Vice President, Communications

About the role:

We are seeking an ambitious and experienced Vice President, Communications to join our leadership team. Reporting directly to the CMO, the VP, Communications will be responsible for defining and executing a comprehensive, integrated communications strategy that amplifies our brand, strengthens our market leadership, and supports our business objectives. The ideal candidate has a proven track record of scaling communications at a high-growth technology company and is adept at navigating the unique landscape of an equity-backed venture.

About us:

At 8am, our vision is to power a world where professionals thrive. We start every day on a mission to empower professionals with the most trusted, innovative technology to deliver world-class outcomes for their clients and exceptional financial results for their business. They count on our purpose-built solutions to simplify operations, ensure compliance, and fuel profitable growth, so they can focus on their clients and do more of the work that matters.

Founded in 2005, 8am™ (formerly AffiniPay) is the professional business platform built to help legal, accounting, and other client-focused professionals run stronger, more profitable businesses. Today, more than 250,000 professionals across the U.S. trust 8am to help them work smarter, serve clients better, and unlock their full potential. We have been recognized as one of Inc 5000’s fastest growing companies in the U.S. for 13 years in a row, and as a result, our teams continue to grow as well!

What you’ll do

Strategic Communications and Brand Narrative

• Develop and execute a strategic communications plan that drives brand awareness, enhances the 8am reputation, and supports business goals.
• Serve as a key advisor to the executive team, providing strategic counsel on all external and internal communications matters.
• Craft and maintain a compelling company narrative that resonates with legal professionals, industry experts, customers, employees, and investors.
• Partner with marketing and product teams to align messaging and maximize the impact of all communication efforts.

Media and Public Relations

• Lead proactive and reactive media relations, cultivating strong relationships with top-tier business, legal, and technology journalists and industry analysts.
• Lead thought leadership initiatives for executive leadership team, securing speaking opportunities, media interviews, OpEds, and awards to position the company as a leader in technology.
• Manage the creation and distribution of all external communications, including press releases, media kits, and company statements.

Corporate Communications

• Manage corporate communications related to private equity involvement, acquisitions, and other significant company news.
• Protect and manage the company's reputation by developing and implementing robust crisis communication strategies.

Team Leadership and Management

• Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing communications team.
• Manage relationships with external public relations agencies and contractors.
• Establish key performance metrics to measure the effectiveness of all communications initiatives.

What you’ll bring

• 15+ years of experience in communications and public relations, with significant experience in a high-growth technology company or PR agency setting. Proven experience in a senior leadership role, preferably within a private equity-backed or venture-funded environment.
• Deep understanding of the technology category and a passion for innovations that transforms industries.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated success building and scaling a communications function.
• Strong crisis management and reputation management experience.
• Ability to think strategically and translate complex concepts into clear, compelling messages.
• Excellent judgment, prioritization skills, high emotional intelligence, and the ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
• B2B or legal tech experience preferred.

Why 8am 

At 8am, our culture is shaped by the people who bring it to life every day. Together, we build a company rooted in continuous learning, genuine community, holistic wellness, and meaningful engagement—values that empower us as individuals and unite us as a team. Our culture is grounded in our core values: Work Smart, Win Fast; Outshine Ordinary, and We Find a Way. These values drive how we serve our customers and work with each other in a collaborative, inspiring, and empowering environment, every day.

Here’s how we support our 8Team:

• Health Insurance Coverage: We offer our 8Team a variety of medical, dental, and vision plans, designed to fit your needs, including a 100% company-paid HDHP plan for employees.
• Financial perks: We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package including annual bonuses, equity options and 401(k) or RRSP if in Canada, with a company match for all team members.
• Time for what matters: Flexible Time Off, paid holidays, and a parental leave program for our new parents.
• Wellness: Wellness stipends, mental health support, and one-on-one nutrition coaching.
• Learning and Development: Continuous learning through 8am.edu, leadership programs, professional development funds, and individually focused talent development.
• Giving back to the communities around us: Participate in our charitable matching gift program, paid time off for volunteer service, and company-sponsored volunteer events (both local and virtually).
• Engagement: Virtual and in-person team-building events, quarterly award recognition through our Rise & Shine Award of Excellence Program, and our peer-to-peer appreciation platform.

At 8am, we don’t just offer benefits—we create an environment where people can thrive, grow, and make a real impact every day.

At 8am, we recognize that innovation occurs with a strong team of people who are diverse in background, personality, talent and ideas. Experience comes in many forms and ensuring a diverse and inclusive workplace where we continue to learn from each other is an integral part of our culture. We are committed to creating a welcoming and transparent environment for all that embraces those differences through education, equal access to opportunities and information, inclusionary programs, and community outreach. 

Security advisory

Our hiring teams at 8am are dedicated to recruiting top talent that share our passion for serving the professional services industry through innovative financial technology.  As such, our Talent Acquisition Team only follows legitimate hiring practices.  We will always communicate with our candidates using emails with the 8am domain and will never ask for sensitive/personal data during the application process.  All interviews take place over phone call, Zoom/Google Meet or in person.  All offers are communicated verbally by our Talent Acquisition Specialists with a written offer letter as a follow up.