📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Communications Lead
🔹 Company: Pinterest
🔹 Location: London, UK
🔹 Job Type: Hybrid (1-2 days in office per week)
🔹 Category: Communications & Public Relations
🔹 Date Posted: May 6, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site (London office required)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Shaping and delivering UK communications strategy aligned with global objectives
- Driving media relations and managing issues/crisis communications
- Profiling executives and leading policy communications
- Collaborating cross-functionally with global and local teams
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of strategic thinking, strong media relations skills, and the ability to navigate complex policy landscapes. It is ideal for a seasoned communications professional looking to make a significant impact in a global organization.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Partner with UK Country Communications Lead and International Comms team to shape and deliver UK communications strategy
✅ Drive media relations: identify, pitch, and place compelling stories in business, policy, and corporate outlets
✅ Cultivate strong relationships with journalists, industry analysts, and key stakeholders; manage press briefings and respond to media enquiries
✅ Profile executives and thought leaders: secure relevant speaking opportunities and manage executive communications and positioning
✅ Lead policy communications: monitor policy/regulatory landscape, plan proactive campaigns, and respond strategically to emerging issues
✅ Manage issues and crisis communications as needed, ensuring timely and effective messaging to external audiences
✅ Create and deliver op-eds, executive commentary, and thought leadership pieces and partnership opportunities
✅ Collaborate cross-functionally with global and local teams, including marketing, product policy, and legal
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of autonomy and requires strong judgment, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work effectively under pressure.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Comms, Business, or Marketing, or equivalent experience
Experience: 10+ years of communications experience, ideally split between agency and in-house roles with a technology or digital media brand
Required Skills:
- Demonstrated expertise in UK media and policy, plus a strong grasp of EU/global
- Experience shaping strategies and messaging during policy debates, especially those related to online safety, privacy, or platform regulation
- Proven track record of working directly with C-suite executives
- Deep issues management and media relations experience (UK and international)
- Exceptional prioritisation skills; calm and effective under pressure
- Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication abilities
- A collaborative, team-oriented mindset; experience working in complex global organisations
Preferred Skills:
- Fluency in additional languages (especially European languages)
- Experience working with global teams and managing remote colleagues
ASSUMPTION: Given the seniority and strategic nature of this role, candidates should have a proven track record in communications, with a strong focus on policy and corporate communications.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: £80,000 - £120,000 per annum (based on industry standards for a senior communications role in London)
Benefits:
- Competitive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) matching and employee stock purchase plan
- Generous time off, including vacation, sick leave, and company holidays
- Flexible working arrangements and remote work options
- Employee resource groups and wellness programs
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week), with flexibility to work from home some days
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a senior communications role in London. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as skills, experience, and market conditions.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Pinterest operates in the Software Development industry, focusing on visual inspiration and discovery.
Company Size: Pinterest has 1,001-5,000 employees, providing ample opportunities for collaboration and growth.
Founded: Pinterest was founded in 2010 and has since grown to serve over 482 million monthly active users worldwide.
Company Description:
- Pinterest's mission is to bring everyone the inspiration to create a life they love.
- The platform is a visual inspiration hub where users search, save, and shop ideas for various aspects of life.
- Pinterest fosters a creative and collaborative work environment, encouraging employees to bring their unique perspectives to the table.
Company Specialties:
- Visual discovery engine
- Social bookmarking
- E-commerce integration
- Advertising solutions for businesses
Company Website: https://www.pinterest.com/
ASSUMPTION: Pinterest's size and global presence offer candidates the opportunity to work on high-impact projects and gain exposure to diverse teams and markets.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the senior management level, reporting directly to the UK Country Communications Lead and collaborating with the global International Comms team.
Reporting Structure: The Communications Lead will report to the UK Country Communications Lead and work closely with the global International Comms team, as well as cross-functional teams within Pinterest.
Work Arrangement: This role is hybrid, requiring employees to be in the office 1-2 days per week and working remotely the rest of the time.
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to grow into a more senior role, such as a Director or VP of Communications, as the company expands in the UK and Europe.
- Opportunities to work on high-impact projects and gain exposure to diverse teams and markets.
- Chance to develop skills in policy communications, crisis management, and executive communications.
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to make a substantial impact on Pinterest's UK and European communications strategies.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Pinterest's London office is a collaborative and modern workspace, designed to foster creativity and innovation.
Office Location(s): 505 Brannan St, San Francisco, California, US (global headquarters); London, UK (European headquarters)
Geographic Context:
- London is a major global hub for technology, media, and finance, providing ample opportunities for networking and collaboration.
- The city offers a diverse range of cultural, social, and recreational activities.
- London has a vibrant tech scene, with numerous startups, incubators, and accelerators.
Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week), with flexibility to work from home some days
ASSUMPTION: The London office provides a dynamic and engaging work environment, with ample opportunities for collaboration and professional growth.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Phone or video screen with the UK Country Communications Lead
- In-depth interview with the global International Comms team
- Final interview with senior leadership, focusing on cultural fit and strategic thinking
Key Assessment Areas:
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
- Media relations and issues management experience
- Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple priorities
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in policy communications, media relations, and executive communications.
- Prepare examples of your writing and editing skills, as well as any relevant media coverage or campaigns you have led.
- Research Pinterest's mission, values, and recent initiatives to demonstrate your understanding of the company and its goals.
ATS Keywords: UK media, policy communications, crisis management, executive communications, strategic planning, writing, editing, collaboration, stakeholder engagement, issues management, public relations, thought leadership, online safety, regulatory landscape, teamwork
ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role will focus on assessing the candidate's strategic thinking, communication skills, and cultural fit within Pinterest's global team.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Media monitoring and analysis tools (e.g., Mention, Brand24)
- Project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello)
- Communication and collaboration platforms (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams)
- Writing and editing tools (e.g., Google Docs, Microsoft Word)
ASSUMPTION: The Communications Lead will be expected to be proficient in using various communication and project management tools to collaborate effectively with global teams.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Inspire creativity and innovation
- Put people first
- Be a force for good
- Grow together
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Results-driven and proactive
- Adaptable and resilient
- Strategic and forward-thinking
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you align with Pinterest's mission to bring everyone the inspiration to create a life they love?
- How do you approach working with diverse teams and stakeholders to achieve common goals?
- How do you balance strategic thinking with a strong focus on execution and results?
ASSUMPTION: Pinterest values candidates who are passionate about the company's mission, collaborative, and results-driven, with a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Navigating complex policy landscapes and regulatory environments
- Managing high-pressure situations and crises effectively
- Balancing global communications objectives with local market needs and preferences
- Working across time zones and collaborating with remote teams
ASSUMPTION: The Communications Lead will need to be adaptable, resilient, and proactive in the face of challenges and unexpected situations.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other senior communications roles, this position places a stronger emphasis on policy communications and issues management.
- In the UK and European markets, this role requires a deep understanding of the local media landscape and regulatory environment.
- Career progression in this role could lead to more senior positions within Pinterest's global communications team or other areas of the business.
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a strong understanding of the unique aspects of this role and how it compares to other senior communications positions in the industry.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a strategic communications plan to launch a new product or feature in the UK market
- Managing a high-profile crisis situation, such as a data breach or regulatory investigation, to protect Pinterest's reputation and maintain stakeholder trust
- Securing high-impact speaking opportunities for Pinterest's executives at major industry events and conferences
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic and high-impact nature of the Communications Lead role at Pinterest.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role fit into Pinterest's global communications strategy, and what are the key priorities for the first 90 days?
- Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the UK Country Communications team and the global International Comms team?
- How does Pinterest support the professional development and growth of its communications team members?
- What are the most pressing policy or regulatory challenges facing Pinterest in the UK and Europe, and how can this role contribute to addressing them?
- How does Pinterest foster a culture of collaboration and innovation within its communications team and the broader organization?
ASSUMPTION: These interview questions are designed to provide insight into the role's strategic priorities, team dynamics, and professional development opportunities, as well as Pinterest's approach to policy and regulatory challenges and fostering a collaborative culture.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in policy communications, media relations, and executive communications.
- Prepare examples of your writing and editing skills, as well as any relevant media coverage or campaigns you have led.
- Research Pinterest's mission, values, and recent initiatives to demonstrate your understanding of the company and its goals.
- Follow up with the UK Country Communications Lead one week after submitting your application to express your interest and reiterate your qualifications for the role.
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
