Highwire is hiring: Vice President (Cybersecurity) in Chicago

About Highwire

Highwire is a strategic marketing communications agency at the intersection of innovation and industry. We partner with ambitious companies and established brands to navigate complexity, lead markets, and grow with purpose. With integrated expertise in strategic communications, creative, and insights, we cut through the noise to deliver bold ideas and measurable impact across B2B technology, healthcare, cybersecurity, energy and sustainability, professional and financial services, and more.

Position Overview

As Vice President of Cybersecurity at Highwire, you will serve as a leader within our cybersecurity communications practice, shaping strategy, driving growth, and delivering impactful communications programs for the world's most innovative and influential cybersecurity brands. You will mentor teams, contribute to thought leadership, and play a key role in new business, talent development, and the continued evolution of Highwire's cybersecurity offering.

Responsibilities

• Lead a portfolio of key cybersecurity accounts, setting strategic direction and ensuring best-in-class delivery.
• Advise clients across threat intelligence, cloud and infrastructure security, identity and access management, incident response, vulnerability research, and security operations.
• Define & oversee integrated communications strategies that build brand authority, trust, and long‑term market leadership in a risk‑sensitive industry.
• Provide executive‑level counsel on messaging, positioning, reputation management, crisis & vulnerability response, and risk‑based narratives.
• Guide teams in translating complex technical cybersecurity concepts into clear, compelling, business‑relevant stories for executive, technical, & mainstream audiences.
• Own senior client relationships, acting as a trusted advisor & escalation point while ensuring client satisfaction, retention, & expansion.
• Identify & drive organic growth opportunities across existing accounts, including expanded thought leadership, research‑driven storytelling, & executive visibility programs.
• Oversee financial performance for assigned accounts, including budgets, forecasting, staffing models, & margin management.
• Contribute to Highwire's point of view on cybersecurity trends, emerging threats, regulatory developments, & market shifts.
• Maintain & deepen relationships with top‑tier cybersecurity, technology, business, & policy media, analysts, and key industry influencers.
• Guide executive visibility strategies, including media training, keynote placements, bylined content, and conference speaking opportunities.
• Support integrated amplification strategies across earned, owned, & social channels to extend the reach of research, product innovation, & executive commentary.
• Represent Highwire and its clients at major cybersecurity industry events and conferences.
• Lead, mentor, & develop account teams, setting a high standard for strategic thinking, client service, and quality.
• Support team growth through recruitment, coaching, performance management, & professional development.
• Play a key role in new business development, contributing to pitch strategy, proposal development, and client presentations.
• Partner with agency leadership & peers to support Highwire's cybersecurity go‑to‑market efforts and service evolution.
• Champion Highwire's culture of inclusion, empowerment, collaboration, & continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of PR or strategic communications experience, with significant agency leadership experience (required).
• Deep expertise leading communications for cybersecurity companies, including SaaS security, threat intelligence, cloud security, identity, network defense, or SOC platforms.
• Proven success owning & scaling integrated communications programs for complex, high‑growth technology clients.
• Strong command of the cybersecurity media landscape, analyst community, & industry influencers.
• Exceptional strategic writing, editing, & storytelling capabilities.
• Demonstrated experience providing executive‑level client counsel & managing senior stakeholder relationships.
• Track record of building, mentoring, & retaining high‑performing teams.
• Strong business acumen, including experience with forecasting, resourcing, and revenue growth.
• Experience supporting & winning new business in a competitive agency environment.
• Confident, collaborative, and decisive leader with a passion for cybersecurity innovation.
• Thrives in a fast‑paced, high‑growth environment while balancing strategic & operational priorities.

Salary & Benefits

The salary range for this position is $130,000 to $175,000, with the final offer based on a combination of factors, including education, relevant experience, skills, prior training, internal equity, and local geographic market data. This role also includes a competitive benefits package with medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k) matching, generous paid time off, and additional perks designed to support your overall well‑being and growth.

Location & Work Environment

• Hybrid: Candidates located within commuting distance of our New York, NY or San Francisco, CA offices follow a hybrid schedule, with two in‑office days per week.
• Remote: We hire for fully remote roles in the following states: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Washington, D.C. Please note: We are only able to consider candidates who reside in one of the locations listed above at the time of hire.

Highwire Perks & Benefits

• Competitive salary with merit‑based opportunities for growth
• Flexible hybrid work model tailored to your schedule and lifestyle
• Generous vacation policy, including extended summer and winter breaks
• Early log‑off on Fridays through our Empower Hours program
• 401(k) plan with employer matching
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus FSA options
• Paid parental leave
• Commuter benefits
• Home office equipment stipend
• Annual Growth Mindset Stipend for books, events, or learning experiences
• Monthly technology reimbursement
• Wellness benefit program for mental and physical health
• Donation matching program
• Mentorship and ongoing professional development opportunities
• Monthly recognition and team celebrations
• Employee referral and new business referral bonuses
• Quarterly Highwire events and team gatherings
• Dog‑friendly office environment
• A supportive, inclusive, and collaborative workplace where you can grow and do your best work