Opportunity at a Glance
This role sits within Covista’s Corporate Affairs team and reports to the Senior Director, Segment Communications. You’ll lead communications strategy and execution across two interconnected mandates: Walden University as an institution, and initiatives spanning marketing, digital, and innovation across Covista’s portfolio under the Office of the Chief Growth & Innovation Officer. This includes a significant executive communications component, supporting a high-profile leader operating at the enterprise level. As part of Corporate Affairs, you’ll have access to proprietary research assets, visibility into enterprise strategy, and a seat at the table where reputation is built and protected.Set direction and lead execution for communications supporting Walden University, the CGIO’s enterprise mandate, and executive visibility for senior leadership. You’ll serve as a trusted advisor, connect institutional and enterprise narratives, and drive a proactive earned media and executive visibility program — while ensuring internal stakeholders remain informed and aligned. This role requires a strategic thinker who can translate complex priorities into clear stories, counsel executives with confidence, and deliver high-quality work across a fast-moving portfolio.
ResponsibilitiesExecutive CommunicationsServe as the primary communications partner to the Chief Growth & Innovation Officer and President of Walden University, supporting both institutional and enterprise-level communications needsDevelop and manage a proactive executive visibility program spanning earned media placements, op-eds, podcast appearances, conference speaking, and LinkedIn thought leadershipPrepare the CGIO and key faculty for media interviews, broadcast formats, and public appearances through structured briefings and message developmentIdentify and pursue speaking opportunities at priority industry conferences; develop abstracts and oversee submission logisticsConnect the executive narrative across growth, innovation, and AI/digital themes central to the CGIO mandate while maintaining Walden’s distinct institutional voiceExternal Communications & ReputationOwn and drive Walden’s earned media strategy, building the institution’s reputation among key audiences in higher education, healthcare workforce, and adult learningDevelop and advance communications narratives that support the CGIO’s enterprise mandate — including the convergence of marketing, digital innovation, and AI in educationBuild and manage a portfolio of media relationships with reporters, editors, and producers across higher education, business, workforce development, and AI/technology in learningDevelop media materials including key messages, press releases, media briefings, and spokesperson talking pointsLeverage proprietary research assets, including the Covista Care Capacity Monitor, to develop localized, data-driven pitches that differentiate Walden and advance Covista’s healthcare workforce narrativeIdentify connection points across institutional and enterprise priorities, integrating Walden’s story into broader Covista campaigns where appropriateOversee issues and crisis communications in partnership with the Public Affairs team, including drafting response statements and coordinating with legal and academic affairs as neededPartner with marketing — now unified under the CGIO — to integrate earned media into broader growth and student engagement strategiesPartner with Alumni Engagement and Student Affairs to identify and prepare alumni and student spokespeople for media opportunitiesEstablish and track segment communications metrics including media coverage quality, message pull-through, and share of voice, using data and insights to continuously optimize strategyInternal CommunicationsLead communications strategy for Walden town halls, all-colleague meetings, and institutional leadership briefingsSupport internal announcement drafting and colleague communications tied to segment news, milestones, and institutional updatesDevelop board-level segment updates, presentation narratives, and leadership talking pointsPartner with stakeholders across academic affairs, student success, and enrollment to surface stories and maintain a consistent segment narrative
