Vice President, Global Communications
About the role
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.
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.
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.
Experience as a Comms professional helping a company write an S-1 for a public offering a plus.
Qualifications
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.
Skills
Proven experience in leading global, cross-functional communications teams.
Strong crisis communications experience.
Excellent writing and presentation skills.
Ability to craft concise executive messages and enterprise-wide narratives.
Collaborative leadership skills.
Experience with AI tools for content creation, research, and measurement.
Benefits
Zendesk is an equal opportunity employer, and we’re proud of our ongoing efforts to foster global diversity, equity, & inclusion in the workplace. Individuals seeking employment and employees at Zendesk are considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, ancestry, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Pay
The US annualized base salary range for this position is $320,000.00-$480,000.00. This position may also be eligible for bonus, benefits, or related incentives.
Schedule
Zendesk offers a hybrid work schedule, enabling employees to come together in person at one of our many Zendesk offices around the world, while also providing flexibility to work remotely for part of the week.