Application Guide

How to Apply for VP, Public Relations & Communications (Canada-based)

at D2L

🏢 About D2L

D2L is a global leader in learning technology, specifically known for its Brightspace learning management system used by educational institutions and corporations worldwide. As a Canadian-founded company with a strong remote-first culture, D2L offers the opportunity to shape education technology communications while working from anywhere in Canada. Their mission to transform learning experiences makes this role particularly meaningful for someone passionate about education and technology.

About This Role

As VP of Public Relations & Communications for Canada, you'll lead the development and execution of comprehensive PR strategies that elevate D2L's brand as an education technology leader. This role is impactful because you'll serve as the primary spokesperson during critical situations while building media relationships that position D2L at the forefront of the edtech conversation in Canada. You'll also have the opportunity to build and mentor a high-performing team from the ground up in this remote-first environment.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve morning strategy sessions with your remote team to align on media outreach priorities, followed by developing crisis communication protocols or spokesperson briefing materials. You'd likely spend afternoons building relationships with Canadian education journalists, reviewing media monitoring reports, and collaborating with other D2L leaders to ensure communications support corporate goals. The role balances strategic planning with hands-on media relations in a fast-paced edtech environment.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who D2L Is Looking For

  • A strategic communications leader with 12+ years experience who has successfully managed media relations for B2B technology companies, preferably in education or SaaS sectors
  • Someone with proven crisis communication experience who can point to specific incidents they've managed and the protocols they've developed
  • A storyteller who can translate complex edtech concepts into compelling narratives for Canadian media and stakeholders
  • A people leader who has experience building remote PR/communications teams and developing talent in distributed environments

📝 Tips for Applying to D2L

1

Quantify your media relations success with specific Canadian media outlets you've secured coverage in, especially those covering education, technology, or business

2

Highlight any experience with education technology, learning management systems, or corporate training sectors in your resume

3

Demonstrate your understanding of remote team management by describing how you've mentored and developed PR professionals in distributed environments

4

Prepare specific examples of crisis communication protocols you've developed and implemented, not just managed

5

Showcase your ability to align PR strategies with corporate goals by explaining how your past work directly supported business objectives

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your experience developing PR strategies that align with specific corporate goals, not just general PR activities', 'Specific examples of building relationships with Canadian media outlets and journalists relevant to edtech', 'Your approach to building and mentoring high-performing remote teams in the communications field', "Why you're passionate about D2L's mission to transform learning and how your experience supports that goal"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → D2L's recent Canadian media coverage and how they're currently positioned in the edtech market
  • → The competitive landscape of learning management systems in Canada and D2L's differentiators
  • → D2L's corporate goals and strategic priorities from their annual reports or executive interviews
  • → Current trends and challenges in Canadian education that D2L's technology addresses

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you develop a PR strategy to position D2L as the leading edtech solution for Canadian higher education institutions?
2 Describe a crisis communication situation you managed and the specific protocols you implemented or followed
3 How do you measure the success of PR campaigns and tie them to business outcomes in a B2B technology company?
4 What's your approach to mentoring and developing junior PR professionals in a remote work environment?
5 How would you build relationships with key Canadian education journalists and influencers who may not be familiar with edtech?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Focusing only on consumer PR experience without demonstrating B2B or technology sector expertise
  • Presenting generic PR strategies without showing how they align with specific business objectives
  • Failing to demonstrate experience with remote team leadership and development in communications roles

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to D2L!

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