Director Corporate Communications

Summary: On behalf of our client, IGNYTE AI is seeking a Director, Corporate Communications for our Ayers, Massachusetts location. This is a foundational leadership role that will define and shape how the company communicates with the world during a period of extraordinary growth and strategic importance. Reporting directly to the President, candidate will serve as both strategic communications advisor and hands-on executor building the company's communications function from the ground up.This role combines the strategic thinking of a senior communications executive with the tactical flexibility of a startup operator. Candidate will manage investor relations, social media presence, public relations, government communications, and geopolitical messaging while supporting critical narratives around onshoring, intellectual property positioning, and technological leadership. Working across customer communications, external media, government relations, social media strategy, and industry event presence essentially touching anything related to communications from a commercial standpoint.Location: This is an on-site role near Ayer, Massachusetts with flexibility Responsibilities: Strategic Communications LeadershipDevelop and execute a comprehensive, cohesive communications strategy that aligns with company’s’ business objectives, brand positioning, and thought leadership goals. This includes creating the foundational communications framework that will guide all internal and external messaging as the company scales, ensuring consistency across all channels and stakeholder groups while maintaining flexibility to respond to emerging opportunities and challenges.Media Relations and Public RelationsCultivate and maintain relationships with business, industry, and technology media outlets. Drive earned media strategy through proactive outreach, press release development, interview coordination, and editorial content placement. Position the company and its leadership as authoritative voices in advanced manufacturing, additive manufacturing, and industrial innovation.Investor Relations ManagementOwn and manage all aspects of investor communications, including preparation of investor updates, presentation materials, messaging frameworks, and ongoing relationship management. Translate technical achievements and business milestones into compelling narratives that build investor confidence and support fundraising objectives while maintaining appropriate confidentiality and regulatory compliance.Government and Geopolitical CommunicationsDevelop and execute communications strategies that support the company’s engagement with government stakeholders at local, state, and federal levels.Craft messaging around onshoring initiatives, national manufacturing strategy, supply chain resilience, and the company's role in strengthening American industrial capabilities amid complex geopolitical dynamics.Social Media Strategy and ExecutionBuild and manage company’s social media presence across relevant platforms, creating content calendars, developing engaging posts, and monitoring engagement metrics. Balance thought leadership content with company updates, customer stories, and industry insights to build brand awareness and community engagement.Customer Communications SupportPartner with the commercial team to develop communications that support customer engagement, lead generation, and market education. Create case studies, success stories, and technical narratives that demonstrate company’s capabilities and customer impact across industrial sectors.Intellectual Property PositioningSupport the development of communications strategies around company’s proprietary technologies and intellectual property, positioning the company as an innovation leader while protecting competitive advantages. Content Development and StorytellingWork closely with the Marketing Director and President to develop high-impact narratives, case studies, white papers, and multimedia content that showcase company’s technological leadership, manufacturing capabilities, and customer impact. Translate complex technical concepts into accessible, inspiring stories for diverse audiences.Internal Communications ProgramsBuild and implement internal communications programs that reinforce company culture, increase organizational transparency, and align employees across teams, locations, and initiatives. Develop channels and cadences for leadership communications, company updates, and employee engagement that support a cohesive, informed workforce.Industry Event and Conference ManagementCoordinate company’s presence at key industry events, conferences, and speaking opportunities. This includes messaging development, speaker preparation, booth presence coordination, and post-event follow-up to maximize visibility and relationship-building opportunities within the advanced manufacturing ecosystem.Crisis and Issues ManagementEstablish protocols and response frameworks for potential communications challenges, including operational issues, media inquiries, and stakeholder concerns. Serve as the primary communications lead during sensitive situations, ensuring rapid, appropriate, and coordinated responses that protect the company's reputation.Communications Metrics and EffectivenessEstablish key performance indicators (KPIs) for communications effectiveness across all channels and initiatives. Implement measurement systems, analyze results, and continually refine programs based on data, feedback, and business outcomes to demonstrate communications ROI and impact.Team Building and Future ScalingWhile initially operating as a team of one, develop the strategic plan and business case for building out a full communications team over time. Identify future hiring needs, define roles and responsibilities, and create the infrastructure and processes that will enable the communications function to scale alongside company growth.Ideal Candidate Profile: Corporate Communications ExpertiseThe ideal candidate brings 8+ years’ experience in corporate communications muscle and experience, with a proven track record of building and executing communications strategies in complex organizational environments. Must demonstrate deep expertise in corporate communications disciplines including media relations, executive communications, investor relations, and strategic messaging. In-house corporate experience is essential we need someone who understands the internal dynamics of building communications functions within companies rather than servicing them from an agency perspective.Executive Presence and Strategic PartnershipThis role requires someone with strong executive presence who can confidently operate at the leadership level, serving as both strategic partner and trusted advisor to the President and senior executives. The candidate should be comfortable in high-stakes situations, capable of influencing senior decision-makers, and skilled at translating business strategy into communications strategy. Tactical Flexibility and Hands-On ApproachDespite the director-level title, this role demands someone willing and able to roll up their sleeves and execute across a wide range of tasks. The ideal candidate is comfortable handling everything from writing press releases to managing social media to preparing investor presentations. Candidate should thrive in startup-like environments where resourcefulness, adaptability, and a "no task too small" mentality are essential for success.Manufacturing or Industrial Background (Preferred)While not a strict requirement, candidates with exposure to manufacturing, industrial, aerospace, defense, or advanced technology sectors will have a significant advantage. Understanding the complexities of technical manufacturing processes, supply chain dynamics, and the regulatory environment in which company’s operates will accelerate impact and credibility with both internal and external stakeholders.Exceptional Writing and Storytelling AbilityOutstanding writing skills are non-negotiable. The candidate must be able to craft compelling narratives across formats from concise social media posts to comprehensive white papers, from investor presentations to internal memos.Candidate should excel at translating complex technical concepts into clear, accessible, and inspiring stories that resonate with diverse audiences including customers, investors, government officials, media, and employees.Growth-Stage Company ExperienceCandidates with experience at high-growth companies, startups, or early-stage ventures will be particularly well-suited to this role. We need someone who understands the unique communications challenges and opportunities that come with rapid scaling, who can build infrastructure and processes from scratch, and who thrives in dynamic environments where priorities can shift quickly.Compensation:$180K-220K plus long term incentives and excellent benefits This job has been posted by IGNYTE AI, a Kingsley Gate company. IGNYTE AI is committed to the fundamental principle of equal opportunity and equal treatment for every prospective and current employee. It is the policy of Kingsley Gate not to discriminate based on race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, religion, creed, disability, sex and gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state or local law.