Manager, Corporate Communications (Public Sector & M&A Narrative)

Palo Alto Networks; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 97,000 - 158,000; Full time

Job summary

Palo Alto Networks is seeking a high-energy, strategically-minded Manager of Corporate Communications to be the day-to-day architect of our “Woven Thread”—the unified narrative that connects Public Sector leadership, our M&A activity, and our Corporate mission. You will report to the Head of Global Crisis Communications and Reputation Management and work at the intersection of policy and PR.

This role demands exceptional writing, agile leadership, and the ability to turn complex policy into

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 8 years of experience, or Master's degree with 6 years in PR, Corporate Communications, or Public Affairs.
• Experience in B2B or government-adjacent roles is a major plus.
• Exceptional writing: translate a technical AI white paper or an M&A filing into a compelling story.
• Agility: a manager-doer mindset, comfortable pivoting from strategy to rapid-response statements.
• Strong organizational skills to juggle multiple projects (M&A, Public Sector, Corp PR).
• AI-forward: proficiency using AI tools to streamline content production, brainstorm angles, and analyze media pull-through.

Responsibilities

• Draft high-impact content that weave together Public Sector wins and Corporate milestones.
• Audit outbound messaging to ensure alignment with the Corporate Narrative and avoid silos.
• Lead the comms drumbeat for major initiatives and ensure a steady stream of stories that reinforce our identity.
• Turn complex policy positions into compelling external narratives for media and stakeholders.
• Identify 'Hero Stories' in government accounts and pitch to relevant media.
• Manage comms workstreams for acquisitions from Day 1 announcements onward.
• Monitor industry sentiment to support proactive reputation management and crisis readiness.
• Develop Executive Briefing Packs for leaders to speak consistently about the company's woven thread.
• Identify speaking opportunities and awards for Public Sector and Corporate experts.

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

AI tools

Job description

Our Mission

At Palo Alto Networks®, we’re united by a shared mission—to protect our digital way of life. We thrive at the intersection of innovation and impact, solving real-world problems with cutting-edge technology and bold thinking. Here, everyone has a voice, and every idea counts. If you’re ready to do the most meaningful work of your career alongside people who are just as passionate as you are, you’re in the right place.

Who We Are

In order to be the cybersecurity partner of choice, we must trailblaze the path and shape the future of our industry. This is something our employees work at each day and is defined by our values: Disruption, Collaboration, Execution, Integrity, and Inclusion. We weave AI into the fabric of everything we do and use it to augment the impact every individual can have. If you are passionate about solving real-world problems and ideating beside the best and the brightest, we invite you to join us! We believe collaboration thrives in person. That’s why most of our teams work from the office full time, with flexibility when it’s needed. This model supports real-time problem-solving, stronger relationships, and the kind of precision that drives great outcomes.

Job Summary

Palo Alto Networks is looking for a high-energy, strategically-minded Manager of Corporate Communications. In this role, you will be the day-to-day architect of our "Woven Thread"—the unified narrative that connects our Public Sector leadership, our M&A activity, and our Corporate mission. You will report to the Head of Global Crisis Communications and Reputation Management and work at the intersection of policy and PR. This isn't just about "getting hits"; it’s about ensuring that every piece of communication strengthens Palo Alto Networks’ reputation as the world’s AI-powered security partner of choice.

Key Responsibilities

• Content Creation: Draft high-impact content that weave together our Public Sector wins and Corporate milestones.
• Narrative Guardrail: Audit outbound messaging from various business units to ensure it aligns with the core Corporate Narrative and doesn't "silo" our impact.
• Project Management: Lead the "comms drumbeat" for major initiatives, ensuring a steady stream of stories that reinforce our unified identity.
• Policy Storytelling: Partner with the Head of Global Crisis Communications and Reputation Management to turn complex policy positions into compelling external narratives for media and stakeholders.
• Field PR: Support the Federal and SLED teams by identifying "Hero Stories" within government accounts and pitching them to relevant trade and top-tier media.
• Integration Lead: Manage the tactical communication workstreams for acquisitions from Day 1 announcements to the ongoing "narrative onboarding" of new teams.
• Reputation Monitoring: Maintain an "always-on" pulse on industry sentiment to support the Head of Global Crisis Communications and Reputation Management in proactive reputation management and crisis readiness.
• Toolkit Development: Build "Executive Briefing Packs" (talking points, FAQs, and scripts) that empower our leaders to speak consistently about the company’s woven thread.
• Placement Coordination: Identify and secure speaking opportunities and awards that elevate our Public Sector and Corporate experts.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 8 years of experience, or Master's degree with 6 years of experience in PR, Corporate Communications, or Public Affairs.
• Experience in B2B or government -adjacent roles is a major plus.
• Exceptional Writing: Ability to take a technical white paper on AI or a dry M&A filing and turn it into a "must-read" story.
• Agility: A "manager-doer" mindset—comfortable pivoting from a high-level strategy meeting to drafting a rapid-response press statement.
• Organization: Must be a pro at juggling multiple projects (M&A, Public Sector, and Corp PR) without letting the "Woven Thread" fray.
• AI-Forward: High proficiency in using AI tools to streamline content production, brainstorm creative angles, and analyze media pull-through.

Compensation Disclosure

The compensation offered for this position will depend on qualifications, experience, and work location. For candidates who receive an offer at the posted level, the starting base salary (for non-sales roles) or base salary + commission target (for sales/com-missioned roles) is expected to be the annual range listed below. The offered compensation may also include restricted stock units and a bonus. A description of our employee benefits may be found here.

$97,000.00 - $157,500.00/yr

Our Commitment

We’re trailblazers that dream big, take risks, and challenge cybersecurity’s status quo. It’s simple: we can’t accomplish our mission without diverse teams innovating, together.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for all qualified individuals with a disability. If you require assistance or accommodation due to a disability or special need, please contact us at [e-mail].

Palo Alto Networks is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity in our workplace, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or other legally protected characteristics.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Is role eligible for Immigration Sponsorship? No. Please note that we will not sponsor applicants for work visas for this position.