Director, External Communications - Product and Corporate

Overview

The Director of External Communications will lead the continued evolution of Okta's US external communications program, with a clear north star of establishing Okta as the industry standard for securing AI. You will help shape a modern, data and AI-powered communications organization with a clear bias towards action and the ability to drive results that shape perception in a noisy environment. You will land stories around Okta’s ongoing product innovation, corporate initiatives, and tie Okta into relevant trending industry topics. This role will cut across traditional and new media channels, and the candidate must be well-versed in both.

This leadership role requires equal parts strategic vision, media instincts, operational excellence and hustle. Reporting to the Senior Director of Global Communications, you will lead a team of communications professionals and work closely with executive leadership, product, security and marketing teams to craft compelling narratives and manage high-stakes communications initiatives that move the needle with CIOs, CISOs, developers and investors.

Key Responsibilities

US PR Strategy & Execution: Drive the strategy and execution of Okta’s U.S. public relations program. You will design and lead integrated media campaigns that connect our product and corporate milestones to broader industry conversations around identity, security, and AI.

Modern Media Engagement: Own Okta's media relations strategy across the full spectrum of today's influential platforms, from top-tier business press to newsletters, podcasts, and creator-journalists. You will personally cultivate trusted relationships with key voices across business, technology, and cybersecurity media to shape and land high-impact stories.

Team & Agency Leadership: Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of PR professionals and manage our external agency partners. You will set a culture of strategic thinking, proactive storytelling, and executional excellence, ensuring all partners operate as a seamless extension of the in-house team.

Cross-Functional Leadership & Alignment: Serve as the central, accountable leader for all U.S. public relations initiatives. You will drive alignment with key partners across the company to ensure a cohesive and globally consistent media presence.

AI-First Innovation & Operational Excellence: Champion the integration of AI-driven tools and workflows to make the PR function faster, sharper, and more data-driven. You will be responsible for measuring and reporting on the business impact of our PR programs, using performance intelligence to refine media strategy and demonstrate value.

Qualifications & Core Competencies

• Strategic PR Leader: 15+ years of experience in public relations or communications, with significant in-house experience at a B2B technology company preferred. Proven ability to build and scale corporate PR programs.
• Team Builder: Demonstrated experience leading, managing, and developing PR teams. You set the bar high, invest in your people, and build cultures where great work happens consistently.
• Exceptional Executive Presence: The judgment and confidence to advise senior leaders in real-time and navigate high-profile, confidential projects with discretion.
• Cross-Functional Connector: Proven ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships — influencing with credibility, navigating ambiguity with composure, and challenging assumptions when it leads to better outcomes. 
• Media Authority Across the Modern Landscape: Deep, active relationships with journalists, editors, podcast hosts, newsletter writers, and influential voices across business, technology, and cybersecurity media. You understand that today's media ecosystem extends well beyond traditional outlets.
• Strategic Storyteller: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a sharp attention to detail and storytelling craft. You can translate complex technology and business strategy into compelling narratives that resonate with press, analysts, and broad audiences. You develop storylines that work across verticals, formats, and audience types.
• AI-Curious Operator: Strong interest in and experience with AI, automation, or emerging technologies applied to communications and PR operations. You don't need to be an engineer, but you're energized by finding new ways to work smarter and faster.
• Global Mindset: Experience operating across regions and partnering with international teams, with a clear understanding of how to maintain narrative consistency while adapting for local relevance.

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PID: P5712_3417511