Senior Communications Manager

About Us

is a non-profit AI research institute dedicated to ensuring advanced AI is safe and beneficial for everyone. We work at the intersection of machine learning safety research and policy supporting a global community of researchers and practitioners. Our mission is to facilitate breakthrough AI safety research advance global understanding of AI risks and solutions and foster a coordinated global response.

Since our founding in July 2022 weve grown quickly to 30 staff producing 30 influential academic papers and established the leading AI Safety events for research and international cooperation. Our work is recognized globally with publications at premier venues such as NeurIPS ICML and ICLR and features in the Financial Times Nature News and MIT Technology Review.

We drive practical change through red-teaming with frontier model developers and government institutes. Most recently we discovered major issues with Anthropics latest model the same day it was released and worked with OpenAI to safeguard their latest model. Additionally we help steer and grow the AI safety field through developing research roadmaps with renowned researchers such as Yoshua Bengio. We also operate an AI safety-focused co-working space in Berkeley housing 40 members as well as support the community through targeted grants to technical researchers.

About the role

As the second in command of the Communications team you will work closely with our Head of Communications and Brand to execute their vision driving forward progress both individually and across the broader communications team. This role is ideal for a communications professional who thrives at the intersection of technology strategy and storytelling: someone who can connect research depth with public understanding to drive impact. This role will also oversee daily operations of the communications function fostering coordination rhythm and excellence across outputs.

This role will directly contribute to mission to advance the safety and governance of frontier AI systems by transforming complex research into materials that inform policy shape industry standards and support global understanding.

Note: We are open to candidates based in Berkeley (on-site or hybrid) US remote or remote in other US-compatible timezones.

Key responsibilities

• Planning Strategy and Management

  • Serve as a core member of the communications team acting as the Head of Communications & Brands deputy to plan execute and evaluate strategy.

  • Act as deputy lead across media digital content technical and events driving alignment quality and consistency.

  • Manage planning and delivery of communications projects maintaining clear timelines stakeholder visibility and high standards.

• Media Relations & Visibility

  • Build and maintain a focused press list across AI safety tech and policy.

  • Pitch responsibly and secure accurate coverage podcasts and speaking engagements.

  • Draft press releases fact sheets talking points and executive briefings.

  • Produce quarterly newsletters and staff announcements; maintain reliable comms rhythms.

  • Secure thoughtful media and speaking opportunities ensuring research is represented with accuracy and credibility.

• Research communications

  • Participate in turning research papers and red-teaming findings into accurate summaries stories and related content.

  • Manage embargoes preprints and conference timelines.

  • Collaborate closely with researchers and program leads to shape messaging around papers evaluations and events.

• Digital & editorial

  • Manage the content calendar coordinating with social and leadership teams.

  • Ensure a consistent tone voice and style across all channels.

• Thought leadership & policy-adjacent comms

  • Partner with leadership and researchers on op-eds explainers interviews and remarks.

  • Ensure all public writing reflects values and voice.

• Events & community

  • Support event promotions speaker briefs and post-event recaps.

  • Coordinate communications for field-building initiatives.

Outcomes well look for

• A quarterly editorial calendar shipped on time with measurable reach and quality.

• 13 high-quality media placements per quarter with accurate framing.

• Timely engaging content coordinated with major research releases.

About You

The ideal Senior Communications Manager is both a strategist and a hands-on communicator able to translate complex ideas into clear compelling narratives. Comfortable both autonomously executing and supporting other team members you bring broad experience across media relations content development internal communications and event support ensuring every message whether a press release op-ed blog post or newsletter advances organizational goals and strengthens reputation.

You are proactive and resourceful cultivate visibility through press podcasts and speaking opportunities while partnering with leadership and researchers to shape thought leadership and messaging. You are also agile collaborative and detail-oriented and combine creativity with discipline to deliver communications that engage internal audiences elevate external presence and build trust.

Must-Have experience:

• 5 years of communications experience.

• Proven media relations experience: writing pitching and securing accurate coverage.

• Editorial ownership across blogs newsletters op-eds and CMS platforms.

• Experience producing newsletters and organizational updates.

• Strong collaboration skills with experience working cross-functionally and with senior leaders..

Nice to have experience:

• Event communications (announcements promotion post-event content).

• Familiarity with AI technology or policy sectors.

• Basic design or multimedia experience (e.g. Canva CMS tools).

• Background in policy communications or science journalism.

Logistics

You will be a full-time employee of a 501(c)(3) research non-profit.

• Location: Berkley on-site hybrid or remote in US-compatible timezones.

• Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week).

• Compensation: Base salary of $125000 - $175000 plus benefits depending on experience/location. We will also cover work-related travel and equipment expenses and offer catered lunch and dinner at our office in Berkeley..

• Hiring process: Our application process includes a short screening call a hiring manager interview task test and a work trial assessment followed by reference checks.

If you have any questions about the role please do get in touch at

Otherwise if you dont have questions the best way to ensure a proper review of your skills and qualifications is by applying directly via the application form. Please dont email us to share your resume/cover letter/work samples (it wont have any impact on our decision). Thank you!

Required Experience:

Manager