Director, Technology Public Relations

Westerndigital; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Western Digital is seeking a senior technology PR leader to shape and execute a proactive, narrative-driven program that positions WD as an essential voice in the AI infrastructure conversation.

You will manage global media relations with top-tier tech press, coordinate with product and executive teams, and drive thought leadership through op-eds, speaking engagements, and strategic partnerships.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in technology PR, including in-house at a global enterprise technology company.
• Proven ability to translate complex tech topics into clear, compelling narratives.
• Strong relationships with technology media and a track record of editorial placements.

Responsibilities

• Develop and own WD's global tech PR strategy, including narrative architecture and a proactive story calendar.
• Serve as primary relationship owner for major media contacts and editorial partnerships.
• Lead media relations, including pitching, press releases, embargo management, and rapid-response coverage.
• Direct external PR agency relationships with clear priorities and measurable outcomes.
• Partner with executives to develop thought leadership content and secure speaking opportunities.
• Coordinate launch PR strategies for product announcements and partnerships across cross-functional teams.
• Build an executive visibility program through podcasts, panels, and awards.
• Monitor media landscape to inform strategy and stay ahead of trends.
• Ensure amplification of PR outputs across owned and earned channels and integrate third-party coverage into campaigns.

Skills

Public relations

Media relations

Executive communications

PR strategy

Storytelling

C-suite coaching

Job description

In this role, you will join WD's public relations function at a defining moment. With WD forming the storage foundation of the AI-driven data economy, how the company is covered - in the press, in trade publications, in podcast conversations, and across digital media - shapes perception with customers, partners, investors, and talent alike. This role is responsible for building and executing a proactive, narrative-driven technology PR program that cuts through the noise of a crowded enterprise tech landscape and establishes WD as an essential voice in the AI infrastructure conversation.

You will serve as the primary interface between WD's executive team and the media ecosystem - from top-tier technology press to influential trade outlets and emerging digital voices - and will be responsible for both the strategy and the day-to-day execution that keeps WD's story in front of the right audiences at the right moments.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and own WD's global tech PR strategy, including narrative architecture, message platform, and a proactive story calendar that aligns with product launches, executive thought leadership, industry events, and broader market moments in AI, cloud, and data infrastructure
• Serve as the primary relationship owner for WD's important media contacts - across top-tier technology press and trade publications - building trusted, ongoing relationships that go beyond reactive pitching to genuine editorial partnership
• Lead all aspects of media relations, including proactive story development and pitching, press release writing and distribution, embargo management, exclusive placements, and rapid response to breaking news or competitive developments
• Direct external PR agency relationships, including setting priorities, reviewing deliverables, and holding agency teams accountable to measurable outcomes
• Partner with executive communications to develop and place thought leadership content - op-eds, bylines, contributed articles, and speaking opportunities - that positions WD's senior leaders as credible, distinctive voices in the AI infrastructure conversation
• Develop and execute launch PR strategies for major product announcements, and partnerships- coordinating across Product Marketing, Product, Legal, and IR to ensure launches land with maximum impact and consistent messaging
• Build and manage a proactive executive visibility program, identifying and securing opportunities for WD leaders in podcasts, panels, keynotes, media roundtables, and industry awards programs that reinforce strategic positioning
• Monitor the media landscape continuously, tracking coverage broader industry narratives, synthesizing insights that inform executive decision-making and help the team stay ahead of emerging story angles
• Collaborate with Corporate and International PR teams, Analyst Relations, and content marketing to ensure PR outputs are amplified across owned and earned channels, and that third-party media coverage is integrated into broader campaign and sales enablement strategies
• Support the PR measurement framework, tracking share of voice, tier-one media placements, sentiment trends, message pull-through rates, and the downstream impact of coverage on web traffic, pipeline, and brand perception
• Oversee WD's press event strategy at major industry conferences, including media briefings

12+ years of experience in technology PR, with a meaningful portion spent in-house at a global enterprise technology company

Deep existing relationships with technology media that can be activated immediately upon joining

Proven track record of developing and landing top-tier media coverage for complex, technical enterprise technology products and solutions - with demonstrated ability to translate deeply technical subject matter into compelling, accessible narratives

Experience working with global PR agency teams, with a clear point of view on how to structure agency relationships for maximum strategic leverage and accountability

Strong executive communications background, including experience counseling C-suite leaders on media strategy, message development, and interview preparation

Fluency in the AI infrastructure, cloud, and data storage landscape, with enough technical depth to engage credibly with reporters, and subject matter experts

Experience working cross-functionally in a matrixed enterprise environment, with a track record of building strong relationships across Corporate and Channel Marketing, Product, Legal, and Investor Relations

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a portfolio of work that demonstrates range from sharp press releases and media pitches to polished executive bylines

Familiarity with PR measurement tools and methodologies, including media monitoring, share of voice analysis, and the ability to connect PR outcomes to business metrics

Effective team player, while also being able to work independently

Willingness to take risks

Enjoy working in a fast-paced