Director of External Communications

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States.

📋 Description

• Develop and implement a cohesive external communications strategy for the US.

• Create and manage Zip’s unique corporate narrative and external positioning within the US.

• Collaborate with Brand, Marketing, Product, Growth, and other departments to harmonize earned, owned, executive, and product communications.

• Identify opportunities for storytelling around product launches, partnerships, customer insights, company milestones, and industry events.

• Ensure the quality and consistency of Zip’s earned-media strategy across financial, business, technology, fintech, payments, and consumer sectors.

• Establish proactive media programs and build relationships with leading reporters and editors.

• Handle inbound and proactive media inquiries, including sensitive or critical issues.

• Collaborate with Investor Relations, Finance, and Legal on earnings communications, public disclosures, executive messaging, market-sensitive announcements, and significant public-company milestones.

• Assist in communication planning for a potential Nasdaq listing and associated US capital markets activities.

• Simplify complex financial and business developments into clear and credible external messaging.

• Develop executive thought-leadership platforms and secure speaking and media engagements.

• Prepare and counsel executives for interviews, speaking engagements, announcements, and other high-visibility situations.

• Create briefing materials, talking points, speeches, opinion pieces, social media content, and various executive communications.

• Manage the US crisis communications framework, including escalation paths, scenario planning, protocols, and executive preparation.

• Monitor external discussions and business developments for reputational risks and opportunities.

• Direct communications strategy for complex or sensitive communication scenarios.

• Establish external communications operating models, including intake and quality assurance processes, ownership, timelines, reviewers, and escalation procedures.

• Facilitate coordination across US, internal, ANZ, and regional communications teams.

• Manage shared narratives, global announcements, and cross-border issues with ANZ and regional communications leaders.

• Evaluate the performance of agencies and external partners against measurable goals and metrics related to media, reputation, and business impact.

• Report directly to the Chief Customer & Marketing Officer.

⛳️ Requirements

• Over 15 years of experience in corporate communications, external communications, public relations, or corporate affairs, including significant roles in a public company or similarly regulated environment.

• Experience in fintech, payments, financial services, or another regulated sector.

• Strong understanding of public-company communications, encompassing earnings cycles, financial disclosures, market-sensitive information, and collaboration with Investor Relations and Legal departments.

• Proven track record in developing corporate and consumer narratives, with established media connections in financial, business, technology, fintech, payments, or consumer press.

• Experience in supporting an IPO, public listing, dual listing, significant capital-markets event, or another high-profile corporate milestone.

• Strong skills in executive counsel, writing, editing, and message development.

• Ability to clarify and make compelling complex financial, regulatory, technical, and product topics.

• Demonstrated experience in issues management and crisis communications.

• Capability to define strategy, implement practical processes, and stay closely involved in execution.

• Experience in leading cross-functional teams, agencies, or complex collaborative projects.

• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience is required.

• This position does not offer visa sponsorship.

🏝️ Benefits

• Flexible working environment.

• Incentive programs available.

• Unlimited paid time off (PTO).

• Generous parental leave policy.

• Leading family support policies.

• Company-sponsored 401k matching.

• Stipend for learning and wellness subscriptions.

• Attractive office located in Union Square with a casual dress code.

• Comprehensive employer-sponsored insurance for you and your dependents, with several options fully covered by Zip.

• Opportunities for skill development and career advancement.

• Supportive team and leadership.