We hold storytelling to a high degree, and we take it very seriously. We love to craft a narrative that engages our customers, prospects, investors, and media. We’re seeking a strategic Senior Communications Specialist to elevate storytelling in external communications channels. Reporting to the Communications Director, you’ll serve as one of two primary writers for press releases, owning planning, strategy, and execution for one of our most visible channels.
In addition to leading the press release program, you’ll architect integrated communications plans and partner with communications leadership to identify which stories have true media value — and how to tell them. You’ll help improve processes and raise the bar for how Calix shows up externally.
The ideal candidate brings sharp strategic judgment, exceptional writing and editing skills, strong cross-functional communication ability, and the confidence and discipline to manage regular C-suite communications. This is a highly visible role that partners directly with some of the company’s most impactful leaders.
If you love storytelling and want to help build a modern communications function in its next phase of growth, this role offers that opportunity.
Core Responsibilities
Press Releases
Lead the strategy, prioritization, and execution of the press release channel, personally owning end-to-end development—from story sourcing and cross-functional alignment to final publication.
Identify and evaluate stories across the organization (product marketing, field marketing, customer success, revenue leaders, and more), testing each concept’s strategic value to ensure it fits the channel and advances business priorities.
Conduct interviews with executives, customers, and partners as part of story development; this role includes external-facing conversations.
Draft and refine press releases and manage the full review cycle through C-suite approval, partnering with web, social, and design teams to finalize assets and ensure flawless execution across owned channels.
Support integrated communications strategy by understanding how each release contributes to broader media and marketing efforts, and analyze and report on channel performance quarterly to drive continuous improvement.
Integrated Communications Strategy
Recommend integrated communication plans for major Calix announcements, including optimal sequencing and deployment of external channels (press releases, social, web, executive communications, etc.).
Assess channel audiences and advise on the right mix of touchpoints to maximize reach and impact.
Partner with internal communications and cross-functional teams when internal amplification is needed.
Maintain strong cross-functional relationships to ensure consistency, timeliness, and alignment across all communications.
Media Relations Support
Support the media agency partnership in collaboration with communications leadership.
Serve as a liaison between the press release channel and the media team, helping identify which stories offer the strongest media value.
Coordinate with the agency on rollout logistics, including timing, narrative development, and execution for news announcements.
Additional Responsibilities
Help refine and improve communications processes, policies, and workflows across the function.
Stay current on industry trends, competitive activity, and relevant news, using insights to inform communications storytelling strategy and keep Calix ahead of the curve.
Track campaign and initiative performance, bringing forward data-driven insights and recommendations.
Contribute to internal culture and communications efforts to keep employees informed, engaged, and aligned.
- Craft high-impact narratives that shape perception, inspire action, and advance business strategy.
- Write and edit at an exceptional level.
- Identify what’s truly newsworthy and turn insights into compelling, market-relevant stories.
- Translate complex ideas into engaging content across audiences, formats, and platforms.
- Balance urgency and precision, delivering polished work on immovable deadlines.
- Navigate shifting priorities and approval cycles with composure, curiosity, and problem-solving instincts.
- Operate as a trusted partner who elevates both the work and the people around you.
10–15 years of experience in communications, journalism, PR, or related fields (Bachelor’s degree required)
- Proven experience supporting public-company or market-moving announcements
- Strong business acumen with the ability to advise and collaborate directly with C-suite leaders
- Extraordinary writing, editing, interviewing, and narrative development skills (journalistic instinct a must)
- Experience shaping integrated communication programs across digital and traditional channels
- Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects end-to-end under tight timelines and evolving priorities
- Skilled in stakeholder management, cross-functional collaboration, and external partner communication
- Ability to maintain confidentiality, composure, and sound judgment in sensitive or fast-moving situations
Location:
Remote-based position located in United States or Canada.
#LI-Remote
The base pay range for this position varies based on the geographic location. More information about the pay range specific to candidate location and other factors will be shared during the recruitment process. Individual pay is determined based on location of residence and multiple factors, including job-related knowledge, skills and experience.
San Francisco Bay Area:
158,700 - 238,100 USD AnnualSelect US Metros and States:
138,000 - 207,000 USD AnnualOther US Locations:
124,200 - 186,300 USD AnnualAs a part of the total compensation package, this role may be eligible for a bonus. For information on our benefits click here.
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What We Do
Innovative communications service providers rely on Calix platforms to help them master and monetize the complex infrastructure between their subscribers and the cloud. Calix is the leading global provider of the cloud and software platforms, systems, and services required to deliver the unified access network and smart premises of tomorrow. Our platforms and services help our customers build next generation networks by embracing a DevOps operating model, optimize the subscriber experience by leveraging big data analytics, and turn the complexity of the smart home and business into new revenue streams.
