Communications Manager Local Launch Communications

## About the Role Are you a communications and storytelling ninja? Do you know how to build and execute strategic communications campaigns that educate your audience and celebrate champions? Then this role could be for you! Zipline is hiring a Communications Manager, Local & Launch Communications to serve as the primary communications lead for new market, store and site launches. This new role owns local and launch communications end-to-end — pre-launch through early and mature operations — and is the day-to-day point person for traditional media, new media, creators/influencers, and visual storytelling partners in new markets. You will build trust and excitement in local communities, cultivate and shape Zipline's reputation as we launch, and ensure every new deployment lands with clarity, credibility, and momentum. This role is ideal for a hands-on communications leader who thrives in fast-moving environments and knows how to turn complex operations into compelling local stories. ## Responsibilities - Own communications for in market site and store launches, serving as the main point of contact for all local and launch-related comms. - Plan and execute integrated launch communications across traditional media, digital and new media, and visual storytelling. - Build and manage strong relationships with local, regional, and national reporters, creators/influencers, and YouTubers. - Lead story development, media outreach, interviews, and on-the-ground press moments tied to launches and milestones. - Partner with videographers, photographers, and designers to capture and deploy high-quality visual content from launches and operations. - Develop core messaging and media materials including press releases, talking points, FAQs, reactive statements, blog posts, and video briefs. - Support launch events, media tours, and community moments with a strong PR and storytelling lens. - Provide clear, confident communications counsel to cross-functional partners including Operations, Government Relations, Community, Marketing, and Design. - Monitor and manage local issues or misinformation, escalating and responding quickly when needed. - Plan and execute events, with a sharable/viral lens to them. - Train and advise local team members on communications and messaging. - Serve as a Zipline spokesperson. ## Requirements - 7+ years of communications experience in-house, agency, media, or politics; launch and local market experience strongly preferred. - Proven success working directly with traditional media and emerging media, including creators and digital platforms. Past work experience with creators, influencers and new media is a plus. - Strong news/viral judgment, crisp writing skills, and the ability to simplify complex topics. - Experience managing visual storytelling projects and working closely with videographers, managing on-site video crews or content teams. - Excellent attention to detail, project management and writing skills, paired with exceptional judgment and a strong understanding of the media landscape and/or local markets. - High ownership mindset, excellent project management skills, and comfort operating independently as the local comms lead. - Curiosity, creativity, and a passion for storytelling along with the ability to sniff out potential newshooks and stories. - Prior success collaborating cross-functionally with diverse, globally distributed teams. - Desire and ability to travel for work (approximately 35%). ## You'll Thrive in the Role If - You are comfortable working with the media and building relationships with them. - You're a self-starter and collaborate well cross-functionally. - You like to work in fast-paced environments, are great at multitasking, and can go with the flow. - You are a good writer and have excellent attention to detail. - You are equal parts creative and strategic. - You are intellectually curious and a team player. - You are passionate and excited about Zipline's mission, impact and products. - You're comfortable as an "intrepreneur," look for ways to continuous improve and take ownership. ## What Else You Need to Know We are open to hiring this role out of the Dallas Fort-Worth or Austin region. Please note that this is a target, starting cash range for a candidate who meets the minimum qualifications for this role. The final cash pay for this role will depend on a variety of factors, including a specific candidate's experience, qualifications, skills, working location, and projected impact. The total compensation package for this role may also include: equity compensation; discretionary annual or performance bonuses; sales incentives; benefits such as medical, dental and vision insurance; paid time off; and more. Zipline is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion or religious creed, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, military or veteran status, citizenship, or other characteristics protected by state, federal or local law or our other policies. We value diversity at Zipline and welcome applications from those who are traditionally underrepresented in tech. If you like the sound of this position but are not sure if you are the perfect fit, please apply!