Head of Communications, Africa

About Zipline

Zipline is the world’s largest and most experienced drone delivery service. We are on a mission to serve all humans equally by ensuring access to food, medicine and essential goods anytime, anywhere. We design, build, and operate the world’s largest autonomous logistics system, delivering critical supplies quickly and reliably. Today, Zipline operates on four continents, makes a delivery somewhere in the world every 30 seconds, and has completed millions of deliveries to date, including blood, vaccines, medical supplies, food, and retail products.

Our customers include the world’s largest and most prominent healthcare systems, governments, retailers, restaurants and global businesses who rely on us to save lives, reduce emissions, increase economic opportunity, and provide delivery from point A to point B as fast as possible. The drone is only 15% of what we’ve built to enable seamless, reliable, global operations.

Our system strengthens supply chains, reduces congestion, and gives people time back. With more than 140 million commercial autonomous miles safely flown, Zipline is redefining access to healthcare, consumer products, and food across the globe.

We operate at a global scale and are looking for practical problem solvers who thrive on real-world challenges and rapid growth. Our team is motivated by building systems that have a direct, meaningful impact on people’s lives and by scaling the future of logistics. We are seeking people who sculpt from first principles, enjoy facing adversity, and can do the impossible at record breaking speeds.

About You and The Role

Zipline is looking for a Head of Communications for Africa — a strategic leader who can set and drive an ambitious communications vision while also rolling up their sleeves to execute in a fast-paced, high-growth, resource-constrained environment.

You will serve as a critical member of the Africa leadership team and a thought partner to senior executives. This role spans in-country marketing, external communications, internal communications, and executive communications, and requires someone who thrives as both a big-picture strategist and a hands-on operator. You will own Zipline’s narrative in Africa, strengthen our brand across markets, and help champion the impact Zipline creates for governments, partners, and communities.

You understand what it takes to build trust with leaders, influence stakeholders, and guide decision-making during moments of opportunity and uncertainty.

This role is open within Africa, preferably in one of the markets we have a presence in (Ghana, Nigeria, Cote d'Ivoire, Rwanda, Kenya), with frequent travel across the region.

What You’ll Do

External Communications & PR

• Own Zipline Africa’s external communications strategy across all markets.

• Lead media relations, crisis communications, thought leadership, and proactive storytelling.

• Build and maintain relationships with journalists, industry groups, partners, and government stakeholders.

• Develop compelling narratives that communicate Zipline’s impact, innovation, and mission.

• Oversee press releases, media briefings, speaking engagements, conferences, and signature events.

Internal Communications

• Drive internal communications for Africa, ensuring clarity, alignment, and visibility for key initiatives.

• Partner with Africa leadership to craft messages for All Hands, org-wide updates, and internal moments that build culture.

• Ensure communication systems scale across countries and teams.

Executive Communications

• Prepare senior executives (including regional leadership) for key speeches, media opportunities, and strategic conversations.

• Develop messaging, presentations, briefing materials, and talking points.

• Ensure leaders communicate with clarity, alignment to global priorities, and cultural sensitivity across markets.

Leadership & Cross-Functional Partnership

• Serve as a trusted advisor to the Africa leadership team.

• Partner closely with global communications while tailoring strategy to Africa’s unique context.

• Influence decision-making, challenge assumptions, and articulate the communications implications of business choices.

• Build and manage agency relationships (PR, digital, creative) and leverage them efficiently in a resource-constrained environment.

• Build and lead a small yet mighty in-house team

What You’ll Bring

Must-Have Experience

• 8 years of relevant professional experience and at least 2-3 years building/managing a team/function

• Significant leadership experience in communications, PR, crisis management, or strategic communications.

• Success working in high-growth, high-complexity environments and thriving with limited resources.

• Demonstrated ability to operate as both a strategic leader and hands-on executor.

• Experience navigating and communicating across multiple African markets.

• Strong judgment, narrative development skills, and the ability to influence senior stakeholders.

• Ability to craft clear, compelling written and verbal communications for diverse audiences.

• Experience managing agencies and coordinating cross-functional partners.

• Professional polish and strong stakeholder presence.

What Else You Need to Know

Zipline is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion or religious creed, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, military or veteran status, citizenship, or other characteristics protected by state, federal or local law or our other policies.

We value diversity at Zipline and welcome applications from those who are traditionally underrepresented in tech. If you like the sound of this position but are not sure if you are the perfect fit, please apply!