At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and execute internal and external communications strategies to enhance brand reputation.
- Company: Join Palo Alto Networks, a leader in cybersecurity innovation.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience in a dynamic environment with potential for growth.
- Other info: Fast-paced role with opportunities to work on exciting projects and events.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven team shaping the future of cybersecurity.
- Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Communications or related field; 5-7 years PR experience required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 60000 £ per year.
This role is a 12‑month contract assignment at Palo Alto Networks. Contractors will not be employed by Palo Alto Networks but will be engaged through our trusted staffing partners.
Our Mission
At Palo Alto Networks® everything starts and ends with our mission: Being the cybersecurity partner of choice, protecting our digital way of life. We envision a world where each day is safer and more secure than the one before. These aren’t easy goals to accomplish — but we’re not here for easy. We’re here for better. We secure our 70,000 customers through industry‑leading threat research and intelligence, a complete portfolio of best‑in‑class product innovation, plus expert services to help organizations at every step of their transformation journey. We are the world’s security leader, a company built on challenging and disrupting the way things are done, innovating ahead of threats, and redefining what it means to be “secure.” We’re looking for innovators and risk takers who are as committed to shaping the future of cybersecurity as we are. Are you up for it?
Job Summary
The Communications Specialist will play a critical role in supporting and executing internal and external communications strategies to enhance Palo Alto Networks’ brand reputation, engage employees, and effectively communicate key company initiatives, product launches, and thought leadership. This role requires a blend of excellent project management, writing, analytics and cross‑functional collaboration skills.
Key Responsibilities – Internal Communications
- Support the planning and production of internal events such as All‑Hands meetings
- Manage and update regional intranet pages
- Manage regional mailing lists
Key Responsibilities – External Communications & Public Relations (PR)
- Assist the PR team with the coordination and execution of major announcements, including product launches, company news, and partnership announcements.
- Support media relations efforts, including tracking media coverage, managing PR distribution lists, and coordinating interview logistics.
- Contribute to the development of visual thought leadership content, for PR and social media purposes for campaigns and key executives.
- Support the management and coordination of the network of EMEA PR agencies.
- Collaborate with the communications team to develop comprehensive reports that provide insights into media performance and impact.
- Maintain a strong understanding of media coverage and industry trends to inform strategic communication efforts.
- Manage and optimize media data using G‑Suite, Cision on BrandWatch, PR Newswire, and other relevant platforms.
- Create compelling, visually‑driven presentations and dashboards that transform raw metrics into a clear and powerful story of the team's impact and value.
Required Skills & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field.
- 5‑7 years of proven experience in media metrics and reporting within a corporate PR organization or PR agency setting, preferably within a high‑growth technology or cybersecurity company.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a portfolio showcasing strong content creation (e.g., press releases, internal blogs, executive talking points).
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast‑paced, high‑pressure environment.
- High level of proficiency with collaboration and communication tools (e.g., Google Workspace, internal communication platforms).
- A keen eye for detail and commitment to accuracy, especially when dealing with technical or sensitive information.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with media monitoring and reporting tools (e.g., Cision, Meltwater, Talkwalker).
- Familiarity with digital content creation and management (e.g., basic graphic design tools, video editing, intranet CMS).
Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level
Employment type: Contract
Job function: Marketing, Public Relations, and Information Technology
Industry: Computer and Network Security, Software Development, Public Relations & Communications Services
Location: London, United Kingdom
Communications Specialist (Contractor) in Cardiff employer: Palo Alto Networks
At CyberArk, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture. As an Enterprise Customer Success Manager, you will benefit from our commitment to employee growth through continuous learning opportunities and a focus on professional development. Located in a vibrant tech hub, our team enjoys a dynamic environment that encourages innovation and the sharing of ideas, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Communications Specialist (Contractor) in Cardiff
✨Join PR Communities
Get involved in local PR groups or online communities where professionals gather to share opportunities and insights. Engage in conversations on platforms like Twitter or LinkedIn—spotting temporary roles often happens in these spaces.
✨Attend PR Events
Look for industry events, workshops, or conferences that focus on public relations. Not only will you learn from the pros, but you might also meet someone who's looking for temporary help, which is perfect for a gig like this!
✨Showcase Your Skills
Create a portfolio that highlights any past PR work, campaigns, or even university projects. Share it on your social media or PR forums—you want to make sure your great work is visible when the right temporary role comes up.
✨Apply Directly on Our Website
When you spot a temporary PR role with companies like Palo Alto Networks, don't hesitate to apply directly through our website. You'll be on the front line, making it easier for you to get noticed!
We think you need these skills to ace Communications Specialist (Contractor) in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:When you're applying for a temporary role in public relations, your cover letter is your chance to show off your passion for the field. Highlight any relevant PR experience you have, even if it's just through internships or volunteer work. Tell us why you're excited about the opportunity at Palo Alto Networks and how you can help make an impact, even in a short time!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Public relations is all about communicating effectively, so make sure your CV reflects this! Use clear, concise language and showcase any writing samples you might have, such as press releases, blog posts, or social media campaigns. Including a link to a portfolio could really set you apart from other candidates.
Demonstrate Flexibility and Adaptability:Since this is a temporary role, we want to see how quickly you can jump in and start contributing. Mention past experiences where you successfully managed multiple tasks or quickly adapted to changing situations. It’s these qualities that will show us you can thrive at Palo Alto Networks even on a short-term basis!
Research Palo Alto Networks and the Industry:Before submitting your application, take some time to learn about Palo Alto Networks and its approach to PR. Mention anything specific you like about their campaigns or strategies in your cover letter. This extra effort shows us you're genuinely interested and ready to bring your unique perspective to the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Palo Alto Networks
✨Brush Up on Your Crisis Management Skills
In public relations, handling crises is key. Be ready to discuss past situations where you managed communication challenges effectively. Bring examples that showcase your quick thinking and strategic response – they want to see you in action!
✨Show Off Your Portfolio of Campaigns
Since this is a temporary role, showcasing your portfolio is crucial. Make sure you have a collection of your best press releases, campaign plans, or media coverage. You want to prove you can hit the ground running and bring valuable experience to Palo Alto Networks right away!
✨Know Your Media Landscape
A strong PR candidate should be familiar with the media landscape. Brush up on key journalists, publications, and current trends in communications. Think about how you’d tailor messages to different media outlets – you might get asked about this during the interview!
✨Be Ready to Discuss Networking Strategies
Networking is a big part of PR work, especially in a temporary role. Be prepared to chat about your previous networking experiences or how you plan to build key relationships quickly at Palo Alto Networks. They’ll want to know you can create buzz and leverage your connections immediately!
