Public Sector & Policy, Exec & External Communications Manager

Palo Alto Networks•Reston, VA

About The Position

We’re looking for an experienced Public Sector & Policy Executive and External (Public Relations) Manager to serve as the lead communications advisor and support our AI-powered security platforms and solutions. In this role, you’ll be responsible for working cross functionally to create narratives and communications strategies to support organizations that keep our business top of mind for federal, local and state organizations as well as highlight Palo Alto Networks as a great place to work by sharing all the good we do for our communities, environment and amplify our leading education programs.

Requirements

8-12 years proven communications experience, including experience supporting a Product or Public Sector executive both executive and external communications background is essential.
Self motivated, able to work independently, run campaigns, activities and projects end to end with minimal supervision.
Proficient in building executive presentations, compelling pitches and press releases leveraging Google Suite, media management tools like Cision, PR Newswire, LinkedIn.
AI-forward - Able to use AI tools to better curate compelling content, creatively conceptualize plans and operationalize metrics.
Able to think and work quickly to accomplish tasks.
Cool under pressure, undaunted by tight, last-minute deadlines; pro at juggling multiple initiatives and executing with speed in a fast-paced dynamic environment.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to translate business strategies and complex technologies into relatable stories (writing exercise required).
Strong team player, leader and creative thinker.
Track record of building strong relationships with and advising senior leaders.
Ability to navigate ambiguity, drive clarity.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary communications advisor to internal stakeholders focused on Public Sector & Policy, including Federal, State Local & Education, Marketing, Executive Communications, Content, Social, Analyst Relations and Legal.
Create and manage communications programs to support our Public Sector and Policy teams.
Establish communications strategies that engage external audiences and connect them to the company’s strategy and product vision.
Manage cross-functional alignment, ensuring external communications strategies map to and support broader company initiatives.
Develop media materials including press releases, pitches, blog posts, talking points, articles, and social media sharing content, in collaboration with the Public Sector and Policy teams to support campaigns and launches.
Manage external PR agency support, to include management of plans, deliverables, and contracting needs.
Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to review and contribute to external speaking and interview opportunities, including live social media discussions, paid placements or event presentations.
Set goals and plans and measure everything to ensure success, and amplify wins to support broader business objectives.
Champion executive thought leadership in the tech sector, securing high-value opportunities at industry events, in top-tier media, and across owned channels to reinforce company innovation and leadership.
Develop and execute executive visibility campaigns across relevant social media channels in order to drive influence across the Public Sector and Policy space.
Work and build strong relationships with top-tier media in these sectors.
Establish ongoing metrics to demonstrate message pull through, product alignment, share of voice.
Serve as the principal communications advisor to public sector global policy leaders and their leadership team.
Establish an internal communications strategy in conjunction with senior leadership.
Ensure organizational initiatives and projects are successfully communicated to employees and stakeholders.
Ensure messages are consistent across all media and departments of the organization.
Plan, edit, and write content for a variety of internal communications media, such as the company intranet and Slack.
Draft senior executives’ written and spoken messages to employees, including Keynotes, briefing docs for press/analyst interviews using a multimedia approach including docs, video, live meetings, AI and more.
Support with preparation and delivery of quarterly Public Sector All Hands sessions.