Principal, Executive Communications, Illuminate AI

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

Employee & Executive Communications is a team of storytellers and strategic advisors to internal collaborators who engage Workmates across the globe to drive business impact. We actively support executive communications that promote Workday’s exciting growth trajectory, and we're excited to be at the center of driving important change across the company: nurturing our values-driven culture, driving a growth mindset while elevating Workday’s reputation, and building Workday acuity and ambassadorship.

About the Role

Join Workday and be at the forefront of shaping the future of work!

We're seeking a passionate and skilled communicator to join our dynamic team and play a pivotal role in amplifying Workday's AI narrative. In this role, you'll partner with key leaders to communicate our innovative agentic AI strategy to a wide range of audiences, including employees, customers, partners, analysts, media, shareholders, and industry influencers.

This is a high-impact role that offers the opportunity to collaborate directly with Workday’s Senior Vice President of Experience and Workday’s Vice President of Illuminate AI Products. We're looking for someone with a strong background in executive communications, a deep understanding of the AI landscape (from generative to agentic), and a knack for crafting technically complex concepts into compelling stories that resonate. If you're excited about the potential of AI to transform the world of work and thrive in a fast-paced environment, we encourage you to apply!

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Collaborate with Marketing to develop and deliver impactful executive thought leadership platforms and communications programs that position Workday as the leading AI platform for organizations to manage their people, money, and AI agents.

• Drive the strategic development and execution of executive communications for Workday’s SVP of Experience and Workday’s VP of Illuminate AI Products, in collaboration with Marketing teams (including product marketing, PR, AR, thought leadership, keynote content & corporate narratives, employee communications, and social media).

• Cultivate strong, collaborative partnerships with the SVP and VP, their organizations, and their teams, serving as a trusted communications advisor and strategic business partner.

• Partner directly with the SVP, VP, and other key collaborators to plan, write, edit, and distribute a variety of communications materials, including blogs, video scripts, and keynotes.

• Lead the development of keynotes, providing strategic guidance to leaders on messaging, tone, and delivery.

• Partner with the two leaders and their teams to develop internal messaging and presentations for company updates, key initiatives, industry topics, and more, in collaboration with executive chiefs of staff and executive assistants.

• Collaborate closely with the two leaders to develop external messaging that supports their narratives and engagements, such as media briefings, customer-facing events, speaking opportunities, and blogs.

• Contribute to the evolution of Workday's brand voice, using creativity and engaging communication to inform and connect with audiences, in close collaboration with Marketing.

• Partner with the design team to guide the development of compelling visuals and slides that enhance executive presentations and engage audiences

About You

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• At least 10 years working in corporate communications and marketing, including executive communications experience, in a fast-paced, high-tech company

• Demonstratable, in-depth knowledge of AI concepts, trends and innovations, beyond just general technology knowledge. The ideal candidate will grasp the nuances of AI, including generative and agentic AI, machine learning, and specific applications.

• Demonstrable ability to understand complex technology and translate it into compelling stories, including the capacity to explain AI in a clear, concise, and engaging way for various audiences—from technical experts to the general public. 

• Proven success in strategic executive communications, with a strong portfolio of impactful, internal and external content. 

• Established track record collaborating with and proactively supporting senior leaders on communications strategies and standard methodologies; client service mentality and consultative approach is a requirement.

• A proactive adopter of AI in their own workflow and a strong advocate for demonstrating approved AI tools (such as Google Gemini and Workday AI) to enhance efficiency and innovation within the communications function and across Workday.

• Strong experience leading C-level keynote content development, including storyline development, script writing and guiding visuals (in partnership with visual designer).

• Strong interpersonal skills, executive presence and an incredibly high EQ.

• Outstanding writing and editing skills; ability to write for a broad spectrum of multimedia communications channels.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

• High degree of flexibility, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

• Innovative mindset—always looking for ways to improve how Workday communicates with and engages audiences.

• Data-minded and value-oriented thinking is ideal, including experience building out reports and metrics-based programs for executive communications.

• Specific knowledge in building, selling and deploying enterprise software–not the actual selling or deploying but knowing and understanding the strategy and concepts behind each. 

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.Pleasanton

 

Primary Location Base Pay Range: $168,000 USD - $252,000 USD

 

Additional US Location(s) Base Pay Range: $140,600 USD - $252,000 USD

If performed in Colorado, the pay range for this job is $148,000 - $222,000 USD based on min and max pay range for that role if performed in CO.

06/01/2025

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!