About DAIR
The Distributed AI Research (DAIR) Institute is an independent organization conducting community-rooted research. We are a globally distributed group of academics, activists, and engineers who believe in technology that benefits everyone. We support the next generation of researchers, expose the harms of current products and paradigms, and build the technology we wish existed already. DAIR is led by senior technologists who have been at the forefront of AI research in major tech companies. We are committed to creating a supportive, inclusive, and high-performing workplace.
Position Summary
The Distributed AI Research Institute (DAIR) is seeking a Communications Lead to support our ongoing and emerging communications needs across owned media, website, social media and events. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Communications Lead will help establish and guide the development and implement a communications strategy, in alignment with DAIR’s mission, vision, and values. The Communications Lead will work with the Executive Director and Director of Research to elevate DAIR’s voice and research across communications channels, develop creative owned media content and manage communications with the organization’s online community.
We have long believed that people’s lived experience must shape how technology is designed. As part of this, we make a substantial commitment to communications and public engagement. We break down the latest hype on our podcast, Mystery AI Hype Theater 3000, we write books, and we maintain an active engagement on social media, in the press and through our newsletters. For this reason, the Communications Lead will be a crucial member of the team, helping to grow and reimagine our communications for an exciting new phase of growth.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Communications
- Develop and implement a comprehensive and creative communications strategy, in consultation with key internal and external stakeholders.
- Define short-term and long-term goals and objectives for DAIR’s communications in order to amplify its external influence and impact.
- Develop and manage visual brand guidelines
- Develop and implement strategic communications campaigns, in collaboration with the Director of Research, to amplify and communicate research to broader audiences.
- Craft and implement DAIR’s community building and management strategy.
Content Development
- Develop and manage an editorial content calendar, working collaboratively with the team to promote organizational activities, stories and thought leadership.
- Oversee external communications including but not limited to developing and writing content (such as press releases, social media posts, monthly newsletter, annual reports, advocacy emails, funder updates).
- Manage design of annual report.
Digital Communications
- Produce, or oversee the production of, short-form video content for TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Instagram and other channels in coordination with the MAIHT3K team and other DAIR-affiliated media projects.
- Manage DAIR’s media channels (Mastodon, BlueSky, Twitter, LinkedIn, Twitch, PeerTube, Discord), including but not limited to developing and sharing content, managing existing profiles, directly engaging with core audiences, such as donors, partners and media, and facilitating community engagement with social media posts.
- Manage the maintenance of DAIR’s website including blog posts, project pages, and an archive of DAIR’s newsletters, press coverage, events and publications.
- Write, format and send weekly/monthly email newsletter
External Affairs and Relations
- Serve as contact for media inquiries, vet incoming earned media opportunities
- Draft press releases, media advisories, and talking points for external communications
- Advance donor relations and communications
Required Qualifications
- More than eight years experience in communications, marketing, public relations, journalism or other communications fields, particularly in academic or nonprofit, mission-driven spaces.
- Experience developing and implementing creative social media strategies.
- Experience with video editing tools and coordination tools (e.g. CapCut, HootSuite).
- Familiarity or experience working with Mailchimp or other CRM software.
- Strong ability to think analytically and strategically.
- Strong graphic design skills are essential.
- Excellent writing and oral communications skills.
- Ability to work in collaboration with team members, partners, and funders.
- Capable of working well as part of a team as well as independently.
- Excellent organizational and project management skills and ability to meet deadlines.
- Experience creating communications infrastructure and processes.
- Experience ensuring accessibility needs are met across all communication platforms.
Work Location & Environment
- Schedule: Full time.
- Location: Remote, in a time zone with at least 5 hours of overlap with PST and EST
The DAIR Institute is fully remote and geographically distributed, but we require this position to be at a location with a timezone that has at least 5 hours of overlap, during the business day, with the Pacific and Eastern time zones in order to work closely with senior staff. The distributed nature of our institute helps us create a diverse and inclusive work environment where people can still be embedded in their own communities. Thus, our work culture aims to be inclusive of many different work styles and cultures.
Compensation
- Salary Range: $125,000-$135,000, based on experience and qualifications.
Benefits
We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Paid time off
- Fully covered medical coverage
- Dental and vision insurance
- 401(k) plan with company match
- Well-being resources and supplementary assistance
Equal Opportunity
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local laws.
How to Apply
To apply, please submit the following:
- Your CV/resume
- A short (one-page) cover letter which expresses why you are interested in this position
- 1 - 2 relevant writing samples (e.g., press releases, blog posts, op-ed, etc.)
- 1 - 2 multimedia samples (e.g., link to social media post, graphic, website, video, podcast, etc.)
Application Deadline: April 13, 2026