Director, Communications

About the role

Exa is seeking a Director of Communications to shape our public image and amplify the voices of our leadership. This role focuses on developing authentic narratives for our founders and executives, ensuring their insights reach key audiences in the AI space. You will be instrumental in establishing Exa's position as a leader in AI search.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Craft and publish thought leadership pieces, including essays, social media posts, and op-eds, in the distinct voices of our founders and executives.
• Manage and expand our speaking engagement program, securing placements at relevant conferences, podcasts, and industry events.
• Oversee media relations strategy, working with our agency and eventually building an internal press function.
• Develop and manage our company's social media presence and content calendar.
• Create and coordinate public narratives for company announcements, product launches, and other significant milestones.
• Develop and implement crisis communication plans, including rapid response protocols and spokesperson preparation.
• Utilize AI tools for research, drafting, and performance measurement, while ensuring human authenticity in all communications.

Requirements

• 8+ years of experience in communications, public relations, or editorial roles, with a significant portion spent in a high-growth technology company.
• Demonstrated exceptional ghostwriting ability, with samples available for discussion.
• Proven success in building the public profile and social media presence of executives.
• A track record of achieving meaningful press coverage in technology or enterprise media.
• Experience securing prominent speaking engagements and preparing speakers for their appearances.
• Skill in managing external agencies, including setting expectations and evaluating results.
• Sound judgment and experience navigating challenging public relations situations.
• Sufficient technical understanding to write credibly about AI, search, and infrastructure.

Nice to have

• Background in journalism or editorial work.
• Experience in AI, developer tools, or deep technology, including existing media contacts in these areas.
• Experience with analyst relations.
• Experience transitioning a communications function from agency-led to in-house.
• Ability to produce content beyond text, such as video, podcasts, or event formats.

Skills & tools

• Ghostwriting
• Media relations
• Social media management
• Crisis communications
• Executive branding
• Public speaking coaching

Practical notes

• Visa sponsorship is available for exceptional candidates.
• Benefits include premium health coverage, fertility and family planning support (up to $15,000 lifetime maximum for egg freezing, 16 weeks paid parental leave), daily meals, stocked office, and commuter benefits.