We are looking for an exceptional
Director of Communications to own and drive the communications function at Ava Labs, shaping how the world understands and talks about Avalanche. This is a senior individual contributor and people management role sitting within the marketing organization, reporting to the SVP of Growth.
The ideal candidate brings something rare: the ability to operate credibly across both crypto-native media and tier 1 business and financial press, while building and protecting the narrative of one of the most important infrastructure platforms in blockchain. You understand the difference between a headline and a story, between a spokesperson and a voice, and between activity and impact.
This role requires someone who can work closely with executive leadership, build institutional-quality communications programs, and execute with the speed and decisiveness that a high-growth company demands. You write well, think strategically, and know how to make complex ideas land with force and clarity.
WHAT YOU WILL DOExecutive Communications- Develop and execute proactive media and positioning strategies for Ava Labs' key executives, including the CEO, President, and other senior leaders
- Build and maintain spokesperson messaging, briefing materials, talking points, and media prep
- Ensure leadership shows up with consistency, conviction, and credibility across media, panels, and public platforms
- Identify and shape executive thought leadership opportunities across earned media and speaking
Media Relations- Own the relationships with journalists and editors across tier 1 business press (Bloomberg, WSJ, FT, Fortune, Forbes), financial media, and crypto-native publications
- Drive proactive story development - not just reactive pitching
- Manage embargoes, exclusives, and launch communications with precision
- Build and maintain a forward-looking media calendar tied to company priorities
Brand & Narrative- Serve as the communications owner of Avalanche's core narrative: "Technology Built for Business"
- Develop and maintain messaging frameworks, press materials, FAQs, and positioning documents
- Ensure narrative consistency across all earned media touchpoints
- Partner closely with marketing and growth on brand launches, campaigns, and major announcements
Speaking & Conference Strategy- Own the global speaking pipeline from sourcing to execution
- Evaluate and prioritize conference opportunities based on audience quality, narrative fit, and strategic value
- Ensure all confirmed speakers are properly prepared with current messaging and context
Agency & Team Management- Manage the external PR agency relationship, setting strategy and holding the agency accountable to outcomes - not activity
- Build and develop a lean internal communications team over time
Rapid Response & Issues Management- Serve as the communications lead on breaking news, industry developments, and reputational moments
- Proactively identify risks and opportunities in the media and narrative landscape
- Develop and maintain rapid response protocols
Avalanche Summit & Events- Build and own the media strategy for Avalanche Summit NYC and other major ecosystem moments
- Manage press outreach, credentialing, briefing coordination, and post-event narrative amplification
WHAT YOU WILL BRING- 8-10 years of communications experience, with meaningful time spent in crypto, Web3, fintech, and institutional finance
- Demonstrable experience working closely with C-suite executives on communications strategy and media positioning
- Established relationships with journalists and editors at tier 1 business, financial, and crypto-native publications
- Deep fluency in the crypto and blockchain landscape - you understand the technology, the culture, and the institutional dynamics simultaneously
- Exceptional writer across all formats: media pitches, press releases, talking points, op-eds, briefing documents, and long-form narrative
- Proven track record of securing meaningful, proactive media coverage - not just press release distribution
- Experience managing external agencies and holding them accountable to real outcomes
- Based on the East Coast; NYC preferred for in-person collaboration
YOUR AWESOME IFS- Prior experience at a Layer 1 or Layer 2 blockchain protocol, major crypto exchange, or institutional platform
- Existing relationships within the crypto media ecosystem and with relevant financial press
- Experience building or rebuilding a communications function inside a fast-moving company
- Familiarity with Avalanche's ecosystem, architecture, positioning, and community
- Background spanning both consumer/retail crypto audiences and institutional finance communications
