Director, Communications

Cowbell is signaling a new era in cyber insurance by harnessing technology and data to provide small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with advanced warning of cyber risk exposures bundled with cyber insurance coverage adaptable to the threats of today and tomorrow. Championing adaptive insurance, Cowbell follows policyholders’ cyber risk exposures as they evolve through continuous risk assessment and continuous underwriting. In its unique AI-based approach to risk selection and pricing, Cowbell’s underwriting platform, powered by Cowbell Factors, compresses the insurance process from submission to issue to less than 5 minutes.

Founded in 2019, Cowbell is based in the San Francisco Bay Area with employees across the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. and is backed by over 15 A.M. Best A- or higher rated reinsurance partners.

In support of our rapid growth, we are actively looking for ambitious people, who are not afraid of hard-work and never shy away from taking calculated risks and embracing ambiguity as it comes. Here, the opportunities are limitless for those who dare to pursue bold ideas that exist beyond the boundaries of possibilities.Join our team and be part of a growing institution where you can hone your skills and develop new ones in a fun, challenging and dynamic environment.

If that sounds like you, we want to hear from you!

The Director, Communications will guide the company's key messaging and business narrative through external communications channels (PR, thought leadership, etc.). The company needs consistency and clarity in its external narratives, which is currently lacking. The Director, Communications is responsible for message development, media training, crisis communications, and external communications measurement. This practice area leader will build and lead a team of owned and earned media experts, bringing their strategy to life to meet the needs of the business. They will report to the CMO and serve as part of the Marketing Leadership team. Internally they will also work directly with the executive team and team leads to bring company stories and pitches to life. 

What you will do:

• Create a foundation for global communications and content programs.
• Build a long-term strategy to bring top company narrative to life.
• Set up key industry/reporter relationships for CEO and top spokespeople.
• Set up key processes for teams to be able to ID and move quickly on newsjacking, thought leadership and top-tier news outlet opportunities
• Set measurement and reporting for PR programs
• Set up media training and interview prep for spokespeople
• Manage multiple agencies, in line with budgets, to maximize value and impact.
• Build and run Comms team, developing strategies, plans and tools for both owned and earned media that drive long-term success. 
• Marry owned and earned media opportunities and plans, leveraging shared tools and resources.
• Support employer branding and internal communications globally. 

What Cowbell needs from you:

• Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or a related field. Master's degree preferred.
• 10+ years experience in communications, public relations, or related roles, with progressively increasing responsibilities; Experience in high-growth startup.
• 4+ years strong leadership and management experience
• Experience in developing and executing successful communication strategies.
• Demonstrated experience in leading cross-functional collaboration.
• Ability to think strategically, develop comprehensive communication plans, and align them with organizational goals.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in storytelling and conveying complex ideas clearly.
• Established relationships with media outlets and journalists.
• Experience in developing crisis communication plans and managing high-stakes situations.
• Proficiency in leveraging digital and social media platforms for brand communication.
• Familiarity with the organization's industry and the ability to translate technical concepts into accessible messaging.
• Able to thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced environment, adjusting strategies as needed.
• Ability to analyze data, metrics, and trends to measure the effectiveness of communication efforts.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines at once.

Cowbell believes that pay equity and pay transparency advance workplace fairness. Compensation will be equitable and based on experience. The salary range for this position, based in Pleasanton, CA is up to $221,000.00 annually with an annual bonus and equity. This salary range is subject to change based on work location and market con