Director of Communications

Tusk Ventures; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Unlimited vacation

Parental leave

Medical insurance

401(k)

Job summary

Tusk Ventures is seeking a Director of Communications to lead high-impact communications and public affairs campaigns for early stage tech companies navigating regulatory and public policy challenges.

You will translate complex technologies into accessible narratives, shape strategic messaging, and manage cross-functional teams and client relationships to drive outcomes. The role combines strategic leadership with hands-on media and coalition engagement in a fast-moving environment.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in strategic communications or related fields.
• Proven track record shaping public opinion and policy debates.
• Strong writing, messaging, and narrative development skills.
• Experience advising senior stakeholders and managing multiple workstreams.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day client engagements as a strategic advisor.
• Develop and execute communications and public affairs strategies.
• Advise founders on risks and opportunities in public discourse.
• Translate complex tech issues into accessible narratives.
• Design and lead integrated advocacy campaigns.
• Identify and mobilize influential stakeholders.
• Build relationships with media across national and digital outlets.
• Collaborate with internal teams to deliver campaigns.

Skills

Strategic communications

Public affairs

Political campaigns

Media relations

Storytelling

Stakeholder management

Job description

Director, Communications - Tusk Ventures

Tusk Ventures is seeking a Director of Communications to lead high-impact communications and public affairs campaigns for early stage tech companies navigating complex political, regulatory, and public affairs challenges.

We are looking for a campaign-minded communications leader who understands how to shape public opinion, influence policy debates, mobilize stakeholders, and drive client outcomes through stakeholder mapping, narrative architecture, coalition engagement, and media/digital strategy. This role requires someone who can translate sophisticated technologies into accessible narratives, build integrated campaign strategies, and manage complex client needs with precision.

The Director reports to the VP of Strategic Communications & Public Affairs and works closely with firm leadership, internal teams, and client executives.

What You’ll Do.

Strategic Leadership & Client Management

• Lead day-to-day client engagements, serving as a strategic advisor and ensuring accountability, coordination, and execution across teams.
• Develop and execute communications and public affairs strategies that address regulatory challenges, shape public narratives, and advance client business objectives.
• Advise founders and executives on communications risks, emerging issues, stakeholder dynamics, and opportunities to influence public and political discourse.
• Anticipate shifts in the political, regulatory, and media environment and adjust campaign strategies accordingly.

Campaign Strategy & Execution

• Translate complex technical, policy, and regulatory issues into compelling narratives that resonate with targeted audiences and advance campaign goals.
• Design and lead integrated advocacy campaigns combining earned media, coalition engagement, stakeholder mobilization, and digital communications.
• Develop persuasive messaging, campaign narratives, and communications materials, including speeches, op-eds, talking points, statements, proposals, and strategic presentations.
• Identify and mobilize influential stakeholders, including policymakers, advocacy organizations, industry leaders, community groups, and third-party validators.

Media Relations & Influence

• Build and maintain relationships with journalists, producers, commentators, podcasters, influencers, and other influential voices across national, local, and digital media.
• Develop targeted media strategies that extend beyond conventional press coverage to shape conversations across political and digital ecosystems.
• Identify opportunities for earned media, executive visibility, thought leadership, and third-party advocacy that strengthen client positioning.
• Respond decisively to emerging issues, reputational threats, and rapidly evolving media narratives.

Team Collaboration & Business Development

• Direct and coordinate internal teams, including research, policy, creative, and junior communications staff, to deliver cohesive campaigns and high-quality work.
• Partner with senior leadership to develop client proposals, new business pitches, and strategic recommendations.
• Contribute to business development by identifying opportunities to expand existing engagements and support prospective client relationships.
• Travel as needed for client meetings, campaign activations, stakeholder engagement, and industry events.

What We Look For.

• At least 4 years of relevant experience in strategic communications, public affairs, issue advocacy, political campaigns, or a related field.
• Demonstrated success developing and executing communications or advocacy campaigns that influence public opinion, stakeholder behavior, or policy outcomes.
• Strong understanding of left and right-of-center media landscape, including established outlets, independent media, digital influencers, and emerging communications platforms.
• Established media relationships and the ability to secure meaningful coverage, build third-party credibility, and advance targeted narratives.
• Exceptional writing, messaging, and strategic storytelling skills, with the ability to make complex issues accessible and persuasive.
• Experience managing client relationships, advising senior stakeholders, and coordinating multiple workstreams under tight deadlines.
• Familiarity with emerging technology, AI, innovation-driven industries, and the regulatory challenges facing high-growth companies is strongly preferred.
• Sound political judgment, resourcefulness, and the ability to operate independently, make decisions, and deliver results in fast-moving environments.

What You’ll Get From Us.

Tusk Ventures believes that investing in employees is fundamental to the firm’s success. We offer:

• Highly competitive base salary
• Opportunity to earn new business commissions
• Eligibility for a year-end bonus, including during the first year of employment
• 401(k) with an employer contribution equal to 3% of compensation
• 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums for employees, with 50% coverage for spouses and dependents
• Unlimited vacation
• Four months of fully paid parental leave
• Employer-paid cell phone service
• Hybrid work environment, with in-office days Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday

Compensation.

The expected base salary range is 110,000–150,000 annually. Actual compensation will depend on relevant experience, skills, qualifications, market conditions, and business needs.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Tusk Ventures is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.