About the AI & Advanced Computing Center (“AI Center”)
The AI Center at Schmidt Sciences is a grantmaking and research group that views AI as a transformative force for scientific discovery and societal progress. Over the next decade, we aim to support key researchers who are working to make AI systems competent, trustworthy, reliable, and able to effectively partner with human scientists on the next generation of discovery. We will also make selected distinctive investments in beneficial AI areas where philanthropy has a unique advantage. By supporting enabling infrastructure, foundational research and targeted programs in science disciplines, the AI and Advanced Computing Center will create the conditions for AI-enabled discovery to achieve its promise.
The AI Center currently has three focus areas:
- AI for Science – using AI to improve how scientists generate hypotheses, conduct experiments, analyze data and produce new knowledge – in a way that specifically accelerates the discovery process.
- Science of AI – understanding and controlling AI systems to mitigate and manage potential risks from advanced AI while improving AI reliability and performance in areas of limited commercial interest and market failure. Existing programs include AI2050 and Science of Trustworthy AI.
- Beneficial AI – providing scientific foundations and datasets for understanding the larger human impacts of AI. Existing programs include Humanities and AI Virtual Institute and AI at Work.
The Role
Schmidt Sciences seeks a Communications Manager to help our growing AI and Advanced Computing Center bridge the gap between complex technical research and accessible, impactful narratives. This hands-on role requires both strong communications skills and a meaningful working knowledge of artificial intelligence and related technologies. The ideal candidate combines deep experience in science or technology communications with technical fluency in AI, data science, and computational research. They are equally comfortable collaborating with leading researchers and shaping public-facing narratives that inform, inspire, and build trust. Working closely with the senior communications team, the Communications Manager will support the development of messaging and content that elevates the work of Schmidt Sciences’ and its grantees, with an emphasis on the AI Center. Reporting to the Communications Director, the Communications Manager will play a central role in developing strategy and executing content across Schmidt Sciences’ AI and advanced computing portfolio.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development of clear, unified narratives for Schmidt Sciences’ AI and Advanced Computing portfolio of programs
- Serve as a thought partner to AI and Advanced Computing program staff on positioning, messaging, and presentation support
- Highlight the voices and work of AI and Advanced Computing fellows and grantees through profiles, interviews, and feature stories
- Draft and edit high-quality written materials including press releases, website content, reports, blog posts, newsletters, op-eds, social posts, speeches and explainer materials
- Translate complex AI, computational and scientific research into accessible language for diverse audiences including media, and the public
- Pitch stories to journalists, podcasters, and other influencers in the AI space and the general public
- Ensure consistency in tone, brand, and messaging across communications
- Collaborate on multimedia storytelling efforts for the AI and advanced computing center, including video, audio, interactive features and short-form explainers
- Monitor and analyze communications performance metrics to evaluate effectiveness and inform strategy
- Identify opportunities to innovate using digital tools, data visualization or emerging AI technologies to strengthen communications
- Maintain an active understanding of trends in AI research across academia and industry to ensure messaging remains timely and credible
- Monitor AI and advanced computing grantee publications and research outputs for amplification on owned media channels
- Manage incoming communications requests from internal teams and external partners for the AI and advanced computing center, ensuring accuracy and adherence to brand standards
- Provide general project support to the communications team as needed
- Collaborate closely with colleagues across programs
- Up to 20% domestic and international travel will be required
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, computer science, data science, science, engineering, or a related field
- At least 5 years of professional experience in communications
- Previous media experience
- Strong working knowledge of artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, and computational research
- Demonstrated ability to translate complex technical topics into clear, compelling narratives for non-expert audiences
- Strong track record of collaboration with researchers, scientists or technical subject matter experts
- Excellent writing and editing skills Experience managing websites, digital content platforms and social channels
- Familiarity with analytics tools and audience engagement metrics
- Strong project management skills and ability to coordinate multiple initiatives simultaneously
- High attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working in philanthropic, academic, research or technology-focused institutions
- Emerging network of connections at publications, social media channels and other domains where AI news is reported
- Experience with data analysis or visualization tools
- Design sensibility and working knowledge of creative tools such as Adobe Creative Suite or audio/video editing software
- Portfolio demonstrating science or AI-focused storytelling
- Interest in or exposure to both academic and industry AI research environments
- Experience with analytics, audience engagement metrics, or performance tracking