Communications Specialist (Contractor)

Palo Alto Networks; England; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading cybersecurity company in the United Kingdom is seeking a Contract Communications Specialist to enhance its brand reputation, engage employees, and manage internal and external communication strategies. The role requires strong project management and communication skills, with responsibilities including media relations and crafting impactful content. Ideal candidates will have a bachelor's degree and 5-7 years of relevant experience in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of experience in media metrics and reporting within a corporate PR organization or agency setting.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a portfolio showcasing strong content creation.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Support the planning and production of internal events such as All-Hands meetings.
• Assist the PR team with the coordination and execution of major announcements.
• Create compelling, visually-driven presentations and dashboards.

Skills

Media metrics and reporting

Content creation

Project management

Communication skills

Detail-oriented

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, or related field

Tools

Google Workspace

Cision

BrandWatch

PR Newswire

Job description

Communications Specialist (Contract) – Palo Alto Networks

This role is a 12‑month contract assignment at Palo Alto Networks. Contractors will not be employed by Palo Alto Networks but will be engaged through our trusted staffing partners.

Job Description

Our Mission

At Palo Alto Networks® everything starts and ends with our mission: Being the cybersecurity partner of choice, protecting our digital way of life. We envision a world where each day is safer and more secure than the one before. These aren’t easy goals to accomplish — but we’re not here for easy. We’re here for better. We secure our 70,000 customers through industry‑leading threat research and intelligence, a complete portfolio of best‑in‑class product innovation, plus expert services to help organizations at every step of their transformation journey. We are the world’s security leader, a company built on challenging and disrupting the way things are done, innovating ahead of threats, and redefining what it means to be “secure.” We’re looking for innovators and risk takers who are as committed to shaping the future of cybersecurity as we are. Are you up for it?

Job Summary

The Communications Specialist will play a critical role in supporting and executing internal and external communications strategies to enhance Palo Alto Networks’ brand reputation, engage employees, and effectively communicate key company initiatives, product launches, and thought leadership. This role requires a blend of excellent project management, writing, analytics and cross‑functional collaboration skills.

Key Responsibilities – Internal Communications

• Support the planning and production of internal events such as All‑Hands meetings
• Manage and update regional intranet pages
• Manage regional mailing lists

Key Responsibilities – External Communications & Public Relations (PR)

• Assist the PR team with the coordination and execution of major announcements, including product launches, company news, and partnership announcements.
• Support media relations efforts, including tracking media coverage, managing PR distribution lists, and coordinating interview logistics.
• Contribute to the development of visual thought leadership content, for PR and social media purposes for campaigns and key executives.
• Support the management and coordination of the network of EMEA PR agencies.
• Collaborate with the communications team to develop comprehensive reports that provide insights into media performance and impact.
• Maintain a strong understanding of media coverage and industry trends to inform strategic communication efforts.
• Manage and optimize media data using G‑Suite, Cisi on BrandWatch, PR Newswire, and other relevant platforms.
• Create compelling, visually‑driven presentations and dashboards that transform raw metrics into a clear and powerful story of the team's impact and value.

Required Skills & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field.
• 5‑7 years of proven experience in media metrics and reporting within a corporate PR organization or PR agency setting, preferably within a high‑growth technology or cybersecurity company.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a portfolio showcasing strong content creation (e.g., press releases, internal blogs, executive talking points).
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast‑paced, high‑pressure environment.
• High level of proficiency with collaboration and communication tools (e.g., Google Workspace, internal communication platforms).
• A keen eye for detail and commitment to accuracy, especially when dealing with technical or sensitive information.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with media monitoring and reporting tools (e.g., Cision, Meltwater, Talkwalker).
• Familiarity with digital content creation and management (e.g., basic graphic design tools, video editing, intranet CMS).

Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level

Employment type: Contract

Job function: Marketing, Public Relations, and Information Technology

Industry: Computer and Network Security, Software Development, Public Relations & Communications Services

Location: London, United Kingdom