Vice President, Global Communications

Zendesk•San Francisco, CA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Join us at Zendesk, where we're on a mission to power exceptional service for every person on the planet. We're accelerating that ambition by building products rooted in AI, automation, and intelligent customer experiences, because behind every interaction lies an opportunity to make a human connection. We’re seeking a proven Vice President, Global Communications to lead enterprise-wide internal communications, executive and C‑suite advisory, analyst relations, and public relations. In this role, you will elevate Zendesk’s voice with employees, customers, analysts, and the media ensuring clear, trustworthy, and strategically aligned communications that advance our brand, support growth, and enable our AI-driven product and go-to-market priorities.

Requirements

10+ years of progressive communications experience with 5+ years leading global, cross-functional communications teams (or equivalent agency leadership).
Demonstrated experience advising and preparing C‑suite executives for complex, high-stakes stakeholder interactions.
Proven track record in media/PR that resulted in measurable lifts in analyst recommendations, coverage quality, and/or share of voice.
Strong crisis communications experience with demonstrated ability to lead rapid, cross-functional response under pressure.
Strategic storyteller with excellent writing and presentation skills; able to craft concise executive messages and enterprise-wide narratives.
Comfortable operating in a fast-moving SaaS/tech environment; experience with product-led, AI-enabled messaging is strongly preferred.
Collaborative leader who builds influence across functions (Product, Marketing, Legal, IR, HR, Sales) and across regions.
10+ years of communications experience (agency or in-house), including significant experience in enterprise/internal communications and external PR/analyst relations.
5+ years managing and scaling global communications teams or equivalent leadership responsibility.
Proven experience advising executives and managing enterprise announcements, crisis communications, and cross-functional programs.
Demonstrated AI literacy: comfortable using AI tools for drafting, ideation, research, and measurement, and able to assess how AI impacts messaging, risk, and channels.

Nice To Haves

Experience as a Comms professional helping a company write an S-1 for a public offering a plus
Prior experience at a high-growth SaaS or enterprise software company or agency with technology clients.
Track record working with analysts (Gartner, Forrester, IDC) and achieving measurable analyst outcomes.
Experience managing global communications budgets and external agency relationships ($1M+).
Experience with M&A communications and coordination with Investor Relations.
International experience across APAC/EMEA markets.

Responsibilities

Lead and shape global communications strategy (internal and external) that advances Zendesk’s business objectives, product narrative, and AI-enabled positioning.
Provide day-to-day counsel and strategic communications support to the C‑suite (CEO, CFO, SVPs) and senior leaders - prepare speeches, talking points, executive briefings, and media/analyst prep.
Own enterprise internal communications for mission-critical initiatives (product launches, org change, M&A, major announcements) to ensure clarity, speed, and alignment across regions and functions.
Direct external reputation programs: media relations, thought leadership, and public relations campaigns that drive share of voice and favorable influencer/media perception.
Lead crisis and issues communications, developing playbooks, rapid response protocols, and cross-functional coordination with Legal, Investor Relations, and HR.
Build and manage a high-performing global communications team, external agencies, and cross-functional partners; set priorities, budgets, KPIs, and measurement frameworks.
Use data and insights to measure communications impact (awareness, sentiment, employee engagement, analyst feedback) and iterate on strategy.
Work hand in hand with the Content & Brand strategy team to drive company and brand narrative & vision thru key internal and external channels