Communications Manager, Local & Launch Communications

About the Role

Zipline is hiring a Communications Manager, Local & Launch Communications to serve as the primary communications lead for new market, store, and site launches. This role owns local and launch communications end-to-end — from pre-launch through early and mature operations — and is the day-to-day point person for traditional media, new media, creators/influencers, and visual storytelling partners in new markets. You will build trust and excitement in local communities, cultivate and shape Zipline’s reputation as we launch, and ensure every new deployment lands with clarity, credibility, and momentum. This role is ideal for a hands-on communications leader who thrives in fast-moving environments and knows how to turn complex operations into compelling local stories.

Responsibilities

• Own communications for in-market site and store launches, serving as the main point of contact for all local and launch-related comms.
• Plan and execute integrated launch communications across traditional media, digital and new media, and visual storytelling.
• Build and manage strong relationships with local, regional, and national reporters, creators/influencers, and YouTubers.
• Lead story development, media outreach, interviews, and on-the-ground press moments tied to launches and milestones.
• Partner with videographers, photographers, and designers to capture and deploy high-quality visual content from launches and operations.
• Develop core messaging and media materials including press releases, talking points, FAQs, reactive statements, blog posts, and video briefs.
• Support launch events, media tours, and community moments with a strong PR and storytelling lens.
• Provide clear, confident communications counsel to cross-functional partners including Operations, Government Relations, Community, Marketing, and Design.
• Monitor and manage local issues or misinformation, escalating and responding quickly when needed.
• Plan and execute events with a sharable/viral lens.
• Train and advise local team members on communications and messaging.
• Serve as a Zipline spokesperson.

Requirements

• 7+ years of communications experience in-house, agency, media, or politics; launch and local market experience strongly preferred.
• Proven success working directly with traditional media and emerging media, including creators and digital platforms. Past work experience with creators, influencers, and new media is a plus.
• Strong news/viral judgment, crisp writing skills, and the ability to simplify complex topics.
• Experience managing visual storytelling projects and working closely with videographers, managing on-site video crews or content teams.
• Excellent attention to detail, project management, and writing skills, paired with exceptional judgment and a strong understanding of the media landscape and/or local markets.
• High ownership mindset, excellent project management skills, and comfort operating independently as the local comms lead.
• Curiosity, creativity, and a passion for storytelling along with the ability to sniff out potential news hooks and stories.
• Prior success collaborating cross-functionally with diverse, globally distributed teams.
• Desire and ability to travel for work (approximately 35%).

Ideal Traits

• You are comfortable working with the media and building relationships with them.
• You’re a self-starter and collaborate well cross-functionally.
• You like to work in fast-paced environments, are great at multitasking, and can go with the flow.
• You are a good writer and have excellent attention to detail.
• You are equal parts creative and strategic.
• You are intellectually curious and a team player.
• You are passionate and excited about Zipline’s mission, impact, and products.
• You’re comfortable as an “intrepreneur,” look for ways to continuously improve, and take ownership.

Zipline is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws or our own sensibilities. We value diversity at Zipline and welcome applications from those who are traditionally underrepresented in tech. If you like the sound of this position but are not sure if you are the perfect fit, please apply!