Director of Communications, Reputation

Palo Alto Networks•Office - USA - CA - Headquarters, CA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

We are looking for a talented, strategic, and unflappable leader to head Palo Alto Networks reputation communications. You will join our high-agency, low-ego communications team to architect and execute our global crisis communications, issues management, and proactive brand protection strategies. The ideal candidate is a seasoned corporate communications expert who thrives in high-stakes environments, values deep cross-functional relationships, and understands how to protect and enhance corporate reputation in the fast-moving enterprise technology and cybersecurity landscape. In this role, you are the guardian of our corporate narrative during critical moments. From navigating complex regulatory landscapes and data security issues to driving rapid-response messaging, you will bring steady leadership and sharp strategic instincts to ensure Palo Alto Networks maintains trust with customers, partners, media, and the public. This position plays a critical role within a company that deeply values its communications team and relies on us to navigate ambiguity with clarity and integrity.

Requirements

12–15+ years of experience in crisis communications, corporate PR, or issues management, with a strong background in enterprise software, cloud technology, or cybersecurity.
A proven track record of taking accountability and driving definitive outcomes during critical events, while maintaining a collaborative, supportive, and grounded team-first attitude.
Demonstrated experience managing high-profile corporate crises and turning complex, high-pressure situations into calm, structured execution.
Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal skills, with a proven ability to translate highly technical milestones, legal constraints, and security events into clear, consumer-forward prose.
A natural ability to build deep trust quickly with senior executives, legal counsel, and engineering teams, guiding alignment when viewpoints diverge.
Extensive experience engaging directly with tier-one media outlets and comfortably serving as a public corporate spokesperson when required.
Ability to work out of our Santa Clara office in our hybrid model.

Responsibilities

Lead the global strategy and execution for high-stakes, fast-moving communication issues, ensuring rapid, accurate, and transparent messaging across all external audiences.
Proactively identify, monitor, and mitigate potential reputational risks before they escalate, safeguarding Palo Alto Networks' brand equity in the global market.
Work skillfully across the company—partnering deeply with Legal, Information Security, Product, Public Policy, and Executive Leadership—to synthesize complex technical or legal situations into clear, human-centric communications.
Serve as a primary point of contact and trusted advisor for high-profile media inquiries. Build and maintain strong relationships with top-tier business, tech, and security journalists.
Own, update, and scale our global crisis communications playbooks, FAQs, and response frameworks, ensuring internal stakeholders are trained and ready for rapid deployment.
Draft precise, high-impact statements, talking points, and executive communications that maintain corporate transparency while managing legal and regulatory boundaries.
Act as the steady anchor for the communications team during times of heightened external attention, managing multiple moving pieces with speed, precision, and absolute discretion.