Senior Communications Specialist

Canyon GBS® (canyongbs.com) is a Mesa, Arizona-based technology company pioneering AI-powered systems of engagement and service management for higher education and government agencies.

Our flagship products, Advising App®, an all-in-one CRM and student engagement platform, and Aiding App®, an AI-driven help desk and service management solution, are transforming how institutions connect with, support, and serve their communities.

Our mission is to equip public-sector organizations with compliant, powerful, and affordable AI technology that drives equity, efficiency, and meaningful outcomes. Through our commitment to ethical AI and user-centered design, Canyon GBS is helping institutions modernize operations and expand access to opportunity.

What We Offer

• Salary: $65,000-$70,000 DOE.
• Benefits: Comprehensive health, dental, vision, 401(k), and an unlimited PTO policy.
• Impact: Help define the communications and PR function for two category-defining products, Advising App and Aiding App.
• Mission: Join a purpose-driven company using AI to advance equitable access to education and public services.

Canyon GBS is seeking a Senior Communications Specialist to lead the development and execution of strategic communications that elevate awareness of our products, people, and purpose.

Reporting to the Marketing Manager, this role serves as the day-to-day lead for all external communications, from media relations and product storytelling to outage response, event coordination, and executive messaging. You will play a key role in shaping how Advising App and Aiding App are positioned in the market, telling stories that highlight how AI can make higher education more accessible, responsive, and effective.

This is a hands-on, senior individual contributor role for a proactive communicator who thrives in a fast-growing SaaS environment and wants to help define the public voice of a company at the forefront of education technology.

Key Responsibilities

Communications & Public Relations

• Develop and execute communications plans that increase visibility for Advising App and Aiding App across higher education and government audiences.
• Serve as the primary media contact and manage relationships with journalists, editors, and partners.
• Draft and edit press releases, blog posts, newsletters, case studies, and executive communications showcasing our products, partnerships, and milestones.
• Lead daily story pitching using the Press Ranger platform to secure placements in trade and mainstream outlets.
• Manage service outage and crisis communications with cross-functional teams to ensure transparent, timely updates.
• Maintain editorial consistency and brand voice across all owned and earned media channels.
• Build and manage media kits, fact sheets, and product communication assets.

Event & Partner Support

• Partner with marketing, product, and client experience teams to support launch communications, client success stories, and use-case narratives.
• Coordinate media and PR activities around and during conferences such as EDUCAUSE, SXSW EDU, and Complete College America, and partner events.
• Travel up to 25 percent for conferences, content creation, and on-site storytelling opportunities.
• Support the creation of partner enablement materials and product messaging for sales and marketing campaigns.

Analytics & Reporting

• Monitor media coverage, social engagement, and content performance related to Advising App and Aiding App.
• Prepare regular reports and insights for the Marketing Manager and leadership team to refine storytelling strategy.
• Recommend adjustments to maximize impact, reach, and message resonance.

Required

• 3-5 years of experience in communications, public relations, or related roles.
• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills, with demonstrated success in product storytelling or brand journalism.
• Experience in media pitching and managing press relationships.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Ability and willingness to travel up to 25 percent.

Preferred

• Experience in B2B SaaS communications or public sector technology.
• Familiarity with higher education, student success, or IT service management markets.
• Experience handling service or outage communications.
• Understanding of the media landscape surrounding education and public innovation.

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

Canyon GBS believes in equal opportunity and welcomes all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other legally protected basis.

If all this sounds like a good fit, apply today, we want to hear from you!