Role Overview
The Director of Internal Communications is a full-time position based in San Francisco, California, focused on building and managing the internal communications function from the ground up. This role suits an experienced communicator who can shape a clear, consistent narrative across multiple business units during a period of rapid company growth.
Key Responsibilities
Own and manage the overall internal communications strategy, calendar, and operating rhythm across both the Careers and Handshake AI divisions.
Act as the trusted internal communications partner to the C-suite and senior leadership team.
Direct company-wide All Hands meetings and extend standards to departmental tiers.
Collaborate closely with the People team on staff communications, employee lifecycle milestones, recognition initiatives, and culture programs.
Establish and maintain core internal communication channels while choosing the appropriate tools.
Translate technical projects and concepts into straightforward narratives that all employees can easily understand.
Ensure internal teams hear company news and updates before external announcements.
Track and report on employee understanding metrics rather than simple message reach.
Requirements
Bring 8 to 12 years of professional experience in employee, internal, or executive communications.
Demonstrated background in scaling internal communication operations through fast-paced company expansion.
Exceptional writing expertise with the ability to draft messages matching a founder-CEO tone.
Proven track record of designing communication frameworks and processes from the ground up.
Strong capability in transforming intricate, technical details into plain-language stories.
Act as a reliable advisor to senior executives with readiness to deliver candid counsel.
Maintain an AI-native working approach by utilizing artificial intelligence for drafting, gathering, and analysis.
High level of discretion and sound judgment when handling sensitive, high-stakes information.
Data literacy with the ability to establish benchmarks and present results to leadership.
Experience collaborating cross-functionally alongside People, Legal, Marketing, and Engineering teams.
Nice to Have
Prior work history within an artificial intelligence company.
Experience managing post-acquisition integration processes.
Background in employer branding or event production.
Skills and Tools
Executive and employee communications strategy
Content writing and plain-language narrative translation
Program management for All Hands and culture initiatives
Data analysis and metrics measurement
AI-native workplace tools and techniques
Cross-functional collaboration across executive, legal, marketing, and people teams
Salary and Benefits
Competitive annual base salary ranging from $174,400 to $255,000 USD.
Equity ownership in a fast-growing organization.
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision health coverage alongside mental health support.
Financial wellness benefits including a 401(k) match and financial coaching.
Family support features such as paid parental leave, fertility benefits, and parental coaching.
Wellness, learning, internet, and commuting stipends, plus free lunch and gym access at the San Francisco office.
Flexible paid time off, 15 holidays, and 2 flex days.
Regular team outings and referral bonuses.
About the Company
Handshake serves as the career network for the AI economy, linking millions of job seekers, educational institutions, and employers. Founded on the principle that everyone deserves a pathway to a great career, the organization collaborates with frontier lab researchers, Fortune 500 partners, and top universities to build training environments and evaluate artificial intelligence models.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should visit the official Handshake careers page to submit their application for this position.
