Remote Research Director Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Riverbed, the leader in AIOps for observability, helps organizations optimize their users' experiences by leveraging AI automation for the prevention, identification, and resolution of IT issues. With over 20 years of experience in data collection and AI and machine learning, Riverbed's open and AI-powered observability platform and solutions optimize digital experiences and greatly improve IT efficiency. Riverbed also offers industry-leading Acceleration solutions that provide fast, agile, secure acceleration of any app, over any network, to users anywhere. Together with our thousands of market-leading customers globally - including 95% of the FORTUNE 100 - we are empowering next-generation digital experiences. Learn more at riverbed.com

Title:  Director, Media, Social Engagement & Industry Analyst Relations

Location: Remote US

Travel Requirements: Up to 15%

Pay Transparency: This position is not based in any specific Company office or geographical location in the United States. As such, the Company is considering applicants who reside anywhere in the United States.

The general salary range for this position in the COUNTRY is $220,000 to $280,000. An individual's particular compensation will be determined by the Company, in its sole discretion, in light of the individual's geographical location, education, training, and/or experience. If you would like information on the specific salary range for this position in your specific region, please contact us at Recruiting.Help@Riverbed.com and we would be happy to provide that information.

Riverbed is seeking a senior communications leader to shape and amplify our external voice across global media, social channels, and the industry analyst community. The Director, Media, Social Engagement & Industry Analyst Relations will lead an integrated strategy that strengthens Riverbed's market visibility, advances executive thought leadership, and builds trusted relationships with top media outlets, and industry research and advisory firms covering enterprise software, IT Observability, AIOps, and Digital Employee Experience.  This is an opportunity to lead an integrated external communications function that elevates Riverbed's market presence, strengthens industry influence, and supports the company's leadership in AI-powered observability and Digital Employee Experience.

• Lead Riverbed's global media and social engagement strategy across the Americas regions, ensuring consistent messaging, campaign alignment, and measurable impact.
• Own and evolve the industry analyst relations program, including analyst briefings, inquiries, advisory sessions, evaluation submissions, and ongoing relationship development.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key analysts and research firms such as Gartner, Forrester, IDC, EMA, and GigaOm, positioning Riverbed effectively in relevant market categories.
• Develop proactive media strategies that generate high-quality coverage across business, technology, and trade publications.
• Guide executive communications, including media preparation, analyst briefing materials, messaging, Q&A, and thought leadership content.
• Provide strategic direction to the Social Media Engagement Specialist, aligning social content with media, analyst, product launch, event, and executive visibility programs.
• Track and report program performance, including share of voice, sentiment, analyst engagement, media coverage, social engagement, and message pull-through.

• 15+ years of experience in corporate communications, media relations, industry analyst relations, public relations, or related communications roles, preferably in enterprise software or enterprise IT.
• Deep experience working with leading research and advisory firms, with established relationships at Gartner, Forrester, IDC, or comparable firms strongly preferred.
• Proven success leading analyst evaluations such as Gartner Magic Quadrant, Forrester Wave, IDC MarketScape, or similar research processes.
• Strong understanding of enterprise IT markets, including observability, AIOps, Digital Employee Experience, digital workplace, network performance, and AI-driven technology trends.
• Excellent writing, storytelling, executive presence, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts into clear, compelling narratives.
• Experience managing agencies, cross-functional partners, global communications programs, and direct or dotted-line team members.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, or a related field; advanced degree a plus.
• Proven Experience leading a high-performing team in a global enterprise technology company or technology PR agency.
• Proven track record generating Tier 1 media coverage across business press and leading technology trade publications.
• Familiarity with PR, analyst relations, social media, and reporting tools.

Our employee benefits including flexible workplace policies, employee resource groups, learning and development resources, career progression pathways, and community engagement initiatives are some of the reasons why we have had great success in bringing in new talent. In addition, our global employee wellness programs are crafted to support the physical, emotional, and financial well-being of our employees.  

Benefits & Perks vary by Country. 

With a 20-year history of innovation, Riverbed is agile and proven-and we continue to disrupt the market with differentiated solutions that help customers deliver secure, seamless digital experiences and accelerate enterprise performance. We are relentlessly customer-first: we listen, learn, and act with urgency to solve real problems and earn trust every day. We pair bold ideas with operational efficiency, simplifying how we work, focusing on what matters most, and delivering with quality and speed. Fueled by a will to win, we set ambitious goals, hold ourselves accountable, and raise the bar through measurable outcomes. At the center of it all are our people-bringing our best selves to work with a shared commitment to excellence, transparency, and open communication. We strive to be an inclusive, fair, and enjoyable workplace where respect and wellbeing are prioritized. We are committed to our people, partners, and customers while supporting the communities where we work and live. It's the Power of WE that binds us together and drives high-impact success.

Riverbed is an equal employment opportunity/Affirmative Action (EEO/AA) employer and provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, physical disability (including HIV and AIDS), mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy or child birth (including breast feeding), sexual orientation, genetics, genetic information, marital status, veteran status or any other basis protected by and in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.

Check us out on:www.riverbed.com@LifeAtRiverbed

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