At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead communications to raise awareness on AI safety and extinction risks.
- Company: ControlAI is a non-profit focused on preventing unsafe superintelligence for a better future.
- Benefits: Join a dynamic team with opportunities for remote work and impactful projects.
- Why this job: Shape narratives, drive public engagement, and make AI safety a top priority.
- Qualifications: Experience in communications, digital strategy, and leading creative teams is essential.
- Other info: This global role offers the chance to influence policy across the US, UK, and Europe.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
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, authored draft bills for the UK and US, created multiple viral videos, and led international coalitions.
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.
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 roles and responsibilities- 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.
- 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.
Director of Communications & Digital Strategy employer: On Think Tanks - Independent Research, Ideas and Advice
Contact Detail:
On Think Tanks - Independent Research, Ideas and Advice Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Communications & Digital Strategy
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in AI safety and digital communications. Follow relevant thought leaders on social media and engage with their content to understand the current landscape and key issues.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the non-profit and advocacy sectors, especially those focused on technology and policy. Attend industry events or webinars to make connections that could help you stand out as a candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your understanding of growth marketing principles by experimenting with your own digital campaigns. Create mock campaigns on platforms like TikTok or Instagram to demonstrate your ability to craft engaging content.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss how you would approach building a movement around AI safety. Think about innovative strategies for raising public awareness and how you would measure the success of your campaigns.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Communications & Digital Strategy
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Organisation: Before applying, take the time to thoroughly understand ControlAI's mission and recent campaigns. Familiarise yourself with their work on AI safety and how they engage with policymakers. This knowledge will help you tailor your application to reflect their values and objectives.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight your relevant experience in communications, digital strategy, or growth campaigns, especially in political or advocacy contexts. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead teams and drive impactful campaigns, as these are crucial for this role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should not only express your enthusiasm for the role but also showcase your understanding of the challenges in AI safety communications. Discuss how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, particularly your experience with digital engagement and media relations.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since the role requires exceptional communication abilities, consider including links to any relevant work samples, such as articles, videos, or campaigns you've led. This will provide tangible evidence of your skills and help you stand out in the application process.
How to prepare for a job interview at On Think Tanks - Independent Research, Ideas and Advice
✨Understand the Mission
Before your interview, make sure you fully grasp ControlAI's mission to prevent unsafe superintelligence. Familiarise yourself with their campaigns and recent achievements, as this will show your genuine interest and alignment with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Digital Strategy Skills
Prepare to discuss your experience in digital strategy and audience growth. Be ready to share specific examples of successful campaigns you've led, particularly in political or advocacy contexts, and how you measured their impact.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
As a communications leader, your ability to convey complex ideas simply is crucial. Practice explaining technical concepts related to AI safety in a way that anyone can understand, as this will demonstrate your exceptional communication skills.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Highlight your experience in managing creative teams and driving results. Be prepared to discuss how you've built and motivated teams to achieve ambitious goals, as this role requires strong leadership capabilities.