Public Relations Lead - North America - Proton

Join Proton and build a better internet where privacy is the default

At Proton, we believe that privacy is a fundamental human right and the cornerstone of democracy. Since our inception in 2014, founded by a team of scientists from CERN, we have dedicated ourselves to providing free and open-source technology to millions worldwide, ensuring access to privacy, security, and freedom online.

Our journey began with Proton Mail, the largest secure email service globally, and has since expanded to include Proton VPN, Proton Calendar, Proton Drive, and Proton Pass. These tools empower individuals and organizations to take control of their personal data, break away from Big Tech's invasive practices, and defeat censorship. Our work impacts hundreds of millions of lives, from activists on the front lines defending freedom to leaders in governments protecting sensitive information. In some cases, Proton's services have even been instrumental in saving lives by enabling secure and private communications in high-risk situations.

Proton today supports over 100 million user accounts with a growing team of over 500 people from over 50 different countries, from the world's top companies and universities. We value intelligence, learning potential, and ambition in our hiring process. Adaptability is key as we navigate uncharted territories and redefine how business is conducted online. We believe smaller teams of exceptional talent will always prevail over larger teams with lower talent density. Proton has become profitable and reached scale without relying upon VC funding, largely due to superior talent that allows us to do things faster, more creatively, and more efficiently.

We have a global mindset and big ambitions but remain a start-up at heart. We value empowerment and flexibility and keep our structure flat to keep moving fast and avoid unnecessary politics. Tired of blending into the crowd? Join us and do work you can truly be proud of. Check our social media pages to learn more about us: Twitter, Reddit, Instagram.

The role:

As our North America Public Relations Lead, you will have the opportunity to represent one of the most forward thinking tech companies in the world. You will be responsible for driving awareness and signups to Proton's products (currently encrypted email, calendar, drive storage, VPN and password management) and awareness of Proton as an organization through profiles and interviews in top tier media outlets. 

Proton is rebuilding the internet with privacy as the default setting, giving users the tools they need to protect their data and decide for themselves who they share their personal information with. As the world's largest secure email platform, Proton has been at the forefront of the global privacy debate. This role will give you the chance to help shape the future of this debate and bring the conversation to a mainstream audience. 

This role will require you to operate with a high degree of autonomy and thrive in an independent setting. You will have the opportunity to take ownership of Proton's Communications strategy in North America. You will work alongside colleagues across multiple teams to launch integrated communications campaigns that raise Proton's profile, increase sign ups and conversions, and drive positive regulatory and legislative change. Proton's Communications team is spread across the US, France, UK, Germany and Switzerland. Public Relations Leads typically take ownership of specific markets as well as developing specialist knowledge of specific product areas within the business. The role will require travel to Europe once or twice a year. 

What you will do:

• Develop new, integrated communications campaigns for North America in collaboration with Proton's product, engineering, content, social, marketing, and public policy teams
• Develop and deploy communications campaigns focused on Proton's product suite, driving growth and helping the business hit its commercial goals
• Generate headlines in North American mainstream, consumer and tech media in line with Proton's narrative and communications strategy, positioning Proton as the leading authority on privacy on the internet
• Build and maintain Proton's stakeholder maps and own relationships with top tier North American media outlets
• Drive support for Proton's policy positions on issues ranging from antitrust and competition to encryption and data protection through targeted media coverage
• Engage with conference and events organizers to secure speaker slots for Proton representatives
• Protect Proton's reputation with timely responses to media enquiries on a range of technical and policy based subjects

What we need from you:

• At least five years of communications or PR experience. Strong preference for agency experience with tech clients or in-house in a tech company
• Expertise in both B2C and B2B communications
• Experience building and owning relationships with journalists and acting as a company spokesperson
• A strong network of tech, business and consumer media contacts
• Crisis management experience and ability to juggle multiple fast-paced projects and manage competing deadlines
• The ability to work independently and take ownership of projects as well as proactively identifying and pursuing PR opportunities
• The ability to develop strategic market specific campaigns within the context of an international and multidisciplinary team

Even if you don't meet all the requirements listed above, but feel you could still be a great fit, please still apply.

Why Proton

• Technology: We provide all the devices and software you need to excel in your role, ensuring you have the best tools at your disposal to achieve your goals.
• Food: Lunch and snacks are provided by Proton every day at our offices.
• Transport: We will always support our employees with transport costs through subsidizing public transport, bike allowances, or parking spaces based on your office location.
• Stock Options: At Proton, we are all owners of the company and you get stock options when you join us.
• Flexible Working: You can define your own working hours as long as it works with team meetings.
• Learning and Development: We are committed to your professional growth. Proton offers various learning opportunities, including training programs, conferences and events, and continual learning.
• Employee Benefits: Comprehensive health insurance plans, competitive retirement savings options, generous vacation and leave policies, and wellness programs.
• Work that Matters: Proton is a community-first organization, started with the support of a crowdfunding campaign and built with community input. To this day, Proton's only source of revenue is user subscriptions. Over 100 million people trust and support Proton, and we put our users and community first in everything we do. Read more about our impact here.

Check our social media to learn more about Proton: 

LinkedIn ,Reddit ,X, YouTube

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

At Proton, we believe diversity drives innovation and strengthens our mission to provide privacy as a default for all. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all individuals, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, physical ability, or socio-economic background, feel valued and empowered. We strive to create equal opportunities, promote open dialogue, and support continuous learning to ensure every voice is heard and respected.

If you need any extra support or reasonable adjustments during the hiring process, please let your talent partner know.

Candidate Privacy Notice

When you apply for a position, refer a candidate, or are considered for a role at Proton Technologies AG (Proton, we, us, or our), your information is stored in Greenhouse, in accordance with their Service Privacy Policy. This information is used to evaluate your suitability for the posted position. We also retain this information for consideration for future roles that you may apply for or that we believe may align with your background and skills.

If we no longer have a legitimate business need to process your information, we will either delete or anonymize it. Should you have any inquiries about how we use or manage your information, or if you wish to access, correct, or delete your data, please contact our privacy team at [INSERT CORRECT EMAIL].

Proton does not accept unsolicited resumes from any sources other than directly from candidates. We will not pay a fee for any placement resulting from an unsolicited offer, even if the candidate is subsequently hired by Proton.

To learn more about our privacy policy, please visit our privacy policy page.