Senior Principal Public Relations Specialist

Senior Principal Public Relations Specialist

About the Role
Blackbaud is seeking a strategic and visionary Senior Principal Public Relations Specialist to lead and elevate our brand, with an emphasis on innovation and AI. This role will help shape our brand’s AI narrative, drive thought leadership, and manage high-impact relationships with PR agencies and media partners. You will serve as a trusted advisor to senior executives and collaborate cross-functionally to amplify our reputation as a trusted technology leader in the social impact space.

What You’ll Do

• Strategic Communications & Thought Leadership:
  • Develop and execute PR strategies that position Blackbaud as a leader in innovation and AI, including agentic AI and responsible AI governance.
  • Craft compelling narratives that highlight our AI capabilities, product innovation, and social impact mission.
  • Lead the development of executive communications, op-eds, media and speaking engagements that reinforce our leadership in AI and nonprofit technology.
• Media & Agency Management:
  • Manage relationships with external PR agencies, ensuring alignment with brand strategy, messaging, and campaign execution.
  • Oversee media outreach, press releases, and proactive pitching to top-tier outlets.
  • Serve as a seasoned press officer with deep journalist networks and an eye for impactful storytelling.
• Innovation & AI Communications:
  • Partner with product and innovation teams to translate complex AI and technology concepts into accessible, engaging communications.
  • Support innovation-related campaigns, newsletters, and social amplification strategies.
  • Monitor emerging trends in AI and innovation to inform messaging and positioning.
• Reputation & Risk Management:
  • Anticipate and mitigate reputational risks through proactive planning and crisis communications.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
  • Work closely with marketing, product, legal, and executive teams to align messaging and ensure consistency.
  • Drive internal alignment through participation in innovation drumbeat meetings and reputation workshops.
• PR Execution & Operations:
  • Write, edit, and distribute PR materials, including press releases, blogs, media briefing documents, award applications, speaker nominations, pitches, and talking points.
  • Monitor, analyze, and report on the impact of PR efforts.
  • Work with internal stakeholders at all levels to identify and develop PR opportunities and campaigns.
  • Seek and evaluate opportunities for company award submissions.

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in PR, Journalism and Communications, English, or Marketing, or equivalent work experience in a related field.
• 15+ years of public relations (agency or internal) and/or corporate communications experience with a B2B tech company.
• Proven success managing PR agencies and executing high-impact media campaigns.
• Impeccable writing, editing, and storytelling skills combined with a creative mind that seeks innovative ways to connect stories with various audiences.
• Deep understanding of AI trends, innovation communications, and technology positioning.
• Ability to translate complex ideas into simple, intuitive communication, messages, and stories.
• Strong problem-solving abilities, resourcefulness, and ingenuity to maximize the use of available information and resources and make intelligent, informed decisions.
• Proven track record of success in PR and experience with media management platforms, technology, and reporting.
• Experience advising senior leaders and managing executive visibility.
• Proven project management skills with the ability to juggle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while remaining detail-oriented.
• Preferred experience in Asana or other work management platforms.
• Preferred experience in using generative AI tools for content creation.

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Blackbaud is a remote-first company which embraces a flexible remote work culture.  Blackbaud supports hiring and career development for all roles from the location you are in today!

Blackbaud is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive work environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.

To all recruitment agencies: We do not accept unsolicited agency resumes and are not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

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Benefits Include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance

• Remote-first workforce

• 401(k) program with employer match

• Flexible paid time off

• Generous Parental Leave

• Volunteer for vacation

• Opportunities to connect to build community and belonging

• Pet insurance, legal and identity protection

• Tuition reimbursement program