Communications Director - Remote/Hybrid

Merlin International Inc•McLean, VA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Merlin is seeking a strategic, proactive, and execution-oriented Communications Director to lead and scale our corporate communications function. Reporting to the VP of Marketing, this leader will own external communications, executive thought leadership, social media strategy, internal communications, media and analyst relations, and partner communications. Experience in B2B technology, specifically cybersecurity or related IT infrastructure industries, is required. This role will shape how the company is positioned across customers, media, analysts, investors, influencers, partners, employees, and the broader market. The ideal candidate blends strategic narrative development with operational excellence and has deep experience driving communications programs for high-growth B2B and B2G cybersecurity companies. The Communications Director will serve as a key steward of the company’s voice, reputation, executive visibility, and market presence while partnering cross-functionally with Product, Sales, Executive Leadership, HR, Investor/VC stakeholders, and strategic partners.

Requirements

10-12+ years of experience in corporate communications, public relations, executive communications, or related fields.
Experience in B2B technology, specifically cybersecurity, IT infrastructure, or related industries is required.
Proven success leading integrated communications programs for high-growth companies.
Strong experience with content writing, media relations, analyst relations, executive communications, social media strategy, internal communications, corporate storytelling, and executive thought leadership.
Experience supporting executive spokespeople and thought leadership initiatives.
Strong understanding of modern media landscapes, digital communications, and social platforms.
Experience managing agencies, vendors, and cross-functional stakeholders.
Experience using generative AI tools like Claude to maximize strategic work output and scale.
Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience in emerging AI technology or related fields.
Experience supporting venture-backed or high-growth B2B/B2G technology environments.
Experience in the cybersecurity technology marketplace, including cybersecurity news cycles, reporters, media outlets, analysts and influencers.
Experience with funding announcements, IPO readiness, or investor communications.
Existing media and analyst relationships within cybersecurity technology sectors.
Experience with crisis communications and reputation management.
Familiarity with communications measurement and PR analytics platforms.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute an integrated external communications strategy across PR, analyst relations, social media, and corporate reputation management.
Build and maintain relationships with top-tier business, technology, industry, and trade media as well as independent content creators, podcast hosts, and industry influencers.
Develop proactive media strategies that increase company visibility, category leadership, and executive presence across earned and owned channels.
Develop and execute executive communications and thought-leadership programming designed to drive brand awareness and market differentiation.
Manage inbound media requests, interview coordination, briefing prep, and crisis communications support.
Identify and drive newsworthy storytelling opportunities tied to company milestones, customers, products, funding, partnerships, and industry trends.
Oversee agency relationships and external communications vendors as applicable.
Monitor competitive and industry news activity to identify opportunities and risks.
Own the writing, development, and distribution of all official company news including press releases, funding announcements, product launches, customer stories, partnership announcements, corporate milestones, and awards and recognition.
Build integrated launch and announcement strategies across earned, owned, and social channels.
Develop editorial news calendars aligned to business priorities and market moments.
Ensure consistency of messaging, positioning, and narrative across all news announcements.
Own the company’s social media strategy across corporate and executive channels.
Partner with contractors and vendors as needed to scale social media content creation that drives awareness, engagement and thought leadership.
Oversee social media editorial calendars, content strategy and publishing schedules to maximize engagement and impact.
Collaborate across all marketing functions to create fully integrated campaigns that leverage social-first content to break through.
Lead internal communications programs that strengthen employee alignment, engagement, and transparency.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to draft and distribute company-wide announcements, executive updates, and organizational communications as needed.
Support internal events and communications including town halls, leadership updates, employee milestones, change management communications, and crisis or sensitive communications.
Partner with HR and leadership teams to reinforce company culture and values through different communications channels.
Ensure consistency between internal and external messaging.
Support communications strategies and announcements with strategic partners, ISVs, technology alliances, and ecosystem stakeholders.
Develop joint messaging, press materials, communications templates, social amplification, and coordinated communications plans.
Help maximize visibility and impact of partner-related news and milestones.
Partner with leadership and investor stakeholders to support communications tied to funding, growth milestones, strategic announcements and media engagements.
Help identify media and thought leadership opportunities that strengthen market perception and investor visibility.
Support messaging related to funding rounds, market positioning, growth narratives, and company momentum.