Communications Lead

About Standard Bots Standard Bots is America's industrial robot company. We're building the world's most accessible robotics platform to bring AI-native automation into manufacturing and beyond—propelling human productivity toward a more abundant future. Overview We're looking for a Communications Lead to own Standard Bots' earned media strategy and serve as the strategic communications partner for our CEO. This role sits at the intersection of Silicon Valley tech media and Washington, D.C. policy communications—and it requires someone who already operates in both worlds. You'll drive brand awareness through top-tier print and broadcast media, long-form podcasts, influential newsletters, and social media—while also shaping the policy narrative for a CEO who testifies to Congress, engages the Department of Commerce, and speaks for the future of American manufacturing. Roughly 70–80% of your time is media and brand; 20–30% is policy communications. This is not a strategy-only role. The right person walks in with relationships and a track record of getting stories placed. What You Will Do Develop and execute a comprehensive earned media strategy across legacy print, broadcast television, digital outlets, long-form podcasts, newsletters, and social media influencers. Pitch and place stories at tier-one outlets—Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Bloomberg, CNBC, and comparable publications—drawing on existing relationships with reporters and editors. Build and manage relationships with tech journalists, podcast hosts, newsletter writers, and influencers who shape the conversation around AI, robotics, and American manufacturing. Develop narrative angles that position Standard Bots as the defining company in Physical AI and industrial automation. Draft and refine congressional testimony, policy briefs, and government-facing communications for the CEO. Prepare the CEO for high-stakes engagements with Congress, the Department of Commerce, and other government and policy bodies. Generate media coverage in D.C.-specific outlets at the intersection of technology, manufacturing, and industrial policy. Over time, potentially take ownership of the company's social media strategy and execution. What We're Looking For Significant in-house communications experience at a venture-backed technology company—you understand startup velocity and how to build a narrative while the company is still scaling. Deep relationships in the Silicon Valley tech media scene. You know the reporters, editors, producers, and podcast hosts personally. You've placed major stories and can point to them. Real experience in government or policy communications—whether on the Hill, inside an agency, or at the intersection of tech and policy. You know how D.C. works and you have relationships there. Exceptional writer. Congressional testimony, op-eds, media pitches, executive briefings—you do all of it at a high level and fast. A connector and operator. You don't wait for inbound. You make things happen through relationships and persistence. Bonus Qualifications Experience in manufacturing, industrial tech, robotics, or AI. Existing relationships with long-form podcast producers and tech-policy media. Track record of building a CEO's public profile from early stage to category leadership. Based in or near New York, or open to hybrid work. Compensation and Benefits The salary range for this role is $150,000-$175,000, depending on experience. Base salary is just one part of overall compensation at Standard Bots. All full-time employees are eligible for employee stock options. We also offer a package of benefits including paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, and 401(k).