Director, Media, Social Engagement & Industry Analyst Relations

Riverbed Technology, Inc.•Durham, NC

2d•$220,000 - $280,000•Remote

About The Position

Riverbed is seeking a senior communications leader to shape and amplify our external voice across global media, social channels, and the industry analyst community. The Director, Media, Social Engagement & Industry Analyst Relations will lead an integrated strategy that strengthens Riverbed’s market visibility, advances executive thought leadership, and builds trusted relationships with top media outlets, and industry research and advisory firms covering enterprise software, IT Observability, AIOps, and Digital Employee Experience. This is an opportunity to lead an integrated external communications function that elevates Riverbed’s market presence, strengthens industry influence, and supports the company’s leadership in AI-powered observability and Digital Employee Experience.

Requirements

15+ years of experience in corporate communications, media relations, industry analyst relations, public relations, or related communications roles, preferably in enterprise software or enterprise IT.
Deep experience working with leading research and advisory firms, with established relationships at Gartner, Forrester, IDC, or comparable firms strongly preferred.
Proven success leading analyst evaluations such as Gartner Magic Quadrant, Forrester Wave, IDC MarketScape, or similar research processes.
Strong understanding of enterprise IT markets, including observability, AIOps, Digital Employee Experience, digital workplace, network performance, and AI-driven technology trends.
Excellent writing, storytelling, executive presence, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts into clear, compelling narratives.
Experience managing agencies, cross-functional partners, global communications programs, and direct or dotted-line team members.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, or a related field; advanced degree a plus.
Proven Experience leading a high-performing team in a global enterprise technology company or technology PR agency.
Proven track record generating Tier 1 media coverage across business press and leading technology trade publications.
Familiarity with PR, analyst relations, social media, and reporting tools.

Responsibilities

Lead Riverbed’s global media and social engagement strategy across the Americas regions, ensuring consistent messaging, campaign alignment, and measurable impact.
Own and evolve the industry analyst relations program, including analyst briefings, inquiries, advisory sessions, evaluation submissions, and ongoing relationship development.
Build and maintain strong relationships with key analysts and research firms such as Gartner, Forrester, IDC, EMA, and GigaOm, positioning Riverbed effectively in relevant market categories.
Develop proactive media strategies that generate high-quality coverage across business, technology, and trade publications.
Guide executive communications, including media preparation, analyst briefing materials, messaging, Q&A, and thought leadership content.
Provide strategic direction to the Social Media Engagement Specialist, aligning social content with media, analyst, product launch, event, and executive visibility programs.
Track and report program performance, including share of voice, sentiment, analyst engagement, media coverage, social engagement, and message pull-through.