As Head of External Communications, you will define and lead external communications strategy, overseeing media relations and executive visibility, while partnering with senior leaders to align storytelling with company goals.
Role Description
Our Communications team brings the company’s story to life and shares it with the world. From product launches and platform announcements to executive thought leadership and corporate storytelling, our work shapes how employees, customers, partners, investors, and the media understand our mission, products, and impact.
As Head of External Communications, you will define and lead the strategy for all external communications, spanning corporate reputation, product and platform communications, media and analyst relations, executive visibility, and issues management. Reporting to the Chief Communications Officer, you will own the external narrative and lead a high-performing team responsible for driving awareness, credibility, and differentiation in a competitive SaaS landscape.
This role is critical as we scale our AI offerings, expand into new markets, and deepen engagement with customers and developers. You will partner closely with Product Marketing, Investor Relations, Legal, and senior leadership to connect product innovation, business strategy, and customer value through clear, compelling storytelling.
You will have broad visibility across the company and externally, with the mandate to modernize how we engage media, analysts, and the broader tech ecosystem.
Responsibilities
- Define and execute an integrated external communications strategy across corporate, product, and executive communications.
- Lead, develop, and scale a high-performing External Communications team, setting a strong bar for craft, judgment, and collaboration.
- Serve as a trusted advisor to the executive team on external messaging, media strategy, reputation management, and crisis response.
- Drive proactive, differentiated storytelling that links product innovation, customer outcomes, and company vision.
- Oversee media relations, press strategy, product launches, executive thought leadership, and issues management.
- Partner closely with Product Marketing, Investor Relations, Legal, and Corporate Affairs to ensure alignment and message consistency.
- Build and manage relationships with top-tier media, industry analysts, and external agency partners.
- Establish success metrics, measurement frameworks, and feedback loops to continuously improve communications impact.
- Stay ahead of technology, media, and communications trends; experiment with new formats, platforms, and tools.
Requirements
- 15+ years of experience in external communications, corporate communications, PR, or related disciplines, with a strong preference for tech or SaaS environments.
- Proven experience leading and scaling communications teams in complex, fast-growing organizations.
- Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills with a demonstrated ability to simplify complex products and strategies.
- Strong executive presence and experience advising and partnering directly with C-suite leaders.
- Track record of leading high-stakes communications programs, including product launches and sensitive issues.
- Strategic thinker with strong business acumen and the ability to align communications to company goals.
- Sound judgment, attention to detail, and ability to operate effectively in high-velocity, ambiguous environments.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience leading external communications at a high-growth or transformation-stage SaaS company.
- Deep background across both corporate and product/platform communications.
- Experience managing media relations, analyst relations, and executive thought leadership programs.
- Comfort operating as both a strategic leader and hands-on practitioner.
- Proven partnership with Product Marketing, Investor Relations, Legal, and executive teams.
- Familiarity with modern communications channels, digital storytelling, and social platforms.
Compensation
US Zone 1
This role is not available in Zone 1
US Zone 2
$215,000—$290,800 USD
US Zone 3
$191,100—$258,500 USD
Dropbox Chicago, Illinois, USA Office
Chicago, IL, United States
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