Head of Communications

The role

The Head of Communications will lead and scale the global communications function. This leader will own product and corporate communications, public relations, media strategy, and executive communications to support company growth.

What you will do

• Develop and execute Tailscale's global communications strategy.
• Lead product and technology communications and storytelling.
• Build relationships with business, technology, cybersecurity, and AI journalists.
• Expand presence across emerging media channels like podcasts and newsletters.
• Own corporate communications for major company milestones and partnerships.
• Build and scale international communications programs.
• Develop executive communications and thought leadership for the leadership team.
• Oversee internal communications and employee engagement messaging.
• Lead crisis communications and response plans.
• Own the awards and recognition strategy.

Required qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in public relations, product communications, or corporate communications.
• Proven track record of securing earned media coverage and building journalist relationships.
• Deep product communications expertise.
• Experience hiring, managing, and developing communications professionals and overseeing agency partners.
• Exceptional writing, storytelling, and editorial judgment.
• Experience advising senior executives and navigating sensitive communications situations.
• Strong strategic judgment and operational discipline.
• Ability to prioritize, build scalable processes, and measure impact.
• A hands-on, creative, and highly accountable leader.

Nice to have

• Experience in networking, cybersecurity, infrastructure, developer tools, or AI.
• Experience scaling communications at a high-growth, global technology company.
• Experience supporting fundraising, acquisitions, or pre-IPO communications and supporting a company through an IPO.
• Experience collaborating with teams who support analyst relations, public policy, or major industry research initiatives.

Benefits

• Base salary and equity incentive plan.
• Comprehensive group benefits including health, vision, and dental with no waiting period.
• Employer-funded retirement contributions with a dollar-for-dollar match up to 0.75% of eligible compensation.
• Annual company retreat and team off-sites.
• Annual $1500 USD for professional development.
• Mentorship, coaching, and internal promotion opportunities.
• Flexible, paid time off program.
• Company-owned laptop (Mac or PC).
• Monthly home internet reimbursement.
• $500 USD to customize workstation.
• Paid parental leave (20 weeks for birthing parents, 16 weeks for non-birthing parents).
• Corporate co-working program to visit WeWork or similar spaces.

Before you apply

• Hiring process uses AI-assisted tools to help screen and assess candidates.

About the company

Tailscale is a fully distributed company founded in 2019 that delivers software to securely interconnect people and their devices. It is backed by Accel, CRV, Insight, Heavybit, and Uncork Capital.