Communications Manager (Local & Launch Communications)

Zipline; Georgia; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Zipline is seeking a Communications Manager, Local & Launch Communications to lead all local and launch communications for new markets, stores, and sites. You will own end-to-end launch communications and serve as the primary contact for traditional media, digital media, creators and influencers in new markets.

In this role you will craft core messaging, manage media relations, and coordinate with operations, government relations, marketing, and design to ensure clarity and momentum.

Qualifications

• Must have strong local and launch communications experience.
• Experience with traditional media, digital media, creators and influencers.
• Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling skills with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end launch communications for new markets and sites.
• Develop core messaging, press materials, FAQs, and media briefs.
• Build relationships with local, regional, and national reporters and creators.
• Plan and execute events, media tours, and on-ground press moments.
• Serve as Zipline spokesperson and provide communications counsel cross-functionally.
• Monitor local issues and respond quickly when needed.

Skills

Media relations

Content writing

Project management

Storytelling

Cross-functional leadership

Public speaking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications

Job description

• 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

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 storiesYou are equal parts creative and strategicExcellent attention to detail, project management and writing skills, paired with exceptional judgment and a strong understanding of the media landscape and/or local marketsYou are a good writer and have excellent attention to detailYou’re comfortable as an “intrepreneur,” look for ways to continuous improve and take ownershipProven 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 plusYou are passionate and excited about Zipline’s mission, impact and productsPrior success collaborating cross-functionally with diverse, globally distributed teamsHigh ownership mindset, excellent project management skills, and comfort operating independently as the local comms lead7+ years of communications experience in-house, agency, media, or politics; launch and local market experience strongly preferredExperience managing visual storytelling projects and working closely with videographers, managing on-site video crews or content teamsYou’re a self-starter and collaborate well cross-functionallyDesire and ability to travel for work (approximately 35%)Curiosity, creativity, and a passion for storytelling along with the ability to sniff out potential newshooks and storiesYou are intellectually curious and a team playerYou are comfortable working with the media and building relationships with themStrong news/viral judgment, crisp writing skills, and the ability to simplify complex topicsYou like to work in fast-paced environments, are great at multitasking, and can go with the flow