Communications Manager

Who you are

• This role is ideal for a hands-on communications leader who thrives in fast-moving environments and knows how to turn complex operations into compelling local stories
• 7+ years of communications experience in-house, agency, media, or politics; launch and local market experience strongly preferred
• Proven success working directly with traditional media and emerging media, including creators and digital platforms. Past work experience with creators, influencers and new media is a plus
• Strong news/viral judgment, crisp writing skills, and the ability to simplify complex topics
• Experience managing visual storytelling projects and working closely with videographers, managing on-site video crews or content teams
• Excellent attention to detail, project management and writing skills, paired with exceptional judgment and a strong understanding of the media landscape and/or local markets
• High ownership mindset, excellent project management skills, and comfort operating independently as the local comms lead
• Curiosity, creativity, and a passion for storytelling along with the ability to sniff out potential newshooks and stories
• Prior success collaborating cross-functionally with diverse, globally distributed teams
• Desire and ability to travel for work (approximately 35%)
• You are comfortable working with the media and building relationships with them
• You’re a self-starter and collaborate well cross-functionally
• You like to work in fast-paced environments, are great at multitasking, and can go with the flow
• You are a good writer and have excellent attention to detail
• You are equal parts creative and strategic
• You are intellectually curious and a team player
• You are passionate and excited about Zipline’s mission, impact and products
• You’re comfortable as an “intrepreneur,” look for ways to continuous improve and take ownership

What the job involves

• Zipline is hiring a Communications Manager, Local & Launch Communications to serve as the primary communications lead for new market, store and site launches
• This new role owns local and launch communications end-to-end — pre-launch through early and mature operations — and is the day-to-day point person for traditional media, new media, creators/influencers, and visual storytelling partners in new markets
• You will build trust and excitement in local communities, cultivate and shape Zipline’s reputation as we launch, and ensure every new deployment lands with clarity, credibility, and momentum
• Own communications for in market site and store launches, serving as the main point of contact for all local and launch-related comms
• Plan and execute integrated launch communications across traditional media, digital and new media, and visual storytelling
• Build and manage strong relationships with local, regional, and national reporters, creators/influencers, and YouTubers
• Lead story development, media outreach, interviews, and on-the-ground press moments tied to launches and milestones
• Partner with videographers, photographers, and designers to capture and deploy high-quality visual content from launches and operations
• Develop core messaging and media materials including press releases, talking points, FAQs, reactive statements, blog posts, and video briefs
• Support launch events, media tours, and community moments with a strong PR and storytelling lens
• Provide clear, confident communications counsel to cross-functional partners including Operations, Government Relations, Community, Marketing, and Design
• Monitor and manage local issues or misinformation, escalating and responding quickly when needed
• Plan and execute events, with a sharable/viral lens to them
• Train and advise local team members on communications and messaging
• Serve as a Zipline spokesperson