Director, Media Relations and Communications

About the role

The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) was founded in 2015 by Priscilla Chan and Mark Zuckerberg to harness the power of technology to pursue ambitious societal goals—from curing or preventing all disease to transforming how students learn. At CZI, you’ll join a deeply collaborative, mission-driven community where your work helps drive breakthroughs across flagship nonprofit organizations, Biohub and Learning Commons. Whether enabling scientific breakthroughs via open science and AI-powered biology or strengthening tools for teachers and students, your contributions help turn bold ideas into real-world impact.

The Operations team partners with Biohub and Learning Commons to enable pioneering work at the intersection of AI, biology, and education. This role, as Director of Media Relations and Communications, will lead Biohub’s earned media, product launch communications, and external visibility strategy, focusing on AI, biology, and public interest. You will report to the Vice President of Biohub Communications and oversee a team of 3–5 communications managers.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive earned media and influence strategies targeting AI researchers, scientists, technologists, science and tech media, and broader audiences interested in scientific progress and health.
• Build a clear point of view on where and how Biohub should engage across today’s media ecosystem, including traditional outlets, podcasts, newsletters, creator-led platforms, and social-first media.
• Lead communications strategy and execution for Biohub product launches, including AI models, datasets, tools, platforms, and other technical or scientific products.
• Partner with product, research, marketing, social, editorial, executive communications, and design teams to develop launch narratives, messaging, media plans, briefing strategies, and campaign materials.
• Identify the right mix of opportunities for each story, from major announcements to executive visibility, thought leadership, evergreen storytelling, and issues management.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with reporters, editors, and influencers across traditional and digital platforms to secure earned media.
• Serve as the primary media contact, handling background conversations, on-the-record interviews, and managing inquiries; act as a spokesperson when needed.
• Prepare senior leadership for media engagements, including media coaching, talking points, and briefing materials.
• Draft, edit, and approve product launch and campaign materials, such as talking points, Q&A, and press releases.
• Assist in managing communication during potential reputational or high-stakes issues.
• Drive earned media, share of voice, and narrative influence while measuring and reporting on media performance, sentiment, and PR campaign impact.

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in media relations, communications, public affairs, or related fields, with deep, established relationships across the modern media ecosystem, including technology, AI, science, business, and health media, as well as podcasts, newsletters, creators, commentators, and other influential platforms.
• Proven experience leading and developing communications professionals, including managing high-performing teams in complex, fast-paced environments.
• A track record of securing high-impact earned coverage and shaping public narratives around complex technology, science, AI, biotech, or health topics.
• Demonstrated in-house communications experience supporting technology, AI, scientific research, biotech, or other innovation-driven organizations.
• Comfort managing multiple fast-moving workstreams, from product launches to evergreen pitching.
• Experience leading communications for product launches, ideally involving AI/ML, developer tools, research platforms, biotech, scientific software, open-source tools, datasets, or models.
• Exceptional communication and storytelling skills, with strong instincts for what resonates with AI and technology journalists and audiences interested in scientific progress and health.
• Ability to translate complex technical concepts into compelling narratives while balancing accuracy, optimism, and credibility.
• Demonstrated ability to remain steady, solutions-oriented, and effective in rapidly evolving and ambiguous environments.
• Experience managing PR and agency partners and working cross-functionally with product, marketing, research, and executive stakeholders.
• Track record of effectively advising and influencing senior executives and stakeholders on media strategy.
• Excitement and optimism for the opportunity AI presents in accelerating scientific research and discovery.

Pay

The Redwood City, CA, and New York City, NY base pay range for this role is $193,000–$265,100. New hires are typically hired into the lower portion of the range, enabling growth over time. Actual placement is based on job-related skills and experience. This position may be eligible for discretionary annual performance bonuses.

Schedule

This is a hybrid position requiring you to be onsite for at least 60% of the working month, approximately 3 days a week. The exact schedule will be determined by the hiring manager and communicated during the interview process.

Benefits

• Generous employer match on employee 401(k) contributions.
• Paid time off to volunteer at an organization of your choice.
• Funding for select family-forming benefits.
• Relocation support for employees who need assistance moving.