Senior Manager, Public Relations and Communications

GET TO KNOW US Horizon3.ai is a fast-growing, remote cybersecurity company dedicated to enabling organizations to proactively find, fix, and verify exploitable attack vectors before criminals exploit them. Our autonomous security platform, NodeZero™, uses AI and automation to continuously validate security posture across internal, external, cloud, and hybrid environments, helping enterprises reduce risk and strengthen defenses at scale. We’re a fusion of former U.S. Special Operations cyber operators, startup engineers & operators, and formerly frustrated cybersecurity practitioners. We’re committed to solving common security problems: ineffective tools, false positives and alert fatigue, blind spots, “checkbox” security culture, cybersecurity skills shortages, and the high cost and long lead time of traditional consulting. We are a team of learn-it-alls, committed to a culture of respect, collaboration, ownership, and results.   ABOUT THE ROLE We are seeking a Senior Manager, Public Relations & Communications (P5) to build and lead a high-impact PR and communications engine that elevates Horizon3.ai http://Horizon3.ai’s brand, strengthens our market narrative, and accelerates demand. In this role, you will own end-to-end press relations, corporate communications, and executive visibility for Horizon3.ai http://Horizon3.ai. You will develop and execute integrated communications strategies that position our executives and subject-matter experts as category-defining voices in offensive security, AI-driven automation, and modern cybersecurity operations. You will work closely with Marketing, Executive Leadership, Product, Customer, and People teams to drive cohesive storytelling across press, analysts, social, speaking opportunities, and events. This is a highly visible, strategic role with direct impact on brand awareness, mindshare, and pipeline. WHAT YOU’LL DO PR & COMMUNICATIONS STRATEGY - Own Horizon3.ai http://Horizon3.ai’s global PR and communications strategy across earned media, speaking engagements, awards, and thought leadership content. - Lead and manage relationships with global PR and communications agencies, including selection, onboarding, day-to-day coordination, performance management, and budget alignment across regions. - Build and maintain a strategic narrative and messaging architecture that clearly differentiates Horizon3.ai http://Horizon3.ai in the cybersecurity and AI/automation landscape. - Develop integrated PR plans tied to company priorities (product launches, campaigns, major events like RSA/Black Hat, partner milestones, funding moments, and breaking news). - Translate complex technical topics (offensive security, continuous validation, AI/automation, public sector cyber, etc.) into compelling, media-ready stories. MEDIA & INFLUENCER RELATIONS - Serve as the day-to-day lead for relationships with key reporters, editors, producers, and influencers in cybersecurity, enterprise IT, public sector, VC/finance, and business press. - Proactively pitch high-impact stories (customer outcomes, research, product innovation, executive POVs, data reports) to secure coverage in tier-1 and tier-2 outlets. - Manage inbound media inquiries and coordinate briefing prep, talking points, Q&A, and follow-ups for executives and SMEs. - Build and maintain a media list, coverage tracker, and measurement framework to report on velocity, sentiment, share of voice, and message pull-through. EXECUTIVE & CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS - Partner with the CEO, CMO, CPO, CTO, and other leaders to shape executive thought leadership platforms, including bylines, op-eds, speaking topics, and social content. - Develop and refine keynotes, talking points, FAQs, and internal briefing docs for major moments (product launches, partnerships, funding announcements, major events). - Support internal and employee communications for key initiatives (major launches, company milestones, crisis/issue response) in partnership with People and Leadership. - Ensure message consistency across press releases, web, social, sales enablement, and customer communications. CONTENT & STORY DEVELOPMENT - Own the PR editorial calendar and align it with integrated marketing campaigns, events, and product/feature releases. - Draft and edit press releases, media alerts, bylines, blog posts, FAQs, briefing documents, award submissions, and talk tracks. - Collaborate with Product Marketing, Content, and Demand Gen to turn customer wins, product innovation, data insights, and research into PR-worthy stories. - Ensure all content is on-brand, accurate, and compliant with legal, privacy, and customer requirements. EVENTS, SPEAKING, AND ANALYST ALIGNMENT - Drive PR and communications strategy around key events (e.g., RSA, Black Hat, sector conferences, partner events), including media tours, 1:1 briefings, speaking opportunities, and news moments. - Partner closely with Field Marketing and Events teams to maximize media and executive visibility at strategic conferences and summits. - Collaborate with Analyst Relations (if separate) or directly manage analyst touchpoints where appropriate to maintain consistent market narrative and message alignment. ISSUES, CRISIS & REPUTATION MANAGEMENT - Develop and maintain issues/crisis communication plans, response frameworks, and approval workflows. - Serve as a strategic advisor to leadership in sensitive situations, helping assess risk, craft messages, and coordinate internal and external responses. - Monitor media, social channels, and competitive activity to proactively identify reputational risks and opportunities. MEASUREMENT & OPTIMIZATION - Define KPIs and build reporting around PR and communications performance (coverage volume/quality, message pull-through, share of voice, event-related coverage, referral traffic, and influence on pipeline where measurable). - Use data and feedback from Sales, Leadership, and Marketing to optimize storytelling, messaging, and targeting. - Continuously refine processes, playbooks, and templates to increase speed, quality, and repeatability. WHAT YOU’LL BRING - 8+ years of experience in public relations, corporate communications, or related roles, with meaningful time in B2B technology; cybersecurity experience strongly preferred. - Proven track record leading PR and communications for a high-growth SaaS company, ideally in cybersecurity, DevSecOps, or adjacent security markets. - Demonstrated success in owning media relationships and securing impactful coverage in relevant trade and business press. - Strong skills in strategic messaging, narrative development, and executive storytelling, including experience preparing senior leaders for media, stage, and virtual formats. - Excellent writing and editing skills across formats (press releases, op-eds, thought leadership, blog posts, scripts, talking points, FAQs). - Experience developing and executing PR strategies in support of product launches, major events (e.g., RSA, Black Hat), and breaking-news rapid response. - Comfort working with technical subject matter experts and translating complex cybersecurity/AI topics into clear, compelling language. - Ability to operate at both strategic and hands-on levels — setting the vision while owning execution across multiple workstreams. - Strong cross-functional collaboration skills; ability to influence and partner with Marketing, Product, Sales, Customer, Legal, and Executive teams. - Highly organized, with demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and stakeholders in a fast-paced environment. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS - Experience working with or at PR agencies; comfortable managing agency partners, budgets, and scopes of work. - Experience with analyst and influencer ecosystems in cybersecurity. - Familiarity with PR and social listening tools (e.g., MuckRack, Cision, Meltwater, Sprout, etc.) and web analytics to connect PR activity to outcomes. - Background in cybersecurity, enterprise IT, or AI/ML domains. - Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field; advanced degree a plus, but not required.   PERKS OF HORIZON3.AI - Inclusive Team: We value diversity and promote an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive. - Growth Opportunities: Be part of a dynamic and growing team with numerous career development opportunities. - Innovative Culture: Work in a collaborative environment that encourages creativity and out-of-the-box thinking. - Remote Work: We are a 100% remote company. Enjoy the convenience and work-life balance that comes with remote work.  - Competitive Compensation: We offer competitive salary, equity and benefits. Our benefits include health, vision & dental insurance for you and your family, a flexible vacation policy, and generous parental leave. TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS We are a fully remote company. This role may require up to 25% travel for key events, media tours, internal offsites, and customer/partner meetings. Job-related travel expenses are reviewed and must be approved by your manager. COMPENSATION AND VALUES At Horizon3, we believe that our people are our greatest asset, and our compensation philosophy reflects this core value. We are committed to fostering an environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and rewarded for their contributions. Our compensation structure is designed to be fair, competitive, and transparent, ensuring that every team member is recognized and compensated equitably across roles, levels, and locations. In accordance with various State’s transparency regulations, we provide the following salary range information for this position: - Base salary range: $170,000 - $210,000 annually. The exact salary will be determined based on the selected candidate’s location, qualifications, experience, and relevant skills. - Additional compensation: All full-time roles are eligible for an equity package in the form of stock options. You Belong Here Horizon3 is not just an equal opportunity employer - we are a community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion as fundamental principles of our culture and success. We are dedicated to fostering a workplace where everyone feels welcome and respected, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, hair length or any other legally protected status by law. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion means we strive to attract, develop, and retain a workforce that reflects the varied communities we serve. We believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation and strengthen our ability to create cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions. At Horizon3, every team member is valued and supported in an environment that encourages personal and professional growth. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and experiences, and we encourage all qualified individuals to apply. Come be a part of Horizon3, where your unique contributions are recognized, and your potential is limitless. Other Duties Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.  Application Note In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.