Director, External Communications - Product and Corporate

Okta•San Francisco, CA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of External Communications will lead the continued evolution of Okta's US external communications program, with a clear north star of establishing Okta as the industry standard for securing AI. This role involves shaping a modern, data and AI-powered communications organization with a clear bias towards action and the ability to drive results that shape perception in a noisy environment. You will land stories around Okta’s ongoing product innovation, corporate initiatives, and tie Okta into relevant trending industry topics. This role will cut across traditional and new media channels, and the candidate must be well-versed in both. This leadership role requires equal parts strategic vision, media instincts, operational excellence and hustle. Reporting to the Senior Director of Global Communications, you will lead a team of communications professionals and work closely with executive leadership, product, security and marketing teams to craft compelling narratives and manage high-stakes communications initiatives that move the needle with CIOs, CISOs, developers and investors.

Requirements

15+ years of experience in public relations or communications, with proven ability to build and scale corporate PR programs.
Demonstrated experience leading, managing, and developing PR teams, setting high standards and investing in people.
Exceptional Executive Presence: The judgment and confidence to advise senior leaders in real-time and navigate high-profile, confidential projects with discretion.
Cross-Functional Connector: Proven ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships — influencing with credibility, navigating ambiguity with composure, and challenging assumptions when it leads to better outcomes.
Media Authority Across the Modern Landscape: Deep, active relationships with journalists, editors, podcast hosts, newsletter writers, and influential voices across business, technology, and cybersecurity media.
Strategic Storyteller: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a sharp attention to detail and storytelling craft, able to translate complex technology and business strategy into compelling narratives.
Global Mindset: Experience operating across regions and partnering with international teams, with a clear understanding of how to maintain narrative consistency while adapting for local relevance.

Nice To Haves

Significant in-house experience at a B2B technology company preferred.
Strong interest in and experience with AI, automation, or emerging technologies applied to communications and PR operations.

Responsibilities

Drive the strategy and execution of Okta’s U.S. public relations program, designing and leading integrated media campaigns that connect product and corporate milestones to broader industry conversations around identity, security, and AI.
Own Okta's media relations strategy across the full spectrum of today's influential platforms, from top-tier business press to newsletters, podcasts, and creator-journalists, cultivating trusted relationships with key voices.
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of PR professionals and manage external agency partners, setting a culture of strategic thinking, proactive storytelling, and executional excellence.
Serve as the central, accountable leader for all U.S. public relations initiatives, driving alignment with key partners across the company to ensure a cohesive and globally consistent media presence.
Champion the integration of AI-driven tools and workflows to make the PR function faster, sharper, and more data-driven, and be responsible for measuring and reporting on the business impact of PR programs.