Communications Lead

Mind Robotics•Palo Alto, CA

About The Position

Mind Robotics is building Physical AI for real-world industrial deployment, starting with the factory floor. We believe the hardest problems in AI are solved when researchers and engineers are hands-on with the physical world every day - and we're looking for people who are passionate about robotics, value ownership, and are excited to tackle difficult problems. Join us if you want to move beyond digital intelligence and put intelligence into motion. We're looking for a senior communications leader to serve as our first dedicated comms hire and primary partner to our CEO. You will own both his public profile as it relates to Mind Robotics – earned media, podcast placements, press interviews, and executive voice – and the company's internal communications as we scale. You are a builder who can operate without a team, move fast, and do the work. This role will shape the narrative and public opinion for Mind Robotics’ next phase of growth.

Requirements

Develop a 6-month earned media roadmap with target outlets, podcast targets, and placement calendar within first 30 days.
Build a foundational messaging architecture and press kit (company backgrounder, CEO bio, boilerplate, FAQs) within first 45 days.
Secure at least 2–3 meaningful CEO media placements (podcast appearances or press features) within the first 90 days.
Partner with Rivian's communications team to co-develop artifacts, playbooks, and SOPs for initial operator deployments — establishing a repeatable framework for all future launch communications.
Audit existing all-hands format and deliver a redesigned structure—agenda, narrative arc, CEO prep guide—within first 30 days.
Stand up a recurring internal newsletter or leadership update channel (Slack, email, or equivalent) by day 60.
Develop onboarding communications materials that orient new employees to company mission, culture, and leadership voice.
Own communications around at least one major internal milestone (hiring milestone, product update, company offsite) end-to-end within the first 6 months.
8–12+ years in communications, with significant in-house experience at a technology company; Director-level or equivalent.
Proven track record managing executive communications for a founder-CEO or senior leader with an active public profile.
Strong media relationships across tech and business press; existing podcast producer and digital media contacts a strong plus.
Exceptional writer across all formats—press releases, executive narrative, internal memos, and editorial content.
Startup builder mentality: comfortable owning a function end-to-end, creating structure from ambiguity, and operating without a team.

Nice To Haves

Experience in deep tech, robotics, automotive, or adjacent industries preferred.

Responsibilities

Serve as the CEO's day-to-day communications partner: briefing docs, media prep, talking points, and message development for all public appearances.
Drive a proactive earned media strategy—pitch and secure placements on high-impact podcasts, business and tech press, and conference stages.
Own the CEO's editorial output: op-eds, public statements, and investor-facing communications.
Build and maintain relationships with journalists, podcast producers, and editors on the CEO's behalf.
Develop and own the company's messaging architecture, narrative positioning, and crisis communications framework.
Lead all media relations: serve as primary press contact, manage inbound inquiries, and produce press materials for key milestones.
Support fundraising and product launch communications in partnership with leadership, finance, and legal.
Design and run the company's internal communications infrastructure: all-hands formats, leadership updates, and the cadences that keep a growing team aligned.
Write company-wide announcements, organizational change communications, and culture moments in a consistent, on-brand voice.
Partner with HR and People Ops on employee experience communications as the team scales.