Senior Manager, Developer Relations

About Tailscale

Tailscale simplifies secure connections by providing software that enables seamless, safe interconnection of people and devices worldwide. Serving users ranging from individual hobbyists to global enterprises, Tailscale ensures protected networks and streamlined access to internal tools. Founded in 2019 as a fully distributed company, it's backed by notable investors including Accel, CRV, Insight, Heavybit, and Uncork Capital.

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Senior Manager for Developer Relations to lead and grow our Developer Relations program as a key driver of strategic growth. This senior, hands-on leadership role combines team management, program development, and advocacy to strengthen Tailscale’s connection with technical communities, driving both developer value and business impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of Developer Relations, including strategy, planning, and alignment with company goals.
• Build and grow a high-performing Developer Relations team, managing recruitment, coaching, and development of both senior and junior technical talents.
• Develop scalable developer programs across diverse channels such as technical content, product integrations, videos, presentations, workshops, events, and community engagement.
• Maintain personal technical credibility by actively contributing through demos, talks, workshops, and community involvement.
• Foster new technical voices within the team and broader community to expand Tailscale's DevRel presence beyond individuals.
• Drive community-driven initiatives addressing developer needs, cultivating partnerships, and enabling new use cases.
• Maintain clear, shared roadmaps and calendars to coordinate DevRel activities with defined goals and ownership.
• Ensure DevRel outputs are accurate, engaging, audience-appropriate, and aligned with product positioning.
• Collaborate closely with Product, Engineering, Growth, Content, Sales, and Customer Success teams to coordinate launches, educational initiatives, and gather developer feedback.
• Influence product strategy by identifying developer workflows and ecosystem opportunities to enhance Tailscale's value.
• Define metrics, track performance, and regularly report on DevRel’s impact on audience growth, engagement, product activation, and self-serve funnels.
• Use developer insights and data to refine programs, prioritize initiatives, and show DevRel's contribution to business goals.
• Manage DevRel budgets, tools, vendors, and resource planning balancing quality and efficiency.

Candidate Profile

• Minimum 8 years of experience in Developer Relations, engineering, advocacy, or related fields.
• At least 4 years managing and scaling technical teams or Developer Relations functions.
• Deep technical credibility and effective communication with engineering and technical decision-makers.
• Proven experience designing and operating multi-channel Developer Relations programs beyond individual content.
• Strong ability to convert company and product strategies into actionable DevRel roadmaps linked to measurable outcomes.
• Excellent program management skills including planning, delegation, and risk communication.
• Experience creating impactful developer-facing content such as videos, talks, demos, workshops, and tutorials.
• Strong verbal and written communication capabilities for complex technical concepts.
• Collaborative mindset working cross-functionally with diverse teams such as Product, Engineering, and Marketing.
• Balance hands-on execution with team leadership and long-term strategy development.
• Sound judgment in tailoring messaging, technical depth, and presentation style to audiences and channels.
• Experience defining and analyzing Developer Relations metrics related to product and business impact.
• Comfort working in dynamic, ambiguous environments with clear communication and documented plans.
• Low ego with a collaborative “yes, and” approach.
• Prior hands-on use of Tailscale is expected.

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in DevRel for developer-focused infrastructure, networking, security, or open-source products.
• Familiarity with WireGuard, networking principles, identity-based access, or Zero Trust security architectures.
• Experience supporting product-led growth or self-serve adoption models.
• Track record creating technical integrations, example apps, community tools, or open-source projects.
• Experience with public speaking, technical video production, or developer workshop facilitation.
• Success nurturing new public technical voices within a company or team.
• Understanding of measuring developer conversion journeys from content consumption through activation and paid use.
• Managing agency partnerships, contractors, budgets, or external contributors.
• Experience working in fast-paced startups or scale-up environments.

Additional Details

Tailscale offers a competitive compensation package including base salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits. For Canadian candidates, the salary range is CAD 268,000 to 301,500 annually. We foster an inclusive and flexible work environment encouraging authenticity and work-life balance with remote-first culture, paid time off, employer-matched retirement contributions, and professional development support. Parental leave benefits are provided and accommodations for hiring processes are available for those who need them.