Lead Specialist - Corporate Communications

Job Title - Lead Specialist, Corporate Communications

Description
Shape Pearson’s story across virtual learning and enterprise priorities in a strategic, hands-on role spanning integrated, executive and issues communications. Also known in the market as Corporate Communications Manager, Integrated Communications Manager, Strategic Communications Manager or Senior Communications Manager.

About the role

Pearson is looking for a strategic and hands-on communications professional to help shape, protect and enhance our reputation. This newly created role will support our Virtual Learning business while contributing to wider priorities including Career Readiness, Workforce Readiness and AI Innovation.

You will work across external, internal and executive communications, connecting business activity to Pearson’s wider corporate story. Success in this role requires strong strategic thinking combined with the ability to personally deliver high-quality communications materials, executive briefings and stakeholder content.

This is an opportunity for someone who enjoys creating structure, bringing stakeholders together and turning complex business activity into clear, engaging and impactful communications.

What you'll do

• Lead proactive and reactive communications across PR, internal communications, social media, customer communications, public affairs and crisis communications.
• Develop narratives, messaging frameworks and content aligned to Pearson’s corporate priorities and business objectives.
• Support Pearson’s Virtual Learning business while connecting activity to wider themes including Career Readiness, Workforce Readiness and AI Innovation.
• Partner proactively with stakeholders across Marketing, Product, Sales, Media Relations, Government Relations, HR and Corporate Communications.
• Identify upcoming launches, conferences, campaigns, opportunities and potential reputational risks, ensuring the right teams are aligned and informed.
• Prepare senior leaders for media opportunities, events, presentations and all-hands meetings through briefing memos, talk tracks, presentations and supporting communications materials.
• Provide communications support for executive leadership communications, including presentations, internal messaging and executive social content.
• Manage issues and crisis communications planning and response activities.
• Monitor media, stakeholder sentiment and reputational risks, using insight to inform communications strategies and recommendations.
• Produce polished, executive-ready materials in Microsoft Word and PowerPoint with a consistently high attention to detail.

What we're looking for

• Broad experience across Corporate, Strategic or Integrated Communications rather than a single-channel communications specialism.
• Proven ability to balance strategic communications planning with hands-on execution.
• Strong narrative development skills and experience adapting key messages for multiple audiences while maintaining message consistency.
• Experience working across multiple stakeholder groups, including customers, employees, policymakers, investors and senior leaders.
• Strong B2B communications experience. Additional B2B2C or consumer-facing communications experience would be advantageous.
• Experience supporting executive communications, leadership events, media preparation and thought leadership activity.
• Experience managing issues, reputation or crisis communications in a complex organisation.
• A proactive mindset with the ability to identify opportunities, connect stakeholders and drive activity forward without waiting for a detailed brief.
• Excellent writing, editing and storytelling skills, with exceptional attention to detail.
• Strong Microsoft Word and PowerPoint capabilities.
• Practical awareness of AI in communications, SEO, AEO, GEO and the strategic use of social media.

Particularly attractive backgrounds

• Education, Higher Education, EdTech or other regulated industries.
• Corporate Communications experience within consulting or professional services organisations such as Accenture, McKinsey, BCG or similar firms.
• Public Affairs, Government Relations or reputation management experience.

Location & Working Pattern

United States | Remote

The successful candidate will support Pearson’s North America business while collaborating across a global organisation. Flexible working arrangements will apply in line with Pearson policy and business requirements.

Salary

Compensation at Pearson is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, and specific location. As required by the California, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York State, New York City, Vermont, Washington State, and Washington DC laws, the pay range for this position is as follows: The minimum full-time salary range is between $75,000 - $115,000. This position is eligible to participate in an annual incentive program, and information on benefits offered is here. Applications will be accepted through September 13th 2026. This window may be extended depending on business needs.

Why join Pearson?

This is a rare opportunity to help shape communications across one of the world's leading learning companies. You'll work at the intersection of education, workforce readiness and AI innovation, partnering with senior leaders to tell compelling stories that influence customers, employees, policymakers and stakeholders globally.

If you enjoy turning complex business priorities into clear communications, building relationships across teams and delivering work that genuinely makes an impact, we'd love to hear from you.

#LI-CM1