Senior Director Thought Leadership & Research

Your work days are brighter here.

At Workday, it all began with a conversation over breakfast. When our founders met at a sunny California diner, they came up with an idea to revolutionize the enterprise software market. And when we began to rise, one thing that really set us apart was our culture. A culture which was driven by our value of putting our people first. And ever since, the happiness, development, and contribution of every Workmate is central to who we are. Our Workmates believe a healthy employee-centric, collaborative culture is the essential mix of ingredients for success in business. That’s why we look after our people, communities and the planet while still being profitable. Feel encouraged to shine, however that manifests: you don’t need to hide who you are. You can feel the energy and the passion, it's what makes us unique. Inspired to make a brighter work day for all and transform with us to the next stage of our growth journey? Bring your brightest version of you and have a brighter work day here.

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About the Team

The Workday Thought Leadership team is a dynamic and fast-paced group within the Communications department, focused on leading conversations about AI and the future of work. We strive to deliver timely, accurate, and engaging research and stories that enhance Workday's reputation, amplify thought leadership, and support overall communications objectives.

About the Role

We are seeking a strategic, creative, and research-savvy Senior Director of Thought Leadership to elevate our global brand through innovative research and credible storytelling that breaks through the noise. 

This role will lead the development of a global, high-impact thought leadership program aligned to Workday’s mission: to power the future of work. You’ll bring together proprietary research, market trends, subject-matter expertise, executive voices, and global content strategy to shape the ways Workday shows up in the world as a trusted authority on the future of work, AI talent, and enterprise transformation. 

The leader will partner closely with marketing and communications teams across the company, including public relations, brand, technology, and campaigns to drive an insight-led narrative that influences customers, prospects, media, analysts, and industry leaders. 

About You

Responsibilities

• Define and lead a global thought leadership strategy aligned to Workday’s business priorities, vision, and brand platform.

• Oversee development of research studies and data storytelling that break new ground and advance Workday’s credibility and authority with strategically important audiences. 

• Turn research into strategic content, including reports, social media posts, keynote narratives, media-ready stories, and op-eds. 

• Identify the most compelling topics facing key audiences -- like AI, skills-based hiring, and workforce transformation -- and translate them into relevant, accessible content. 

• Partner with subject-matter experts and executive leaders to help shape their external presence with credible, genuine perspectives. 

• Lead an editorial calendar of high-value assets across multiple channels, integrated with other key external communications leaders across the team. 

• Collaborate with and coach a team of writers, designers, and producers to deliver impactful, high-quality, timely content. 

• Ensure global resonance, working across global teams to tailor insights to specific market needs while maintaining brand voice and consistency. 

• Align closely with regional marketing, PR, and regional marketing teams to ensure maximum reach. 

• Serve as a connector across brand, communications, product, and exec communications to ensure alignment and amplification. 

• Act as a trusted voice with senior leaders to advise on positioning and strategy. 

Basic Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in communications, thought leadership, content marketing, or journalism, in enterprise technology or SaaS

• Has developed and executed successful content strategies. 

• Has led the development and execution of global research projects 

• Project management and organizational skills

• Executive presence and experience advising senior leaders 

• People manager with experience leading strong, productive, high-performing teams

• Storytelling instincts, writing/ editing skills, and editorial judgment 

• Experience with generative AI in content and idea generation 

Other Qualification

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or a related field. 

• Passion for the future of work, technology and leadership

Workday Pay Transparency Statement

The annualized base salary ranges for the primary location and any additional locations are listed below.  Workday pay ranges vary based on work location. As a part of the total compensation package, this role may be eligible for the Workday Bonus Plan or a role-specific commission/bonus, as well as annual refresh stock grants. Recruiters can share more detail during the hiring process. Each candidate’s compensation offer will be based on multiple factors including, but not limited to, geography, experience, skills, job duties, and business need, among other things. For more information regarding Workday’s comprehensive benefits, please click here.

Primary Location: USA.CA.Home Office

 

Primary Location Base Pay Range: $215,900 USD - $323,800 USD

 

Additional US Location(s) Base Pay Range: $195,300 USD - $342,000 USD

Our Approach to Flexible Work
 

With Flex Work, we’re combining the best of both worlds: in-person time and remote. Our approach enables our teams to deepen connections, maintain a strong community, and do their best work. We know that flexibility can take shape in many ways, so rather than a number of required days in-office each week, we simply spend at least half (50%) of our time each quarter in the office or in the field with our customers, prospects, and partners (depending on role). This means you'll have the freedom to create a flexible schedule that caters to your business, team, and personal needs, while being intentional to make the most of time spent together. Those in our remote "home office" roles also have the opportunity to come together in our offices for important moments that matter.

Pursuant to applicable Fair Chance law, Workday will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Workday is an Equal Opportunity Employer including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.

Are you being referred to one of our roles? If so, ask your connection at Workday about our Employee Referral process!