Senior Director, Strategic Communications & Community Engagement

As the Senior Director of Strategic Communications & Community Engagement, you’ll play a key role in supporting Nasdaq’s Listings business by enhancing engagement, visibility, and client growth, especially among high-growth private companies and their networks.
Your responsibilities include crafting and executing communication strategies that establish Nasdaq as the go-to partner for private companies at every stage – from early growth through IPO preparation and public market entry.
This role sits at the intersection of communications, strategy, and client relationships, demanding strong storytelling skills and a focus on building lasting connections.
Success in this position requires a solid understanding of the private company lifecycle and robust relationships throughout the ecosystem – spanning companies, founders, investors, advisors, and influencers. A commercial mindset, industry connections, and enthusiasm for impactful storytelling in a dynamic, fast-paced setting will help you excel in this role.

Key Responsibilities
Media Relations & Communications
  • Drive proactive media relations, thought leadership, and storytelling efforts that reinforce Nasdaq’s leadership in private markets and listings.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with marketing, sales, content, events, and regional teams to ensure consistent, high-impact communications.
  • Monitor trends across private markets, capital formation, and adjacent ecosystems to inform strategy and ensure Nasdaq stays ahead of the narrative.
Private Market Narrative & Positioning
  • Develop and execute strategic communications programs that enhance Nasdaq’s visibility, relevance, and leadership among high-growth private companies and the private market ecosystem.
  • Shape narratives that clearly articulate Nasdaq’s role in the private-to-public journey, capital formation, and long-term company success.
  • Develop clear messaging architecture and proof points for priority sectors (AI, fintech, health tech, space, cybersecurity, enterprise software, etc.).
Relationship-building Across the Private Market Landscape
  • Support new client growth by partnering closely with Listings leadership and commercial teams on prospect engagement, client pitches, and ecosystem-driven initiatives.
  • Engage directly with private company executives, founders, investors, and advisors through events, thought leadership, media opportunities, and targeted communications.
  • Leverage deep ecosystem knowledge to identify opportunities to engage key audiences across funding stages, sectors, and geographies.
Business Development
  • Partner with the Listings business on IPO pitches and supporting the long-cycle relationship building across the private market landscape
  • Build and maintain a set of pitch-ready narratives and tools: company-specific story angles, executive positioning, sector POVs, FAQs, competitor differentiation, etc.
  • Coach internal partners on how to tell the Nasdaq story with confidence and consistency in high-stakes settings
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Business, or related field, or equivalent practical experience.
  • 12–15+ years of experience in corporate communications, ideally with a top-tier agency working with high-growth tech or capital markets clients, or in-house at a high-growth private company.
  • Exceptional communications skills, including writing, narrative development, media relations, and executive-level storytelling.
  • Deep experience and established connectivity across the private market ecosystem, including high-growth companies, investors, and advisors.
  • Strong commercial mindset with proven experience supporting client pitches, growth initiatives, and outcome-driven communications programs.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Advanced degree (e.g., MBA, MA in Communications) or equivalent senior-level experience.
  • Demonstrated fluency in the private company lifecycle, capital formation, and the evolving dynamics of private and public markets.
  • Proven ability to lead through influence in matrixed environments and deliver high-quality work under pressure in regulated settings.

This position will be located in New York and offers the opportunity for a hybrid work environment at least 3 days a week in-office, subject to change, providing flexibility and accessibility for qualified candidates.

Come as You Are
Nasdaq is an equal opportunity employer. We positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of age, color, disability, national origin, ancestry, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law.
We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request an accommodation.
What We Offer
We’re proud to offer a competitive rewards package that is meaningful, recognizes the unique needs of our employees and their families and incentivizes employees for their contribution to Nasdaq’s overall success.
The base pay range for this role is $125,000 - $244,000. In addition to base salary, Nasdaq provides a generous annual bonus/commission (short-term incentive), and equity (long-term incentive), comprehensive benefits, and opportunity for growth. Exact compensation may vary based on several job-related factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to: skill set, experience, education/training, business needs and market demands.
Nasdaq’s programs and rewards are intended to allow our employees to:
  • Secure Wealth: 401(k) program with 6% employer match, Employee Stock Purchase Program with 15% discount, Student loan repayment program up to $10k, Company paid life and disability plans, Generous paid time off
  • Prioritize Health: Comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage, Health spending account with employer contribution, Paid flex days to support mental wellbeing, Gym membership discounts
  • Care for Family: Hybrid home/office schedule (for most positions), Paid parental leave, Fertility benefits, Paid bereavement leave
  • Connect with Community: Company gift matching program, Employee resource groups, Paid volunteer days
  • Grow Career: Education Assistance Program, Robust job skills training and Professional development opportunities
For more information, visit
Nasdaq Benefits & Rewards Career page
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