Strategic Communications Director, Shift Technology

• 12+ years of progressive communications experience, with meaningful time in senior roles at a high-growth technology company, global PR agency serving tech clients, or both
• A verifiable track record of securing feature coverage and prominent placement in tier-1 business and technology media—not just industry trade press
• Proven ability to develop CEOs and senior executives as media figures and thought leaders, including speech and presentation development, media training, and conference positioning
• A robust, active network of journalist, editor, and producer relationships at top-tier media outlets
• Demonstrated success securing executive speaking slots at leading, high-profile industry conferences in AI, enterprise technology, financial services, or insurance
• Exceptional writing skills—the ability to craft compelling narratives, speeches, op-eds, briefing documents, and messaging frameworks with minimal direction
• Experience operating at the executive level, including advising C-suite and Board stakeholders and managing sensitive communications with discretion

Desirable

• Shift has earned its place as an industry innovator. Now it's time for the world to know it. We are looking for a high-impact Strategic Communications Director to dramatically elevate Shift's profile across tier-1 business and technology media, position our CEO as a preeminent voice in AI and insurtech, and ensure Shift punches well above its weight in market awareness
• This is not a traditional PR role. We want a strategist, storyteller, and execution oriented leader who knows how to move markets—someone who has the media relationships, executive presence, and creative instincts to break through the noise and put Shift on the map alongside the most recognized names in AI and enterprise technology. We believe Shift’s story is a powerful one worth telling, and we’re looking for someone who can make it happen
• Build and maintain deep relationships with senior journalists, editors, and producers at leading business and technology outlets—including print, digital, and broadcast—across the Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, Bloomberg, Forbes, Fortune, CNBC, and sector-specific technology and insurtech media
• Pitch and land feature articles, executive interviews, bylines, and well-placed quotes that position Shift as an essential voice in the AI and insurance transformation narrative
• Develop compelling, news-driven story angles that resonate beyond the insurance vertical and into mainstream business and technology conversations
• Manage all aspects of media relations, including rapid-response to breaking news, proactive pitching, and crisis communications preparedness
• Own the CEO's communications platform end-to-end: develop speeches, keynote presentations, talking points, op-eds, and LinkedIn content that establish a distinct, compelling executive voice
• Secure high-profile speaking opportunities at premier AI, insurtech, and investor conferences—including Davos-tier business forums, major technology summits, and industry flagship events
• Prepare the CEO for media appearances, panel discussions, podcast interviews, and analyst briefings, ensuring every interaction reinforces Shift's strategic narrative
• Build and manage relationships with event organizers, conference program committees, and industry organizations to ensure Shift's leadership is consistently represented on the most prestigious stages
• Develop and continuously refine Shift's corporate communications strategy, messaging architecture, and brand narrative in close partnership with the CMO and CEO
• Translate complex AI and insurance technology concepts into accessible, persuasive stories for diverse audiences—including business press, investors, partners, and customers
• Collaborate across marketing, product, sales, and leadership to ensure a consistent, differentiated voice across all external channels
• Monitor the competitive communications landscape and identify opportunities to seize narrative ground and inject Shift into key industry conversations
• Engage comfortably and credibly with Shift's Board of Directors, C-suite, strategic customers, and investor community—advising on communications strategy and representing the company externally when appropriate
• Partner directly with the CMO on enterprise-wide communications priorities, budget, agency relationships, and team development
• Serve as a trusted advisor and communications counselor to senior leadership on high-stakes announcements, market positioning, and reputational matters