Senior Communications Lead, Unit 42

Our Mission At Palo Alto Networks®, we’re united by a shared mission—to protect our digital way of life. We thrive at the intersection of innovation and impact, solving real-world problems with cutting-edge technology and bold thinking. Here, everyone has a voice, and every idea counts. If you’re ready to do the most meaningful work of your career alongside people who are just as passionate as you are, you’re in the right place. Who We Are In order to be the cybersecurity partner of choice, we must trailblaze the path and shape the future of our industry. This is something our employees work at each day and is defined by our values: Disruption, Collaboration, Execution, Integrity, and Inclusion. We weave AI into the fabric of everything we do and use it to augment the impact every individual can have. If you are passionate about solving real-world problems and ideating beside the best and the brightest, we invite you to join us! We believe collaboration thrives in person. That’s why most of our teams work from the office full time, with flexibility when it’s needed. This model supports real-time problem-solving, stronger relationships, and the kind of precision that drives great outcomes. Job Summary Your Role We’re looking for a driven, dynamic communications leader to elevate awareness and shape perception of Unit 42 globally. In this role you will own the Unit 42 narrative inside and out - crafting impactful internal and executive communications, and securing top-tier media coverage that reinforces Palo Alto Networks as the definitive leader in cybersecurity. You’re a creative strategist who navigates the modern media landscape with ease and knows how to tailor a message for any audience. Knowledgeable about cybersecurity - from complex product offerings to the evolving threat landscape - you have a knack for translating dense, highly technical concepts into sharp, compelling narratives that earn attention. You don’t rely on an outdated communications playbook; you challenge the status quo, bring innovative strategies to the table, and have the track record to prove it. You thrive in a fast-paced environment where the news cycle changes daily, and you love being part of what drives it. As a vital part of our Global Product Communications team, you will act as a key connection across functions and regions. You have a strong executive presence and know how to navigate matrixed global organizations, build cross-functional bridges, and deftly manage resources to deliver outsized results. Your Impact Lead the global PR strategy to build the reputation and visibility of Unit 42’s threat intelligence, incident response, and proactive security services. Architect and execute executive communications strategies for Unit 42 leadership, including keynotes, thought leadership, blogs, social media, and high-level customer engagements. Design and execute internal communications programs that keep a globally distributed team aligned, engaged, and connected to the Palo Alto Networks mission. Partner closely with world-class threat researchers and incident responders to unearth proprietary data, converting complex technical briefs into mainstream news hooks. Serve as a strategic advisor on high-stakes, time-sensitive communications. Build, cultivate, and maintain deep relationships with top-tier business, technology, and cybersecurity media. Collaborate seamlessly across the organization from regional PR teams and product marketing to legal and government affairs - to enable, empower and ensure narrative alignment. Establish KPIs to measure communication efficacy across all channels; leverage data to pivot strategies early and often as needed. Oversee and maximize the impact of agency partners and resources. Qualifications 10 plus years communications experience, in cybersecurity preferred Media savvy with knowledge of cybersecurity, tech and business media landscape Highly organized and self-motivated individual who will oversee timely, first-rate execution Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to convey business strategies and complex technologies to audiences in compelling ways Strong team player, collaborator and creative thinker Ability to build strong relationships with senior leaders Ability to work under pressure to adhere to tight, last-minute deadlines Ability to navigate ambiguity, drive clarity Compensation Disclosure The compensation offered for this position will depend on qualifications, experience, and work location. For candidates who receive an offer at the posted level, the starting base salary (for non-sales roles) or base salary + commission target (for sales/com-missioned roles) is expected to be the annual range listed below. The offered compensation may also include restricted stock units and a bonus. A description of our employee benefits may be found here. $148,000.00 - $241,000.00/yr Our Commitment We’re trailblazers that dream big, take risks, and challenge cybersecurity’s status quo. It’s simple: we can’t accomplish our mission without diverse teams innovating, together. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for all qualified individuals with a disability. If you require assistance or accommodation due to a disability or special need, please contact us at View email address on click.appcast.io. Palo Alto Networks is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity in our workplace, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or other legally protected characteristics. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. Is role eligible for Immigration Sponsorship? No. Please note that we will not sponsor applicants for work visas for this position. Please use this form to provide us with information that will help direct your request and find your data in all of our systems