VP, Internal Communications

Risepoint assists primarily regional universities in increasing their access and impact by making their academic programs available to students online. Founded in 2007, Risepoint's mission is to expand access to high-quality, affordable, and workforce-relevant education, especially for working and adult students. Risepoint brings single-minded dedication to student success, an integrated set of services, and data-driven performance to our collaboration with university partners.

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.

Job Summary

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.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

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.

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. The Vice President, Internal Communications will develop a team of high performing resources 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.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or 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.
• Maintain a deep understanding of industry standards, best practices, and regulatory requirements. Leverage insights from industry research to inform and enhance internal communication strategies.
• Proactively seek out professional development opportunities, including attending industry conferences, participating in webinars, and engaging with thought leaders.

Risepoint is an equal opportunity employer and supports a diverse and inclusive workforce.