VP of Communications & External Affairs

fathom.org•San Francisco, CA

12h•$290,000 - $340,000

About The Position

Fathom is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to finding, building, and scaling governance solutions for AI to foster public trust and unleash American innovation. The organization focuses on co-designing a better AI future by advancing legislation, building coalitions, and leading research. Fathom has experienced significant growth, doubling its team and expanding its support as the need for AI governance becomes increasingly recognized by policymakers, industry leaders, and the public. This role is a senior position on the leadership team, reporting directly to the CEO.

Requirements

10+ years of experience in communications, media engagement, storytelling, or PR, ideally in the public sector and/or technology.
Demonstrated fluency in AI and/or technology policy, or a track record of rapidly mastering complex technical subject matter.
Excellent writing, editing, and narrative skills with the ability to tailor messaging for different formats and audiences.
Demonstrated experience managing teams, budgets, and external vendors or agencies, with a track record of building or scaling a communications function.
Proven ability to direct executive thought leadership and engage key industry stakeholders.
Politically savvy with an understanding of the interconnected nature of politics and policy.

Responsibilities

Write and edit external content including policy one-pagers, op-eds, blog posts, and the Architecture of Governance Substack, translating complex AI governance ideas into clear, persuasive prose.
Own the editorial calendar across Fathom and its initiatives, ensuring a consistent voice and reliable publishing cadence.
Shape longer-form pieces such as reports, explainers, and polling write-ups to establish Fathom as an authority on AI governance.
Build, manage, and develop Fathom's communications function, including hiring and mentoring staff.
Own and manage the communications budget, allocating resources across earned media, content, events, and campaigns.
Source, contract, and manage external vendors and agencies (PR firms, designers, digital, polling partners).
Develop and steward Fathom's overarching narrative and message architecture, ensuring coherence across different initiatives.
Craft talking points, briefing materials, and message frameworks for principals, partners, and coalition members.
Pressure-test messaging against distinct audiences and adapt framing without fracturing the core narrative.
Lead communications support for coalition activities, coordinating messaging across member organizations.
Build and maintain relationships with reporters and editors across technology, policy, and national political press.
Secure earned media, including pitching stories, placing op-eds, coordinating interviews, and acting as an on-record spokesperson.
Grow the public profile of Fathom’s c-suite.
Develop talking points for internal communications.
Draft notes and briefings for the board and donors.
Aid staff in the creation of materials for external communications.
Lead staff through red teaming and other messaging exercises.
Monitor the AI policy and news cycle and lead real-time response to hearings, legislative developments, and competing narratives.
Produce fast-turn statements, reactive talking points, and social content under deadline pressure.