Director, External Communications - Product and Corporate

<div class="content-intro"><p><strong>Secure Every Identity, from AI to Human<br><br></strong>Identity is the key to unlocking the potential of AI. Okta secures AI by building the trusted, neutral infrastructure that enables organizations to safely embrace this new era. This work requires a relentless drive to solve complex challenges with real-world stakes. We are looking for builders and owners who operate with speed and urgency and execute with excellence.<br><br>This is an opportunity to do career-defining work. We're all in on this mission. If you are too, let's talk.</p></div><h3><strong>Overview</strong></h3> <p>The Director of External Communications will lead the continued evolution of Okta's US external communications program, with a clear north star of establishing Okta as the industry standard for securing AI. You will help shape a modern, data and AI-powered communications organization with a clear bias towards action and the ability to drive results that shape perception in a noisy environment. You will land stories around Okta’s ongoing product innovation, corporate initiatives, and tie Okta into relevant trending industry topics. This role will cut across traditional and new media channels, and the candidate must be well-versed in both.<br><br></p> <p>This leadership role requires equal parts strategic vision, media instincts, operational excellence and hustle. Reporting to the Senior Director of Global Communications, you will lead a team of communications professionals and work closely with executive leadership, product, security and marketing teams to craft compelling narratives and manage high-stakes communications initiatives that move the needle with CIOs, CISOs, developers and investors.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Key Responsibilities</strong></p> <p><strong>US PR Strategy &amp; Execution: </strong>Drive the strategy and execution of Okta’s U.S. public relations program. You will design and lead integrated media campaigns that connect our product and corporate milestones to broader industry conversations around identity, security, and AI.</p> <p><strong>Modern Media Engagement: </strong>Own Okta's media relations strategy across the full spectrum of today's influential platforms, from top-tier business press to newsletters, podcasts, and creator-journalists. You will personally cultivate trusted relationships with key voices across business, technology, and cybersecurity media to shape and land high-impact stories.</p> <p><strong>Team &amp; Agency Leadership: </strong>Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of PR professionals and manage our external agency partners. You will set a culture of strategic thinking, proactive storytelling, and executional ex