Senior Communications Specialist

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Senior Communications Specialist

🔹 Company: Paxton Access

🔹 Location: Greenville, South Carolina, United States

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, Hybrid (Remote/On-site)

🔹 Category: Marketing & Communications

🔹 Date Posted: May 1, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (Remote/On-site)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Leading and delivering targeted marketing, press, and events projects to reach US customers and internal teams
• Collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to build strong relationships and enhance brand awareness
• Adapting brand messaging to resonate with the US market while maintaining global brand consistency
• Managing and coordinating press activity, including writing and distributing releases, maintaining media relationships, and seeking new opportunities
• Overseeing the US website and internal communications to ensure clear, accurate, and timely messaging

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong background in marketing, PR, and content creation, with a focus on the US market. The ideal candidate will have experience working across different teams and time zones, and be comfortable managing multiple priorities and staying calm under pressure.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Lead the US marketing, PR, and communications calendar – delivering creative campaigns that drive awareness and engagement

✅ Write and distribute engaging content including PR, social, and campaign material

✅ Collaborate with the Communications team, recommend improvements, mentor others, and shape messages that speak to the US market

✅ Plan and coordinate press activity, including writing and distributing releases, maintaining media relationships, and seeking new opportunities

✅ Work with internal teams to align communications with their priorities and translate technical information into engaging content

✅ Lead internal communications for the US team, keeping colleagues informed and delivering standout internal communications that promote the company's culture and values

✅ Manage distribution and trade partner communications, ensuring clear, accurate, and timely messaging

✅ Oversee the US website, making sure content is up-to-date, relevant, and aligned with messaging goals

✅ Track campaign performance, produce regular reports on activity and ROI, and make recommendations for continuous improvement

✅ Make small creative updates to visual content where needed, and ensure all materials meet brand standards

✅ Attend trade shows, exhibitions, and company events in the US and UK, representing the business with confidence and professionalism

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a significant amount of travel, including international travel to the company's head office in the UK for collaboration and training initiatives.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, or a related field

Experience: Extensive experience (5-10 years) in a similar role, with strong experience in marketing, PR, and content creation

Required Skills:

• Excellent writing skills, with the ability to adapt tone and messaging for different audiences
• Highly organized and detail-focused, with a keen eye for brand consistency and messaging accuracy
• Confident communicator, collaborative, and approachable, with experience working across different teams and time zones
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and stay calm under pressure
• Willing and able to travel regularly, including internationally

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working in the security industry or with technology products
• Fluency in additional languages

ASSUMPTION: While experience in the security industry is not required, it would be beneficial for the candidate to have an understanding of the industry and its trends.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $75,000 - $95,000 per year (Based on industry standards for a Senior Communications Specialist with 5-10 years of experience in the United States)

Benefits:

• Healthcare plans, tailored by you, and a supportive employee assistance scheme
• Discounts and savings on various products and services through TriNet perks
• 401(k) with options for employer matching and profit share
• Accrue 144 hours PTO annually
• Variety of social events across the year, including Summer and Winter parties, EDI events, and Charity days
• Modern open plan offices, collaboration spaces, training rooms, and onsite mini-gym
• Recognized as one of the Best Companies to Work for in the UK by Best Companies™

Working Hours: Full-time, with a flexible work arrangement that allows for remote work and on-site collaboration

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a Senior Communications Specialist with 5-10 years of experience in the United States. The actual salary may vary depending on the candidate's qualifications and the company's internal compensation structure.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Security and Investigations. Paxton Access specializes in access control and IP video door entry systems.

Company Size: 201-500 employees. This size allows for a more personal work environment while still offering the resources and opportunities of a larger organization.

Founded: 1985. Paxton Access has nearly 40 years of experience in the security industry.

Company Description:

• Paxton Access is a global brand with over 400 employees spread around the world
• The company prides itself on creating a vibrant environment with a focus on excellent company culture
• Paxton Access offers brilliant benefits that come with any role at the company, with an emphasis on career progression, training, and development

Company Specialties:

• Access Control and IP Video Door Entry

Company Website: www.paxton-access.com

ASSUMPTION: Paxton Access is a well-established company in the security industry, with a strong global presence and a commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Senior. This role is suited for an experienced professional with a proven track record in marketing, PR, and content creation.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Communications Specialist will report directly to the Head of Communications and work closely with various internal teams, including Support, Sales, Product, Training, and Support teams.

Work Arrangement: Hybrid (Remote/On-site). This role offers a flexible work arrangement that allows for remote work and on-site collaboration.

Growth Opportunities:

• Progression within the Communications team or other departments within the company
• International collaboration and training opportunities
• Potential to take on additional responsibilities and expand the role's scope

ASSUMPTION: Paxton Access offers opportunities for career growth and development, with a focus on internal promotion and skill-building.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Modern open plan offices with collaboration spaces, training rooms, and an onsite mini-gym.

Office Location(s): Greenville, South Carolina, United States (with travel to the UK head office required)

Geographic Context:

• Greenville is a mid-sized city in the Upstate region of South Carolina, with a population of around 700,000 people
• The city offers a mix of urban and suburban living, with a vibrant arts and culture scene, a strong economy, and a high quality of life
• Greenville has a humid subtropical climate, with mild winters and hot, humid summers

Work Schedule: Full-time, with a flexible work arrangement that allows for remote work and on-site collaboration

ASSUMPTION: Greenville offers a pleasant work environment with a mix of urban and suburban living, a vibrant arts and culture scene, and a high quality of life.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screen with the HR team
• In-depth interview with the Head of Communications and other team members
• Final interview with the company's leadership team
• Background check and reference verification

Key Assessment Areas:

• Writing and communication skills
• Cultural fit and alignment with company values
• Problem-solving and critical thinking skills
• Adaptability and flexibility in a fast-paced environment

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Be prepared to discuss your experience with marketing, PR, and content creation, as well as your understanding of the US market
• Demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively and adapt to different teams and time zones
• Showcase your attention to detail and commitment to brand consistency

ATS Keywords: Marketing, PR, Content Creation, US Market, Collaboration, Writing, Organization, Detail Focused, Brand Consistency, Hybrid Work, Travel

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role may vary depending on the company's current hiring needs and the number of applicants. However, the typical process outlined above provides a general overview of what to expect.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Content Management Systems (CMS) such as WordPress or similar
• Social media platforms (e.g., LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, or similar)
• Design tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar) for creating visual content

ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies required for this role may vary depending on the company's specific needs and the candidate's areas of expertise. However, the list provided offers a general overview of the tools that may be used in this role.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Innovation: Paxton Access is committed to harnessing the latest available technologies to deliver elegant, useful, and practical solutions for its customers
• Simplicity: The company strives to make its products simple to learn, simple to buy, and simple to install
• Collaboration: Paxton Access fosters a collaborative work environment, with a focus on teamwork and cross-functional collaboration

Work Style:

• Fast-paced: This role requires the ability to manage multiple priorities and stay calm under pressure
• Adaptable: The ideal candidate will be comfortable working in a dynamic environment and adapting to change
• Collaborative: Strong communication and teamwork skills are essential for success in this role

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you ensure that your writing and messaging resonate with the US market while maintaining global brand consistency?
• Can you provide an example of a time when you had to manage multiple priorities and stay calm under pressure?
• How do you approach working collaboratively with different teams and stakeholders, and how do you ensure that your messages are clear, accurate, and timely?

ASSUMPTION: Paxton Access values innovation, simplicity, and collaboration in its work environment. The ideal candidate for this role will be able to demonstrate a strong fit with these values and a commitment to fostering a collaborative work environment.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple priorities and staying calm under pressure in a fast-paced environment
• Adapting brand messaging to resonate with the US market while maintaining global brand consistency
• Travel requirements, including international travel to the company's head office in the UK for collaboration and training initiatives
• Working with various internal teams and stakeholders to align communications with their priorities and translate technical information into engaging content

ASSUMPTION: While this role presents several challenges, it also offers opportunities for growth, development, and international collaboration.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role differs from related positions in that it focuses specifically on the US market, requiring a strong understanding of the US market and the ability to adapt brand messaging to resonate with US audiences
• Industry-specific context: The security industry is a dynamic and competitive field, with a strong focus on innovation and customer satisfaction
• Career path comparison: This role offers opportunities for career growth and development, with a focus on internal promotion and skill-building

ASSUMPTION: This role is unique in its focus on the US market and offers opportunities for career growth and development within the company.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a targeted marketing campaign to drive awareness and engagement for a new product launch in the US market
• Writing and distributing a press release announcing a major company milestone or achievement, tailored to the US market
• Creating and managing a company blog or other content platform, featuring engaging and informative content that resonates with US audiences

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects provide a general overview of the types of tasks and responsibilities that the Senior Communications Specialist may be expected to perform in this role.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the company's approach to brand consistency and how it balances global brand standards with local market relevance?
• How does the company support the professional development and growth of its employees, particularly within the Communications team?
• Can you provide an example of a successful marketing or PR campaign that the company has executed in the US market, and what made it successful?
• How does the company approach internal communications, and what are the key priorities for this role in terms of keeping colleagues informed and engaged?
• What are the primary challenges facing the company in the US market, and how can this role help to address them?

ASSUMPTION: These key questions provide a starting point for applicants to gain a deeper understanding of the role, the company, and its priorities for this position.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through the Workable job posting
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare for your interview by researching the company, its industry, and the specific requirements of this role
• Follow up with the company after your interview to express your appreciation for the opportunity and reiterate your interest in the position
• If you are offered the position, consider negotiating your salary and benefits package to ensure that it meets your needs and expectations

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.