Director of Marketing (San Francisco)
Lakera
Full-time
Remote
Worldwide
🌐 Digital Marketing
📌 Core Information
- Job Title: Director of Marketing (San Francisco)
- Company: Lakera
- Location: San Francisco, California, USA
- Job Type: Full-time, Hybrid (2 days in office)
- Category: Marketing, SaaS
- Date Posted: July 2, 2025
- Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5+ years)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Defining Lakera's voice in AI security and positioning it as the essential bridge between AI innovation and enterprise trust.
- Building comprehensive marketing strategies that differentiate Lakera from traditional cybersecurity and emerging AI safety vendors.
- Establishing clear messaging frameworks that resonate with CISOs, AI engineering leaders, and C-suite executives simultaneously.
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive demand generation, optimize pipeline, and create compelling content.
- Growing and nurturing Lakera's community and digital presence.
📋 Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Planning & Positioning:
- Define Lakera's voice in AI security and develop comprehensive marketing strategies.
- Establish clear messaging frameworks that resonate with multiple stakeholders.
- Collaborate with the Head of Comms to position Lakera executives as thought leaders in AI security.
- Demand Generation & Pipeline:
- Set the strategic vision for multi-channel campaigns that convert Gandalf curiosity into an enterprise pipeline.
- Partner with GTM and Sales to build and refine ABM programs targeting Fortune 500 AI initiatives and high-growth startups.
- Optimize nurture sequences that educate prospects on AI security risks while demonstrating Lakera's unique solutions.
- Content & Thought Leadership:
- Oversee the creation of technical content that educates the market while showcasing Lakera's deep expertise.
- Develop case studies that demonstrate real-world AI security wins across diverse industries.
- Ensure executive-level alignment across content programs that serve both technical implementers and executive decision-makers.
- Team Building & Leadership:
- Collaborate with the existing marketing team to identify resourcing needs and hiring priorities.
- Support team development and mentorship across the function, reinforcing high-quality outputs and alignment.
- Scale marketing operations thoughtfully, laying the foundation for future leadership and structure.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration:
- Collaborate intimately with Sales on ICP refinement, lead qualification, and joint account strategies.
- Partner with Product and GTM to translate complex AI security capabilities into compelling market narratives.
- Work with Customer Success and content leads to source customer stories and support advocacy efforts.
- Data-Driven Optimization:
- Implement comprehensive analytics frameworks that track funnel performance, campaign ROI, and customer acquisition costs.
- Use A/B testing and performance data to continuously refine messaging, creative assets, and channel strategies.
- Establish clear KPIs that align marketing activities with revenue growth.
- Community & Brand Presence:
- Grow and nurture Momentum, Lakera's AI Safety & Security Slack community, as a key brand differentiator.
- Manage Lakera's digital presence to reflect its position as both technical experts and accessible educators.
- Leverage Gandalf's viral success to create additional community engagement opportunities.
🎯 Required Qualifications
- Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, Communications, or a related field.
- Experience:
- 5+ years in enterprise SaaS marketing, including 3+ years leading teams.
- Proven track record scaling demand generation, building brand awareness, and driving pipeline in complex tech markets—preferably cybersecurity or AI/ML.
- Required Skills:
- Proven expertise in demand generation, brand awareness, and pipeline development in complex tech markets.
- Strong analytical mindset with deep familiarity with marketing automation (e.g., HubSpot) and web analytics (e.g., Google Analytics, BI tools).
- Exceptional storytelling skills and hands-on experience developing content and campaigns that resonate with C-level and technical audiences.
- Strong cross-functional collaboration and communication skills with the ability to influence at all levels.
- Preferred Skills:
- Experience with account-based marketing (ABM) strategies.
- Familiarity with AI security or AI/ML markets.
- Experience managing and mentoring marketing teams.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
- Salary Range: Competitive with market rates. The total compensation package is a blend of salary, equity, and benefits.
- *Assumption: Lakera aims to offer higher-than-average equity compensation for a company of its size.*
- Benefits:
- Equity package.
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
- 401k plan.
- Paid parental leave.
- Unlimited PTO.
- Wellness and commuter benefits.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
- Industry: Software Development, focusing on AI security and GenAI.
- Company Size: 11-50 employees.
- Founded: 2021.
- Company Description: Lakera is the world’s leading real-time GenAI security company. Customers rely on the Lakera AI Security Platform for security that doesn’t slow down their AI applications. To accelerate secure adoption of AI, the company created Gandalf, an educational platform, where more than one million users have learned about AI security. Lakera uses AI to continuously evolve defenses, so customers can stay ahead of emerging threats.
- Company Specialties: llm, GenAI, AI security, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.
📊 Role Analysis
- Career Level: Mid-Senior Level.
- Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the CEO.
- Work Arrangement: Hybrid, with 2 days in office.
- Growth Opportunities:
- Lead a growing marketing team and shape Lakera's brand and market presence.
- Contribute to Lakera's mission to secure the future of agentic AI.
- Gain experience in a fast-paced, innovative tech startup environment.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
- Office Type: Hybrid, with 2 days in office required.
- Office Location(s): San Francisco, California, USA.
- Geographic Context: San Francisco is a major tech hub with a vibrant startup ecosystem and a high cost of living.
- Work Schedule: Full-time, with flexible hours and unlimited PTO.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
- Typical Process:
1. Phone or video screen with the HR team.
2. In-depth interview with the CEO and/or other senior team members.
3. Final interview with the CEO.
- Key Assessment Areas:
1. Strategic thinking and marketing expertise.
2. Ability to collaborate cross-functionally and influence stakeholders.
3. Alignment with Lakera's mission and values.
- Application Tips:
1. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role.
2. Showcase your understanding of AI security and Lakera's unique value proposition.
3. Prepare examples of your past marketing campaigns and their outcomes.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Marketing automation tools (e.g., HubSpot).
- Web analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, BI tools).
- Slack for internal communication and Momentum, Lakera's AI Safety & Security Slack community.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
- Company Values: Lakera values intensity, ownership, transparency, and continuous improvement. It promotes diversity of thought and expects everyone to take substantial ownership and accountability for their work.
- Work Style: Lakera prioritizes transparency at every level and expects employees to collaborate effectively across teams. The company moves fast and expects employees to act as one team while taking substantial ownership of their work.
- Self-Assessment Questions:
1. How do you align with Lakera's values, and how have you demonstrated these values in your past roles?
2. How comfortable are you working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment with a high degree of ownership and accountability?
3. How do you approach continuous learning and improvement in your work?
⚠️ Potential Challenges
1. Balancing strategic planning with day-to-day execution in a fast-paced startup environment.
2. Navigating the complex and evolving AI security landscape to define Lakera's unique positioning.
3. Collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams, including Sales, Product, and Customer Success, to drive demand generation and pipeline growth.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
1. This role differs from traditional marketing director positions in its focus on AI security and the need to define a new market category.
2. Lakera's size and stage of growth present unique challenges and opportunities compared to larger enterprise or smaller startup environments.
3. The hybrid work arrangement offers flexibility but requires strong self-motivation and time management skills.
📝 Sample Projects
1. Developing a comprehensive marketing strategy that differentiates Lakera from traditional cybersecurity vendors and emerging AI safety vendors.
2. Creating a targeted ABM program that generates pipeline from Fortune 500 AI initiatives and high-growth startups.
3. Building a thought leadership content strategy that establishes Lakera executives as experts in AI security across the U.S. and EMEA.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
1. How does Lakera plan to scale its marketing team, and what opportunities exist for growth in this role?
2. What are the most significant challenges facing the AI security market, and how can this role help address them?
3. How does Lakera collaborate with its customers to ensure its AI security solutions meet their evolving needs?
4. What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days, and how will success be measured?
5. How does Lakera support work-life balance for its employees, particularly in a hybrid work arrangement?
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
1. Submit your application through this [link](https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/lakera.ai/9354d1ad-dc59-43a3-ab25-4eedf655119b).
2. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role.
3. Prepare examples of your past marketing campaigns and their outcomes.
4. Follow up with Lakera's HR team one week after submitting your application to express your interest in the role.
5. Prepare for phone or video screens and in-depth interviews with the CEO and/or other senior team members.
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
- Job Title: Director of Marketing (San Francisco)
- Company: Lakera
- Location: San Francisco, California, USA
- Job Type: Full-time, Hybrid (2 days in office)
- Category: Marketing, SaaS
- Date Posted: July 2, 2025
- Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5+ years)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Defining Lakera's voice in AI security and positioning it as the essential bridge between AI innovation and enterprise trust.
- Building comprehensive marketing strategies that differentiate Lakera from traditional cybersecurity and emerging AI safety vendors.
- Establishing clear messaging frameworks that resonate with CISOs, AI engineering leaders, and C-suite executives simultaneously.
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive demand generation, optimize pipeline, and create compelling content.
- Growing and nurturing Lakera's community and digital presence.
📋 Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Planning & Positioning:
- Define Lakera's voice in AI security and develop comprehensive marketing strategies.
- Establish clear messaging frameworks that resonate with multiple stakeholders.
- Collaborate with the Head of Comms to position Lakera executives as thought leaders in AI security.
- Demand Generation & Pipeline:
- Set the strategic vision for multi-channel campaigns that convert Gandalf curiosity into an enterprise pipeline.
- Partner with GTM and Sales to build and refine ABM programs targeting Fortune 500 AI initiatives and high-growth startups.
- Optimize nurture sequences that educate prospects on AI security risks while demonstrating Lakera's unique solutions.
- Content & Thought Leadership:
- Oversee the creation of technical content that educates the market while showcasing Lakera's deep expertise.
- Develop case studies that demonstrate real-world AI security wins across diverse industries.
- Ensure executive-level alignment across content programs that serve both technical implementers and executive decision-makers.
- Team Building & Leadership:
- Collaborate with the existing marketing team to identify resourcing needs and hiring priorities.
- Support team development and mentorship across the function, reinforcing high-quality outputs and alignment.
- Scale marketing operations thoughtfully, laying the foundation for future leadership and structure.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration:
- Collaborate intimately with Sales on ICP refinement, lead qualification, and joint account strategies.
- Partner with Product and GTM to translate complex AI security capabilities into compelling market narratives.
- Work with Customer Success and content leads to source customer stories and support advocacy efforts.
- Data-Driven Optimization:
- Implement comprehensive analytics frameworks that track funnel performance, campaign ROI, and customer acquisition costs.
- Use A/B testing and performance data to continuously refine messaging, creative assets, and channel strategies.
- Establish clear KPIs that align marketing activities with revenue growth.
- Community & Brand Presence:
- Grow and nurture Momentum, Lakera's AI Safety & Security Slack community, as a key brand differentiator.
- Manage Lakera's digital presence to reflect its position as both technical experts and accessible educators.
- Leverage Gandalf's viral success to create additional community engagement opportunities.
🎯 Required Qualifications
- Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, Communications, or a related field.
- Experience:
- 5+ years in enterprise SaaS marketing, including 3+ years leading teams.
- Proven track record scaling demand generation, building brand awareness, and driving pipeline in complex tech markets—preferably cybersecurity or AI/ML.
- Required Skills:
- Proven expertise in demand generation, brand awareness, and pipeline development in complex tech markets.
- Strong analytical mindset with deep familiarity with marketing automation (e.g., HubSpot) and web analytics (e.g., Google Analytics, BI tools).
- Exceptional storytelling skills and hands-on experience developing content and campaigns that resonate with C-level and technical audiences.
- Strong cross-functional collaboration and communication skills with the ability to influence at all levels.
- Preferred Skills:
- Experience with account-based marketing (ABM) strategies.
- Familiarity with AI security or AI/ML markets.
- Experience managing and mentoring marketing teams.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
- Salary Range: Competitive with market rates. The total compensation package is a blend of salary, equity, and benefits.
- *Assumption: Lakera aims to offer higher-than-average equity compensation for a company of its size.*
- Benefits:
- Equity package.
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
- 401k plan.
- Paid parental leave.
- Unlimited PTO.
- Wellness and commuter benefits.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
- Industry: Software Development, focusing on AI security and GenAI.
- Company Size: 11-50 employees.
- Founded: 2021.
- Company Description: Lakera is the world’s leading real-time GenAI security company. Customers rely on the Lakera AI Security Platform for security that doesn’t slow down their AI applications. To accelerate secure adoption of AI, the company created Gandalf, an educational platform, where more than one million users have learned about AI security. Lakera uses AI to continuously evolve defenses, so customers can stay ahead of emerging threats.
- Company Specialties: llm, GenAI, AI security, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.
📊 Role Analysis
- Career Level: Mid-Senior Level.
- Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the CEO.
- Work Arrangement: Hybrid, with 2 days in office.
- Growth Opportunities:
- Lead a growing marketing team and shape Lakera's brand and market presence.
- Contribute to Lakera's mission to secure the future of agentic AI.
- Gain experience in a fast-paced, innovative tech startup environment.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
- Office Type: Hybrid, with 2 days in office required.
- Office Location(s): San Francisco, California, USA.
- Geographic Context: San Francisco is a major tech hub with a vibrant startup ecosystem and a high cost of living.
- Work Schedule: Full-time, with flexible hours and unlimited PTO.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
- Typical Process:
1. Phone or video screen with the HR team.
2. In-depth interview with the CEO and/or other senior team members.
3. Final interview with the CEO.
- Key Assessment Areas:
1. Strategic thinking and marketing expertise.
2. Ability to collaborate cross-functionally and influence stakeholders.
3. Alignment with Lakera's mission and values.
- Application Tips:
1. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role.
2. Showcase your understanding of AI security and Lakera's unique value proposition.
3. Prepare examples of your past marketing campaigns and their outcomes.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Marketing automation tools (e.g., HubSpot).
- Web analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, BI tools).
- Slack for internal communication and Momentum, Lakera's AI Safety & Security Slack community.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
- Company Values: Lakera values intensity, ownership, transparency, and continuous improvement. It promotes diversity of thought and expects everyone to take substantial ownership and accountability for their work.
- Work Style: Lakera prioritizes transparency at every level and expects employees to collaborate effectively across teams. The company moves fast and expects employees to act as one team while taking substantial ownership of their work.
- Self-Assessment Questions:
1. How do you align with Lakera's values, and how have you demonstrated these values in your past roles?
2. How comfortable are you working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment with a high degree of ownership and accountability?
3. How do you approach continuous learning and improvement in your work?
⚠️ Potential Challenges
1. Balancing strategic planning with day-to-day execution in a fast-paced startup environment.
2. Navigating the complex and evolving AI security landscape to define Lakera's unique positioning.
3. Collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams, including Sales, Product, and Customer Success, to drive demand generation and pipeline growth.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
1. This role differs from traditional marketing director positions in its focus on AI security and the need to define a new market category.
2. Lakera's size and stage of growth present unique challenges and opportunities compared to larger enterprise or smaller startup environments.
3. The hybrid work arrangement offers flexibility but requires strong self-motivation and time management skills.
📝 Sample Projects
1. Developing a comprehensive marketing strategy that differentiates Lakera from traditional cybersecurity vendors and emerging AI safety vendors.
2. Creating a targeted ABM program that generates pipeline from Fortune 500 AI initiatives and high-growth startups.
3. Building a thought leadership content strategy that establishes Lakera executives as experts in AI security across the U.S. and EMEA.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
1. How does Lakera plan to scale its marketing team, and what opportunities exist for growth in this role?
2. What are the most significant challenges facing the AI security market, and how can this role help address them?
3. How does Lakera collaborate with its customers to ensure its AI security solutions meet their evolving needs?
4. What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days, and how will success be measured?
5. How does Lakera support work-life balance for its employees, particularly in a hybrid work arrangement?
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
1. Submit your application through this [link](https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/lakera.ai/9354d1ad-dc59-43a3-ab25-4eedf655119b).
2. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role.
3. Prepare examples of your past marketing campaigns and their outcomes.
4. Follow up with Lakera's HR team one week after submitting your application to express your interest in the role.
5. Prepare for phone or video screens and in-depth interviews with the CEO and/or other senior team members.
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.