Senior Manager, Corporate Communications

GitLab is an open core software company that develops the most comprehensive AI-powered DevSecOps Platform, used by more than 100,000 organizations. Our mission is to enable everyone to contribute to and co-create the software that powers our world. When everyone can contribute, consumers become contributors, significantly accelerating the rate of human progress. This mission is integral to our culture, influencing how we hire, build products, and lead our industry. We make this possible at GitLab by running our operations on our product and staying aligned with our values. Learn more about Life at GitLab.

An overview of this role

We are seeking a strategic Senior Corporate Communications Manager, Security to lead our security communications efforts. In this role, you will develop and execute comprehensive communications strategies to protect our company's reputation, manage crises, and build trust with stakeholders.

You will partner with our security executives to develop and drive high-impact thought leadership programs that showcase their expertise and enhance our company's reputation as a leader in security. You will also lead security response efforts for internal and external audiences, including coordinating recommendations and messaging with the senior customer communications manager and crisis communications agency. Your deep understanding of security issues will be essential as you craft compelling narratives that resonate with our diverse audiences.

In this role, you’ll report to the Senior Director of Corporate Communications. 

What You’ll Do  

• Advance Crisis Preparedness: Lead reactive and proactive security response efforts for internal and external audiences, coordinating recommendations and messaging with the crisis communications agency.
• Strategic Communications: Develop and implement comprehensive communications strategies to address complex security issues, including data privacy and incident response communications, to ensure consistency of messaging and alignment with defined business objectives.
• Executive Visibility: Collaborate with security executives to build their external profiles through speaking engagements, bylined articles, media opportunities, and other thought leadership initiatives.
• Stakeholder Management: Working closely with the security, legal, customer success, and marketing operations teams, maintain a strong understanding of key stakeholders, including customers, partners, users, investors, and the media, to ensure effective communication of security initiatives. 
• Internal Communications: Develop and implement comprehensive incident response protocols to keep employees informed and engaged on security matters.
• External Communications: Develop and execute external communications strategies, including media relations and social media recommendations, and support senior leadership by drafting and/or editing communications as needed.
• Regulatory Compliance: Stay up-to-date on relevant regulations and industry standards to ensure compliance in all communications.
• Proactive Risk Assessment: Identify potential security communication risks and develop mitigation strategies.
• Reporting: Provide regular reports on the effectiveness of security communications efforts.

What You’ll Bring 

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, or related field.
• 8 - 10 years of progressive experience in corporate communications, with a focus on security and crisis communications with a public company.
• Working understanding of enterprise, Saas, and open source technologies.
• Proven track record of successfully managing high-stakes reputation issues in real-time, including critical after-hours situations. 
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to quality. 
• Highest level of discretion when working on sensitive or confidential issues.
• Experience partnering with external agencies.
• Strong track record of managing complex stakeholder relationships while managing multiple initiatives simultaneously 
• Ability to navigate and influence at all organizational levels, from technical teams and users to boards of directors. 
• Strategic thinker with experience formulating multi-faceted communication