share of voice, sentiment, and analyst positioning, using data-driven insights to continuously refine program strategy
• Lead, coach, and develop the Sr. Social Media Manager and Influencer Marketing Manager through regular feedback, career development support, and clear priorities that keep social media and UGC execution aligned with broader external communications goals
• Support the development of holding statements, FAQs, and response plans for sensitive or time-critical issues, coordinating with Legal and leadership as needed

Where You'll Work:

This role is hybrid out of our headquarters in Minneapolis, MN or open to fully remote candidates. We Succeed Together through in-person collaboration, balanced with remote work to provide flexibility.

• What You'll Bring:
• 5-7 years of experience in public relations, analyst relations, or corporate communications, ideally within a B2B technology, SaaS, or supply chain environment
• Demonstrated experience building and managing relationships with industry analysts including Gartner, Forrester, and IDC, and coordinating briefings, inquiries, and report submissions
• Established media relationships and a track record of securing earned media coverage in trade, business, or technology press
• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills with the ability to translate complex or technical topics into clear, compelling narratives for media and analyst audiences
• Experience managing external PR and AR agencies, including budget oversight and quality control of deliverables
• Sound judgment in navigating sensitive topics, reactive media situations, and time-critical issues with the ability to remain calm and clear under pressure
• Proven ability to influence senior executives and stakeholders with messaging and content, and experience presenting to senior audiences
• Proficiency with media monitoring and analytics tools, with the ability to translate coverage and sentiment data into actionable insights
• Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders simultaneously
• Experience partnering with executives to prepare for interviews, briefings, and speaking opportunities
• Prior experience managing or mentoring direct reports with a demonstrated ability to coach, develop, and motivate team members while maintaining accountability for shared goals

What We Offer:

At SPS Commerce, we are committed to ensuring that each employee's compensation reflects their unique experiences, performance, and skills in their role. The salary range for this role considers several factors, including education, relevant skills, work history, certifications, location, and more.

The annual salary range for this role is: $94,800 - $141,700. The actual salary offered will be determined based on the factors listed above and may fall anywhere within the range.

SPS Commerce offers a comprehensive package of benefits including health, dental, vision, disability and life insurance, paid time-off, 401(k), health and flexible spending accounts, stock purchase plan and more.

Commitment to our Employees:

At SPS we power connections that drive the world of commerce forward, and our success depends on making strong decisions, fostering innovation, delivering unparalleled customer solutions, and driving outstanding business performance. We achieve this by creating an environment where every employee feels a true sense of belonging. We embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring everyone feels accepted, valued, and empowered to make a meaningful impact.

We are committed to affirmative action and equal opportunity in all aspects of employment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.