Job description
What we do:
Halcyon is the industry’s first dedicated, adaptive security platform that combines multiple proprietary advanced prevention engines along with AI models focused specifically on stopping ransomware.
Who we are:
Halcyon was formed in 2021 by a team of cyber industry veterans after battling the scourge of ransomware (and advanced threats) for years at some of the largest global security vendors. Comprised of leaders from Cylance (now Blackberry), Accuvant (now Optiv), Fireye and ISS X-Force (now IBM), Halcyon is focused on building products and solutions for mid-market and enterprise customers.
As a remote-native, completely distributed global team, we recognize great talent can exist anywhere. We invite you to apply to a job you’re interested in and we’ll work a plan to meet your needs.
The Role:
We’re seeking a strategic, highly collaborative Director, Public Relations & Thought Leadership to lead our external communications efforts and elevate our presence in rapidly evolving anti-ransomware market. In this role, you will be the primary owner of our PR strategy, managing our PR agency relationship to ensure consistent, high-impact media coverage, thought leadership content, and executive visibility.
This is a high-visibility role ideal for a communications leader with deep experience in cybersecurity or B2B tech PR, exceptional storytelling skills, and a strong understanding of how to drive brand credibility in a rapidly evolving threat landscape.
Key Responsibilities:
PR Agency Leadership
- Serve as the day-to-day lead for our PR agency, ensuring alignment on strategy, messaging, priorities, and deliverables.
- Set clear goals and KPIs, manage budgets, and drive accountability for media results and narrative development.
- Collaborate with the agency to secure proactive coverage, manage press releases, and support reactive media inquiries.
Media Strategy & Execution
- Partner with the agency to build and maintain strong relationships with top-tier tech, business, and cybersecurity journalists.
- Oversee execution of announcements, embargoes, thought leadership placement, and press engagement.
- Guide media messaging during sensitive topics, including industry news.
Thought Leadership Development
- Own the executive visibility strategy: develop compelling storylines, ghostwritten bylines, op-eds, and interview prep materials.
- Collaborate with internal experts (e.g., CISO, researchers, product leaders) to create timely and credible points of view on cyber threats, resilience, and industry innovation.
- Identify and manage opportunities for speaking engagements, panels, podcasts, and guest appearances.
Analytics & Reporting
- Set and track clear metrics (e.g., share of voice, coverage volume, media sentiment, backlink quality) to assess PR performance.
- Provide regular reporting to executive stakeholders, with insights and recommendations for improvement.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with content marketing, analyst relations, product marketing, and social media to ensure consistency across all external messaging.
- Integrate PR into major product launches, campaigns, threat/research reports, and corporate milestones.
Experience:
- Experience managing PR around security incidents, breaches, or product vulnerabilities.
- Familiarity with analyst relations, influencer outreach, and social amplification of PR content.
- A proactive mindset with the ability to anticipate media opportunities, respond to fast-moving events, and shape narratives under pressure.
- Collaborative and comfortable working in a matrixed, high-growth environment.
Qualifications:
- 8–10+ years of experience in public relations or communications, with at least 3+ years managing an external PR agency.
- Strong background in cybersecurity or enterprise B2B tech.
- Demonstrated success securing earned media coverage in outlets such as WIRED, Bloomberg, TechCrunch, SC Media, Dark Reading, CNBC, and others.
- Exceptional written, verbal, and editorial skills—capable of simplifying complex security topics for broad audiences.
- Deep understanding of the cybersecurity threat landscape, buyer personas (CISOs, SOC leaders, etc.), and news cycles.
- Experience working with executives on media training, speaking prep, and message development.
- Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, PR, or related field.
Benefits:
Halcyon offers the following benefits to eligible employees:
Comprehensive healthcare (medical, dental, and vision) with premiums paid in full for employees and dependents.
401k plan with a generous employer contribution.
Short and long-term disability coverage, basic life and AD&D insurance plans.
Medical and dependent care FSA options.
Flexible PTO policy.
Parental leave.
Generous equity offering.
The Company reserves the right to modify or change these benefits programs at any time, with or without notice.
Base Salary Range: $180,000 - $230,000
In accordance with applicable state and federal laws, the range provided is Halcyon’s reasonable estimate of the base compensation for this role. The actual amount may differ based on non-discriminatory factors such as experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and location. Base pay is one part of the total package that is provided to compensate and recognize employees for their work, and this role may be eligible for additional discretionary bonuses/incentives, and equity in the Company.
We understand it takes a diverse team of highly intelligent, passionate, curious, and creative people to develop the exceptional product we are building. Our dynamic team has incredible perspectives to share, just as we know you do, and we take great pride in being an equal opportunity employer.
