Head of Communications

We are seeking a strategic, creative, and highly experienced Head of Communications to lead and scale Tailscale's global communications function. This leader will shape how Tailscale is understood by the market, elevate our visibility in the media, and build the communications engine needed to support our next phase of growth. Tailscale is a multi-product secure connectivity platform spanning networking, privileged access, workload connectivity, and AI infrastructure. Reporting to the SVP of Marketing, you will own product and corporate communications, public relations, media strategy, internal communications, crisis communications, award applications, international comms and media relations, new media engagement, and executive communications across the leadership team outside the CEO. This is a builder role for someone who combines strong strategic judgment with exceptional execution. You will initially be hands-on while hiring and developing a small, high-performing team.

• Develop and execute Tailscale's global communications strategy, strengthening brand awareness, reputation, and market leadership.
• Lead product and technology communications, translating complex innovations, product launches, and customer stories into compelling narratives that earn meaningful media coverage.
• Build strong relationships with top-tier business, technology, cybersecurity, and AI journalists, driving proactive media opportunities and increasing Tailscale's share of voice.
• Expand Tailscale's presence across emerging media channels, including influential podcasts, newsletters, creators, and technical communities.
• Own corporate communications for major company milestones, strategic partnerships, funding announcements, and other business developments.
• Build and scale international communications programs, including regional media relations and agency partnerships.
• Develop executive communications and thought leadership programs for the leadership team outside the CEO.
• Oversee internal communications, partnering with People and executive leadership on company-wide messaging, all-hands, organizational changes, and employee engagement communications.
• Lead crisis communications, establishing response plans and partnering with Legal, Security, Engineering, and leadership to protect customer trust and company reputation.
• Own Tailscale's awards and recognition strategy, identifying and securing high-value industry and company accolades.
• Hire, manage, and develop a high-performing communications team while overseeing external agencies, communications processes, and performance measurement.

• 10+ years of experience in public relations, product communications, or corporate communications, ideally within high-growth B2B technology companies.
• Proven track record of securing meaningful earned media coverage and building strong relationships with influential journalists.
• Deep product communications expertise, with the ability to translate complex technical products into clear, compelling stories.
• Experience hiring, managing, and developing communications professionals and overseeing agency partners.
• Exceptional writing, storytelling, and editorial judgment across external, executive, and internal communications.
• Experience advising senior executives and navigating high-stakes or sensitive communications situations.
• Strong strategic judgment and operational discipline, with the ability to prioritize, build scalable processes, and measure impact.
• Curiosity around and openness to leveraging AI to support operations and execution but not replace human taste and judgement.

• Experience in networking, cybersecurity, infrastructure, developer tools, or AI.
• Experience scaling communications at a high-growth, global technology company.
• Experience supporting fundraising, acquisitions, or pre-IPO communications as well as experience supporting a company through an IPO.

US Pay Range: $190,000—$237,000 USD. Tailscale's compensation package includes base salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits. We offer an inclusive, flexible environment, a competitive total compensation package, comprehensive group benefits with no waiting period (health, vision, dental, and more), remote-first company, employer-funded retirement contributions (dollar-for-dollar match up to 0.75% of eligible compensation), annual company retreat, team off-sites, $1500 USD annually for professional development, flexible paid time off, home office setup (company-owned laptop, monthly home internet reimbursement, $500 USD workstation customization), and paid parental leave (20 weeks for birthing parents, 16 weeks for non-birthing parents).