Senior Director, Consumer Product & Technology Communications

Summary

Join Instacart as a Senior Director of Consumer, Product & Technology Communications and lead the communications strategy for Instacart's innovative features and brand storytelling. This role involves developing and executing communications plans to support product launches, new technologies, and brand campaigns. You will collaborate with various teams, manage media relations, and oversee executive visibility. The position requires extensive experience in communications, a proven track record of success, and strong leadership skills. Instacart offers a flexible work environment and competitive compensation and benefits, including equity grants.

Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field
• A minimum of 17+ years of previous in-house experience leading consumer or product communications, with a focus on consumer/lifestyle products and services, brand communications, and/or technology communications
• Experience managing a team and developing senior talent, as well as early-in-career team members
• Deep experience working with c-suite executives and other senior leaders to drive shared outcomes
• Proven track record of developing and executing successful communications strategies
• Prior experience managing media relations and a strong understanding of the media landscape, including an awareness of tech and cultural trends and how they’re covered across various media segments
• Exceptional storytelling, writing, and editing skills, with an ability to tailor messages for different audiences
• Outstanding organizational skills, meticulous attention to detail and impeccable judgement
• Ability to maintain composure and effectiveness under pressure

Responsibilities

• Develop the strategy and playbook for a wide range of communications designed to support Instacart’s consumer, product and technology objectives, including product launches, new features, product demos, new technology innovations, executive thought leadership, and new product partnerships, as well as broader brand campaigns, data storytelling efforts, partnerships and more
• Drive alignment between product, marketing, engineering and communications to elevate Instacart’s product story internally and externally
• Make strategic recommendations and decisions on when and how to launch products
• Drive clear narratives about Instacart and our key technology and product innovations, and how they tie back to Instacart’s broader business, mission and vision
• Work with internal teams to proactively source new, compelling tech and product initiatives that drive evergreen product and technology thought leadership for the company
• Partner closely with the Marketing team to unearth unique brand stories that showcase how we’re delivering for consumers
• Manage Instacart’s technical and engineering blog
• In partnership with their team, the Senior Director will lead the development of all written materials and draft communications plans supporting consumer, product and innovation announcements, including messaging, talk tracks, FAQs, external materials (press releases, statements, blogs, op-eds), internal communications, etc
• Serve as point of contact with press on consumer, product and tech innovation stories, with a bias towards being in the news every day
• Leverage existing strong consumer, product and tech media relationships to elevate consumer product awareness and coverage
• Develop and foster relationships with key media and act as an effective company spokesperson
• Oversee executive visibility campaigns that help spotlight the strength of Instacart’s leadership team
• Oversee speaking engagements, media interviews and other external efforts that help drive consumer, product and tech innovation thought leadership for executive team, including Chief Product Officer and Chief Technology Officer
• Media train and prep executives for any interview or speaking opportunities
• Work cross-functionally with senior leadership and teams, including Product, Engineering, Marketing, Business Development, Legal, and Support
• Partner deeply with the Marketing team to develop integrated go-to-market programs that amplify our product storytelling
• Partner closely with other Communications Directors leading the Corporate, Shopper, Policy, Retailer, Ads and Employer Brand comms functions

Preferred Qualifications

• Self-starter, highly proactive and energetic team player who is deeply committed to quality and excellence
• Hands-on leader who can roll up their sleeves and manage tactical execution
• Strong diplomatic and influencing skills with high emotional intelligence
• Solutions-oriented; you always come to the table with ideas for how to get to “yes”
• Able to handle multiple projects at once and thrive in a very dynamic environment
• Outstanding time-management and prioritization skills, with the ability to excel at multiple priorities under short deadlines
• High adaptability to rapidly-changing trends, requirements, and team dynamics
• A creative flair and interest in developing unique storytelling angles and ideas that will break through the crowded media landscape
• Humble attitude with a team-first mentality

Benefits

• Highly market-competitive compensation and benefits
• Remote work
• New hire equity grant
• Annual refresh grants