Head of External Communications

About Checkr
Checkr is building the data platform to power safe and fair decisions. Established in 2014, Checkr’s innovative technology and robust data platform help customers assess risk and ensure safety and compliance to build trusted workplaces and communities. Checkr has over 100,000 customers including DoorDash, Coinbase, Lyft, Instacart, and Airtable.

We’re a team that thrives on solving complex problems with innovative solutions that advance our mission. Checkr is recognized on Forbes Cloud 100 2025 List and is a Y Combinator 2024 Breakthrough Company.

The Role

We're seeking an experienced PR and communications leader to drive Checkr's narrative transformation and establish us as the definitive voice in trust decisions and verification technology. You'll own our story across all channels—from earned media and executive thought leadership to social presence.

This role requires a strategic thinker who can execute tactically, with deep expertise in B2B tech communications and a track record of repositioning growing companies for their next phase of scale.

What You'll Do:

• Lead narrative strategy: Drive our evolution from "background check company" to "trust platform," developing compelling storylines that resonate with media, HR leaders, trust and safety officers, and business decision-makers. Lead and coordinate messaging and communications strategy for our key product, corporate, and industry initiatives.

• Own media relations: Secure coverage in top-tier business, HR, and technology publications while building relationships with key journalists and analysts

• Amplify executive voices: Partner with our CEO and leadership team to establish thought leadership through speaking opportunities, bylined articles, and strategic interviews

• Build social presence: Grow our LinkedIn presence and engagement, creating momentum around product launches, company milestones, and industry insights

• Collaborate cross-functionally: Work closely with Product Marketing, Demand Gen, and Content teams to ensure narrative consistency across all touch points

• Manage communications calendar: Coordinate messaging around product launches, funding announcements, partnerships, and industry events

What You Bring:

• 10+ years in corporate communications and/or PR experience at high-growth B2B technology companies

• Proven track record repositioning or scaling communications for companies in transition ($500M+ revenue preferred)

• Deep media relationships in business, HR tech, and technology verticals

• Executive partnership experience - you've been a trusted advisor to C-suite leaders

• Editorial instincts with ability to identify compelling stories and translate complex technology into clear narratives

• Crisis management experience and sound judgment in sensitive situations

• Team leadership skills - ability to build and manage communications function

• Startup agility with enterprise-level execution standards

What you get:

• A fast-paced and collaborative environment

• Learning and development allowance

• Competitive compensation and opportunity for advancement

• 100% medical, dental, and vision coverage

• Up to 25K reimbursement for fertility, adoption, and parental planning services

• Flexible PTO policy

• Monthly wellness stipend, home office stipend

Pay Transparency Disclosure

One of Checkr’s core values is Transparency. To live by that value, we’ve made the decision to disclose salary ranges in all of our job postings. We use geographic cost of labor as an input to develop ranges for our roles and as such, each location where we hire may have a different range. If this role is remote, we have listed the top to the bottom of the possible range, but we will specify the target range for an exact location when you are selected for a recruiting discussion. For more information on our compensation philosophy, see our website.

On-target Earnings OR Base Salary range (San Francisco, CA)
$246,000—$289,000 USD

At Checkr, we believe a hybrid work environment strengthens collaboration, drives innovation, and encourages connection. Our hub locations are Denver, CO, San Francisco, CA, and Santiago, Chile. Individuals are expected to work from the office 2 to 3 days a week. Starting January 2026, hub-based employees will be expected to work from the office 3 days per week. In-office perks are provided, such as lunch four times a week, a commuter stipend, and an abundance of snacks and beverages. A relocation stipend may be available for those willing to relocate to a Checkr hub location.

Equal Employment Opportunities at Checkr
Checkr is committed to building the best product and company, which requires hiring talented and qualified individuals with a diverse set of perspectives and lived experiences. Checkr believes in hiring people of all backgrounds, including those whose histories are impacted by the justice system in accordance with local, state, and/or federal laws, including the San Francisco’s Fair Chance Ordinance.

*Legitimate Checkr emails will always include our official domain name after the @ symbol (e.g., [email protected] or [email protected]).