Communications Specialist

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Communications Specialist

🔹 Company: Zendesk

🔹 Location: Bangalore, Karnātaka, India

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, Hybrid

🔹 Category: Communications, Public Relations

🔹 Date Posted: April 4, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

🔹 Remote Status: On-site (Hybrid)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing and executing local communications plans for India
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams and stakeholders
• Managing day-to-day PR and communications needs
• Building and maintaining strong media relationships
• Driving brand awareness and thought leadership in India

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of autonomy and strategic thinking, with a strong focus on execution and results.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Lead the development and rollout of a local communications plan for India, collaborating with the APAC Communications team and global Communications function

✅ Collaborate with and counsel senior executives, sales, marketing, product, and other business functions locally, regionally, and globally

✅ Develop thought leadership narratives and content that positions Zendesk as a leading customer experience and employee experience SaaS company in India

✅ Prepare and support spokespeople for media interviews and external speaking engagements

✅ Manage the day-to-day relationship with the India PR agency to ensure they deliver great results on time and on budget

✅ Take the lead on local media relations for global announcements and develop local plans for global campaigns, shaping interesting and engaging content that helps to grow Zendesk’s brand awareness in India

✅ Continuously build relationships with relevant media and industry stakeholders that helps to position Zendesk as a leading enterprise software company in India

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, hands-on execution, and relationship management, requiring strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field

Experience: More than 3 years of PR or communications experience, ideally with another well-known technology brand or a highly regarded PR agency

Required Skills:

• Excellent communication skills (oral and written) with a knack for simplifying complex topics - fluent in English (reading, writing, and speaking) mandatory
• Excellent understanding of media and influencers in the general business and technology sector
• Good understanding of brand messaging and how to weave it through various communications
• Great people skills: experience working with various cross-functional teams (internal and external), and a willingness to absorb and act on input from all levels to constantly improve and get better results
• Excel in a close-knit team and fast-paced environment
• Willingness and ability to travel as needed

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working with a global team
• Familiarity with the Indian media landscape

ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, a strong understanding of the Indian market and local media landscape would be beneficial for this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: INR 12-15 lakhs per annum (Estimated based on industry standards for mid-level communications roles in Bangalore)

Benefits:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement savings plan with company match
• Generous time off and leave policies
• Employee discounts on Zendesk products

Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week), with a hybrid work arrangement requiring on-site presence for part of the week

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for mid-level communications roles in Bangalore. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as skills, experience, and market conditions.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Software Development, specifically Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and Customer Experience (CX) software

Company Size: Medium to Large (5,001-10,000 employees)

Founded: 2007, with headquarters in San Francisco, California, USA

Company Description:

• Zendesk is a global customer experience and employee experience software company
• Founded in Copenhagen, Denmark, and now headquartered in San Francisco, California
• Powers billions of conversations, connecting more than 100,000 brands with hundreds of millions of customers

Company Specialties:

• Help Desks
• Customer Support
• SaaS
• Customer Community
• Customer Service

Company Website: https://www.zendesk.com

ASSUMPTION: Zendesk is a well-established company in the customer experience software space, with a strong global presence and a reputation for innovation and customer focus.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years of experience)

Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director - Communications APAC, who is based in Singapore

Work Arrangement: Hybrid (on-site presence required for part of the week)

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential career progression within the Communications team or broader organization
• Opportunities to work on global projects and collaborate with diverse teams
• Chance to gain experience in a fast-growing, dynamic industry

ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within a global organization.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Modern, collaborative office space

Office Location(s): Bangalore, India

Geographic Context:

• Bangalore is the capital of the Indian state of Karnataka and the largest city in South India
• Known for its vibrant tech industry, with a strong presence of multinational corporations
• Offers a mix of urban and cultural experiences, with a moderate climate year-round

Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours/week), with a hybrid work arrangement requiring on-site presence for part of the week

ASSUMPTION: Bangalore offers a dynamic work environment with a strong tech industry and a mix of cultural experiences.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
• In-depth interview with the APAC Communications team
• Final interview with the Director - Communications APAC

Key Assessment Areas:

• Communication skills and ability to simplify complex topics
• Understanding of media and influencers in the business and technology sector
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams
• Strategic thinking and planning skills

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills
• Demonstrate your understanding of the Indian media landscape and local market trends
• Prepare examples of your past work that showcase your communication skills and strategic thinking

ATS Keywords: Public Relations, Communications, Media Relations, Project Management, Content Development, Brand Messaging, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Thought Leadership, Relationship Building, Flawless Communication, Understanding of Media, Teamwork, Fast-Paced Environment, High Performance Culture, Work-Life Balance, Travel

ASSUMPTION: Zendesk uses Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to manage job applications, so including relevant keywords in your resume can help your application stand out.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Drive, Google Docs)
• PR and communications software (e.g., Muck Rack, Agility PR Solutions, Cision)
• Social media platforms (e.g., LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook)

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools and technologies is expected for this role, but specific training may be provided as needed.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Customer-centric
• Focused on results
• Genuine
• Inclusive
• Fun

Work Style:

• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Fast-paced and dynamic
• Focused on execution and results
• Adaptable and open to feedback

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment?
• Are you comfortable working with diverse, global teams?
• Do you have a strong understanding of the Indian media landscape and local market trends?

ASSUMPTION: Zendesk values a strong cultural fit and looks for candidates who align with their core values and work style.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple stakeholders and balancing competing priorities
• Adapting to a fast-paced, dynamic work environment
• Working with a global team and managing time zone differences
• Navigating the Indian media landscape and local market trends

ASSUMPTION: These challenges are common to roles of this nature and can be overcome with strong organizational skills, adaptability, and a strategic mindset.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Communications Specialist (Zendesk) vs. PR Manager (Tech Company X):
• Zendesk role is more focused on local market execution, while Tech Company X role is more strategic and global in nature
• Zendesk role requires a strong understanding of the Indian media landscape, while Tech Company X role requires a broader, global understanding
• Career progression in Communications at Zendesk vs. Tech Company X:
• Zendesk offers opportunities for growth within the Communications team and broader organization
• Tech Company X may offer more specialized roles within the PR function, but fewer opportunities for cross-functional growth
• Career path comparison:
• Communications Specialist (Zendesk) is a mid-level role with potential for growth into senior communications or management positions
• PR Manager (Tech Company X) is a senior-level role with potential for progression into director or vice president positions within the PR function

ASSUMPTION: While both roles share similarities, they also have distinct differences that may appeal to different candidates based on their career goals and preferences.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a local communications plan for a major product launch in India
• Managing media relations for a global company announcement, tailoring the message for the Indian market
• Collaborating with the global Communications team to create thought leadership content for the Indian market

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic and tactical aspects of the role, as well as the collaborative nature of the work.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
• How does this role fit into the broader Communications team and global organization?
• What opportunities are there for growth and development within the Communications team and broader organization?
• How does Zendesk support work-life balance for its employees?
• What is the company culture like, and how does this role contribute to it?

ASSUMPTION: These questions demonstrate your interest in the role and provide insight into the company's culture and expectations.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through the Zendesk careers portal
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills, with a focus on the Indian media landscape and local market trends
• Prepare examples of your past work that showcase your communication skills and strategic thinking
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your interest and reiterate your qualifications

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.