Milltown Partners
Our clients operate at the frontiers of innovation - we advise technology companies driving change, global investors funding the future, the giants of sport and entertainment, and influential individuals on the communications and policy challenges that define their reputations. Our work spans corporate and financial communications, policy and public affairs to engage regulators and policymakers, policy communications and leadership communications. We underpin the full breadth of our capabilities with research-driven insights and campaigns. We're also pioneering AI-enhanced advisory work for both our clients and internal innovation, using technology to unlock insights from data at unprecedented scale and speed.
The role
We're looking for a communications professional with deep expertise in frontier technology and AI to join our San Francisco team.
This is a specialist hire. Our frontier tech client portfolio – spanning AI labs, quantum computing, autonomous systems, synthetic biology and developer-focused companies – is growing, and these clients present comms challenges that require someone who can operate at a genuinely technical level whilst keeping a clear strategic eye on the bigger picture. You'll often be working directly with technical founders, researchers and CTOs with no in-house comms function between you and them. That means your credibility has to be earned on substance, not just communications instinct.
Whether you come in as a Senior Consultant or Associate Director will depend on what you bring. At Senior Consultant level, we'd expect you to be a strong executor and adviser working within a team structure. At Associate Director, we'd expect you to lead that team structure, take ownership of client relationships and be ready to develop others. Both levels require the same core profile: technical depth, strategic clarity and the collaborative instincts to work across a flat, team-oriented firm.
What you'll do
Advise clients on the communications challenges specific to AI technology clients
You'll build trusted advisory relationships with technical clients – AI labs, deep tech startups, research-led organisations – often working directly with founders and scientists. You'll develop and deliver communications strategies that are rooted in a genuine understanding of the technical subject matter, the communities that matter to these clients, and the reputational dynamics of the AI landscape.
Build and execute strategies that reach the right audiences
You'll develop storytelling strategies across a range of channels – earned media, technical community engagement, digital and events – with a clear understanding of where developers, researchers and technical talent actually spend their time. You'll know the difference between TechCrunch and the communities that actually shape technical credibility, and you'll use that knowledge to build plans that land.
Strengthen the firm's expertise and capabilities in AI and frontier tech
You'll act as a subject matter resource for the wider US team, helping colleagues develop their strategic understanding of the opportunities and challenges that organisations working in AI currently face. You'll build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders in the AI ecosystem – media, researchers, policymakers and technical communities – that deliver value for clients and strengthen the firm's position.
Develop junior colleagues and contribute to a collaborative culture
You'll work in a team-oriented environment where sharing knowledge and developing others is part of the job, not an afterthought. You'll give and receive regular feedback, support junior colleagues to build their skills, and contribute actively to an inclusive working environment.
What We're Looking For
What we're looking for
Essential:
At least 5 years of communications experience in consultancy, in-house, or both, with a demonstrable specialism in AI, frontier technology or the wider deep tech ecosystem.
The ability to read and interpret technical material – research papers, model launches, technical blogs – and translate the significance of what's being built into strategic communications thinking.
Knowledge of the communities and channels that matter in frontier tech: where developers and researchers spend time, who the influential voices are, what credibility looks like in technical talent and research communities.
Experience advising technical clients or senior technical stakeholders directly, earning their trust without a comms intermediary.
Experience developing and executing communications strategies that reach technical audiences across a range of channels, including earned media, events and digital.
Collaborative instincts and evidence – even informal – of mentoring junior colleagues, sharing expertise and working across teams.
Genuine curiosity about frontier technology: you should want to go deeper, not just stay at the surface.
Experience using AI tools (e.g. Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini) effectively and critically in a professional setting.
Desirable:
Experience in adjacent fields including policy, research communications or developer relations.
Experience leading new business conversations, including pitches and RFP processes (more relevant at Associate Director level).
Why Join Us
Why join us
We're an independent, employee-owned firm, which means the people who work here share in our collective success. We operate across London, Brussels, San Francisco, New York, and Washington D.C., advising technology companies, global investors, iconic brands and influential individuals on the communications and policy challenges that define their reputations.
Our culture is built on five values: brilliance, restlessness, comradeship, inclusivity and integrity. We expect a lot from each other, but we also invest in each other—through honest feedback, shared learning and genuine care that goes beyond the work itself.
We're also serious about building a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace. We have measurable commitments around representation, inclusion, and supporting underrepresented communities through pro bono work. Creating an environment where everyone can thrive is central to how we operate.
By joining us, you’ll have access to:
Competitive, transparent pay with open salary bands, plus twice-yearly bonuses
401(k) with company match, eligible from day one
Robust healthcare options, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus dedicated mental health support
26 days PTO, 10 sick days, and 10 public holidays
Two-week company-wide winter break
Paid parental leave
Sabbatical leave
$100/month commuter benefit
Hybrid working model with three days in office (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday)
Structured career development with clear progression pathways and a defined career framework
Ready to apply?
If this sounds like the right place to progress your career, we'd love to hear from you. If your salary or role title expectations aren’t quite aligned but you believe you are keen to apply, please don’t hesitate and we can have a conversation.
