Director of Communications

About ControlAI

ControlAI is a non-profit organisation that works with a singular mission to prevent the development of unsafe superintelligence and secure a great future for humanity. We develop policy and legislation; secure media coverage; produce high-quality videos and infographics; design and run effective digital and physical campaigns; organise events; and influence policymakers. In less than two years of operations, we have secured public support for our campaigns from high-ranking politicians, have authored draft bills for the UK and US, have created multiple viral videos, and have led international coalitions.

For example, since our founding in 2023, ControlAI has gathered over 25 UK lawmakers in acknowledging the risk of superintelligence, over 60 UK lawmakers in support of our policy to ban deepfakes across the supply chain, ensured foundation models were kept in scope in the EU AI Act against concerted corporate lobbying, and developed a comprehensive policy plan to address extinction risk from AI.

Role Description

We are expanding our UK team and seeking a highly effective communications leader to build and scale our media and digital engagement on AI safety. This role reports up to the CEO and is responsible for managing a growing global team. This role isn’t about communications-as-usual. It’s about driving growth, shaping narratives, and shifting public priorities at speed. The risks of superintelligent AI are rising, yet public and political awareness remains limited. This role is about changing that, making AI safety a first-tier public issue, converting attention into action, and building a movement that can win. We’re looking for someone who thinks about communications like a growth marketer–obsessed with experimentation, reach, and results–and executes like a campaign strategist. Strong political instincts are a must. Based in the UK, this is a global role that will oversee communications across the US, UK, and (eventually) Europe.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Lead the organisation’s communications efforts, developing targeted campaigns to raise the salience of extinction risks from superintelligence and related policy solutions.
• Own and scale digital engagement, growing our online presence across social platforms, testing and optimising content, and expanding our reach.
• Craft messaging for large audiences and make it stick, with the ability to tell how a message should be communicated on TikTok, Instagram Reels, or press–and how to prioritise between them.
• Manage press and media relations, securing high-profile coverage that positions ControlAI as a leading voice on AI safety.
• Lead a multidisciplinary creative team across content, design, video, and messaging, (including potential podcast and newsletter projects) with a clear eye toward impact.
• Use data to drive decisions by defining success metrics, measuring performance, iterating fast, and doubling down on what works.

Ideal Qualifications:

• Proven experience leading comms, digital strategy, or growth campaigns in political, policy, or advocacy environments.
• Expertise in digital strategy and audience growth, particularly in political or policy-driven contexts (or around technical subjects).
• Deep understanding of what makes videos stand out across X, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and (sadly) LinkedIn, and how to tailor to an audience.
• Skilled team builder and manager, with experience leading creative teams to deliver against ambitious goals.
• Exceptional communicator who is clear, compelling, and confident when translating complex technical ideas for diverse audiences.

Salary: £90,000 - £130,000 a year, commensurate with experience. This is a senior leadership role within a growing policy organisation, offering the opportunity to define how AI safety is understood and addressed at the highest levels. We welcome applications from candidates who may not meet every criterion above but are passionate about our mission and believe they have something to contribute.

Application Process

We are reviewing applications on a rolling basis and will interview strong candidates as they apply. The position will remain open until filled, but we encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to receive priority consideration. The application process consists of resume review, take-home test tasks, and multiple phone screens. We will communicate details of the interview process to candidates as they proceed, and expect the process to take between 2-6 weeks for most candidates.

Other Details

Location: We are headquartered in London, UK, a 5 minute walk south of London Bridge. Benefits: We offer pension contributions up to 5%, catered lunches, and 25 days holiday. Visa: ControlAI can provide visa assistance for exceptional candidates we hire.