Director of Communications

Handshake is looking for a senior communications leader to own and evolve our corporate communications strategy.

Responsibilities

Own Handshake’s corporate communications strategy and help sharpen our external narrative across company, Careers, EDU, AI, and future-of-work themes; Build and manage press relationships within the workforce and AI Industries; Proactively pitch stories, announcements, data insights, and thought leadership that build Handshake’s brand and support business priorities; Partner closely with the CEO/co-founder and leadership team to develop executive narratives, media opportunities, speeches, op-eds, and talking points; Partner with the social team on Handshake’s corporate LinkedIn presence, providing strategic guidance, content review, approvals, and counsel on voice, tone, messaging, and brand alignment; Prepare executives for high-visibility speaking engagements, media interviews, panels, podcasts, and industry events, including narrative development, talking points, briefing materials, Q&A prep, and message coaching; Lead reactive and issues communications, partnering with legal, policy, people, product, and leadership teams on sensitive or high-stakes moments; Build scalable communications processes for press intake, approvals, messaging, executive prep, launches, and reporting; Oversee external communications agency partners and ensure their work is focused, high-quality, and aligned with company priorities

Requirements

7+ years corporate communications, public relations, executive communications, or media relations, ideally in high-growth tech or a top communications agency; Strong executive communications experience, including partnering with founders, CEOs, or senior leaders on external narrative, media strategy, and thought leadership; Proven ability to build press relationships and secure meaningful earned media coverage across business, technology, workplace, education, or AI press; Excellent writing and messaging skills, with the ability to translate complex topics into clear, compelling narratives; Strong judgment under pressure, especially in reactive, sensitive, or ambiguous communications moments; Ability to operate both strategically and hands-on, from setting the communications strategy to drafting statements, pitches, briefs, and social content; Experience managing external communications agencies or consultants; Comfort working cross-functionally with leadership, marketing, product, legal, policy, people, and sales teams

Nice to have

experience with AI, future of work, labor markets, education, marketplaces, HR tech, or enterprise technology

Benefits

Equity in a fast-growing company; 401(k) match; competitive compensation; financial coaching; paid parental leave; fertility benefits; parental coaching; medical, dental, and vision; mental health support; wellness stipend; learning stipend; ongoing development; internet; commuting; free lunch/gym in our SF office; flexible PTO; 15 holidays + 2 flex days; team outings; referral bonuses