Corporate Communications & GTM Strategy

Hi, I’m Jonathan Zalman. I lead corporate communications and go-to-market messaging for tech companies, especially during growth and change. I help organizations build the narrative, core assets, and proof points so they can execute with one voice.

I’m a former Wall Street Journal sports reporter, news editor, and investigative journalist turned B2B comms operator. I’ve led corporate comms, PR, executive messaging, and content engines inside cybersecurity, AI, and enterprise tech—including Flashpoint, where I helped scale the business from roughly $40M to ~$100M ARR through acquisitions and high-stakes news cycles.

Since then, I’ve partnered with fast-moving startups in growth mode to tighten their stories and build the communications and GTM foundations that hold up under pressure. I’m the steady hand who can take a half-true draft, a nervous exec, and a complicated product—and translate it into something accurate and usable, inside the company and out.

I’m based in Portland, Oregon.

Get In Touch
Jonathan-Zalman-headshot

Partners in Building Stories and Strategies

Whether crafting client narratives, securing media coverage, or publishing my own stories, I’ve worked with these brands and publications to deliver impact and captivate audiences.

The Wall Street Journal logo with text 'The Wall Street Journal WSJ' in black and white.
CNN logo in red with white outline on black background.
The image features a black circle with the white lowercase letters 'we' in the center.
Sandgarden logo with colorful wavy lines above the text.
Glass of dark beer on a wooden surface with a fork and a knife in the background.
The logo of The Washington Post in black Gothic font.
Logo with pink and blue dots arranged in a circular pattern above the word 'Valence' in blue text.
Logo of Carpe Diem Education with black text and an orange emblem
SecurityScorecard logo with purple geometric shape and black text
Black and white illustration of a stereo with cassette tape player, speakers, and various knobs and buttons.
A stylized icon of three layered squares in shades of purple with a reflection below on a black background.
ESPN logo in red and black.

Areas of Expertise

  • I deliver content that drives engagement, generates leads, and builds authority.

    > Create high-performing content, including reports, blogs, case studies, research papers, and data-driven content.

    > Transform complex ideas into clear, compelling narratives tailored to target audiences.

    > Collaborate with design and SEO teams to produce impactful, optimized content that stands out.

    > Amplify messaging through integrated social media strategies that connect and engage.

  • I position brands and their leaders as trusted voices through strategic storytelling and media engagement.

    > Secure top-tier media placements in national and trade outlets to amplify visibility and credibility.

    > Strategically place op-eds and executive commentary to establish thought leadership in competitive industries.

    > Prepare executives for interviews and appearances with tailored media training and messaging.

    > Craft press releases and media kits that resonate with journalists and effectively communicate key announcements.

    > Develop and manage executive social media profiles to enhance visibility and thought leadership.

    > Ghostwrite compelling articles, op-eds, and posts for executives to amplify their voice(s).

Contact Me

  • I align teams, strategies, and processes to ensure cohesive execution before, during, and after launch.

    > Foster cross-functional alignment across marketing, sales, and product teams to deliver unified messaging and maximize impact.

    > Plan and execute pre-launch promotions, launch events, and post-launch campaigns that extend product lifecycle and maintain audience engagement.

    > Develop content and PR strategies to amplify product launches, including press releases, executive quotes, and thought leadership pieces.

    > Establish measurement frameworks to track performance, refine strategies, and optimize for future launches.

  • I develop data-driven strategies that strengthen your search presence, reclaim ground, and build a competitive moat.

    > Conduct in-depth keyword research across Tier 1-3 priorities to identify gaps, new opportunities, and areas to dominate the competition.

    > Optimize on-page SEO, including metadata, internal linking, and content structuring, to improve rankings and usability.

    > Enhance off-page SEO efforts through backlink strategies, domain authority growth, and strategic partnerships.

    > Continuously refine strategies by analyzing competitive landscapes, tracking keyword performance, and adapting to algorithm changes.

  • I leverage the power of AI to scale content creation without sacrificing quality, bridging human creativity with cutting-edge technology.

    > Develop and refine custom prompts to produce content that is both scalable and authentically human.

    > Build AI-driven content libraries that drive SEO, organic growth, and audience engagement.

    > Train teams to incorporate AI tools into workflows, doubling output while maintaining precision and creativity.

    > Execute high-volume projects—like a million-word glossary—with an eye for quality, relevance, and impact.

  • I craft messaging that builds alignment, strengthens trust, and drives clarity—inside and outside the organization.

    > Develop internal communication strategies to align teams during pivotal moments, such as product launches, acquisitions, or leadership transitions, including crafting marketing-focused messaging for all-hands meetings.

    > Create playbooks and frameworks for consistent messaging across internal and external channels, especially when an event affects a large amount of clients.

    > Write executive-level announcements and internal updates that engage employees and reinforce company values.

    > Manage crisis communications, ensuring clear, confident messaging during high-stakes situations.

What’s It Like to Work With Me?

  • Close-up of a smiling man with dark hair, wearing a black jacket, against a dark background.

    “I love working with Jonathan. He executes, is always a step ahead, and drives our million-word AI glossary to boost SEO and growth—all while writing content that sounds human and scales like AI. He works with our team to craft articles and guides, translating complex ideas into compelling, digestible content.”

    — Marty McCall, CMO, Sandgarden

  • Headshot of a woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a black top and earrings, smiling against a dark background.

    “Jonathan spearheaded a new website launch and built our brand with a high-impact annual report that drove lead generation. He also boosted organic search performance and increased media visibility during key global events. His leadership and results made him invaluable.”

    — Michelle Dufty, CMO, CloudZero

  • A woman with blonde hair smiling and wearing a white top against a light background.

    "Over the nearly three years that we collaborated, Jonathan consistently delivered outstanding results, particularly in the realms of PR, messaging, media relations, and executive communications. JZ is one of the most driven, strategic, and organized marketing leaders I’ve had the pleasure of working with."

    — Kari Ritacco, Principal, RedIron PR

  • A man with dark hair, gray beard, wearing a black polo shirt, smiling against a light blue background.

    “JZ balances high-level strategy with a hands-on approach, combining vision and execution effortlessly. He creates passionate, impactful content while building client relationships that drive sales and reputation, seamlessly moving between crafting the big picture and delivering results on the ground.”

    — Kunal Kohli, Managing Director, Head of Revenue, Assembled Brands

Let’s Talk.

Email me, message me on LinkedIn, or fill out the form below. I look forward to hearing from you.