Communications Lead

Mind Robotics•Palo Alto, CA

About The Position

Mind Robotics is seeking a senior communications leader to be their first dedicated communications hire and a primary partner to the CEO. This role will be responsible for managing the CEO's public profile, including earned media, podcast placements, press interviews, and executive voice. Additionally, the role will oversee the company's internal communications as it scales. The ideal candidate is a builder who can operate independently, move quickly, and take ownership to shape the narrative and public opinion for Mind Robotics' growth phase.

Requirements

Develop a 6-month earned media roadmap with target outlets, podcast targets, and placement calendar within the first 30 days.
Build a foundational messaging architecture and press kit (company backgrounder, CEO bio, boilerplate, FAQs) within the 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 the first 30 days.
Establish 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.
Experience in deep tech, robotics, automotive, or adjacent industries preferred.

Nice To Haves

Existing podcast producer and digital media contacts.

Responsibilities

Serve as the CEO's day-to-day communications partner, including briefing documents, media preparation, talking points, and message development for public appearances.
Drive a proactive earned media strategy, pitching and securing placements on high-impact podcasts, business and tech press, and conference stages.
Own the CEO's editorial output, including op-eds, public statements, and investor-facing communications.
Build and maintain relationships with journalists, podcast producers, and editors on behalf of the CEO.
Develop and own the company's messaging architecture, narrative positioning, and crisis communications framework.
Lead all media relations, serving as the primary press contact, managing inbound inquiries, and producing 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, including all-hands formats, leadership updates, and communication cadences to keep the 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.