Senior Lead, Cortex Communications

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 The Team Join Palo Alto Networks' Global Product Communications team supporting Cortex, where communications plays a strategic role in shaping how our innovation, vision, and impact are understood across the organization and in the market. The team partners directly with Cortex leadership to drive executive, internal, and external communications, translating complex product vision into clear, compelling narratives and scalable communications strategies. Working closely with Product PR and cross-functional stakeholders, the team helps maximize external visibility while ensuring Cortex communications remain aligned with the broader Palo Alto Networks narrative. This is an opportunity to work at the intersection of cybersecurity, AI, product innovation, and executive communications, helping shape the story of one of Palo Alto Networks' most strategic businesses.update. Job Summary We’re seeking a strategic, high-impact Product Communications Lead to architect and execute the end-to-end communications strategy for Cortex security products. In this role, you will lead an integrated approach across internal, executive, and external channels. You will own executive and internal communications to drive deep organizational alignment and create impactful executive visibility internally and externally, while partnering closely with product PR to maximize external visibility. Crucially, you will translate abstract, high-level vision into the concrete infrastructure required to execute flawlessly at scale. Operating as a highly autonomous player-coach reporting to the Senior Director of Product Communications, you will serve as the principal advisor to the Cortex speedboat leader and their product leadership team. You will manage their end-to-end communications needs, personally holding the pen on complex announcements with exceptional editorial standards. You will foster alignment across diverse stakeholder groups and leverage engagement analytics to refine delivery, ensuring Cortex communications remain seamlessly synchronized with the global Palo Alto Networks narrative Key Responsibilities Architect and execute an end-to-end communications strategy for the Cortex security speedboat across internal, executive, and external touchpoints. Serve as the trusted communications advisor to the speedboat leader and leadership team, managing end-to-end communications needs. Personally hold the pen on complex announcements, keynotes, Q&As, briefing documents, and messaging frameworks with high editorial standards and minimal editing required. Own executive and internal communications for Product leaders to drive organizational alignment, while partnering closely with product PR on effective public relations and external visibility. Translate abstract, high-level vision into the tactical infrastructure required to execute flawlessly at scale. Anticipate product messaging friction or leadership misalignment early, convening cross-functional stakeholders to resolve operational roadblocks and align on practical solutions. Ensure a clear, compelling, and consistent product narrative across all audiences, collaborating closely with the broader Communications team to keep local innovation aligned with the global Palo Alto Networks story. Track internal engagement metrics and operational KPIs to evaluate messaging resonance, refine strategies, and optimize delivery channels in real time. Qualifications Required Qualifications 12+ years experience leading product, executive, or corporate communications within high-growth, complex enterprise tech or cybersecurity environments. Demonstrated track record as an active owner-operator, balancing strategic vision with hands-on drafting, editing, and execution from concept through launch. Proven ability to take ambiguous, high-level directives and build the tactical machinery, content engines, and timelines needed to deliver consistent results at scale. Deep experience advising senior product and engineering executives, navigating high-pressure issues, and ghostwriting critical keynotes and sensitive announcements with minimal supervision. Strong business acumen with a demonstrated ability to partner with technical stakeholders, turning deep engineering architectures and threat-landscape nuances into crisp, compelling narratives. Exceptional cross-functional partnership skills, with the ability to bridge local product execution with international corporate comms, PR, and marketing teams. Experience using performance metrics and audience engagement data to evaluate resonance, refine messaging, and pivot tactics in real time. 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  accommodations@paloaltonetworks.com. 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.