Schmidt Sciences is a nonprofit organization founded in 2024 by Eric and Wendy Schmidt that works to accelerate scientific knowledge and breakthroughs with the most promising, advanced tools to support a thriving planet. The organization prioritizes research in areas poised for impact including AI and advanced computing, astrophysics, biosciences, climate, and space—as well as supporting researchers in a variety of disciplines through its science systems program.
About the Climate Center
The Climate Center at Schmidt Sciences supports fundamental science, decision-relevant tools and global research networks to deepen understanding of our interconnected Earth system and to bend the carbon curve toward a sustainable future for humanity and nature. Its work brings together interdisciplinary research, observations, and modeling to better account for feedback across the land, atmosphere and oceans and to evaluate mitigation strategies.
The Role
Schmidt Sciences seeks a Communications Associate to help our growing Climate Center bridge the gap between complex technical research and accessible, impactful narratives. This hands-on role requires both strong communications skills and a meaningful working knowledge of climate research topics and related sciences. The ideal candidate combines deep experience in science or technology communications with technical fluency in climate sciences, Earth systems, decarbonization and climate modeling research. They are equally comfortable collaborating with leading researchers and shaping public-facing narratives that inform, inspire and build trust. Working closely with the communications team, the Communications Associate will support the development of messaging and content that elevates the work of Schmidt Sciences’ and its grantees, with an emphasis on the Climate Center. Reporting to the Communications Director, the Communications Associate will play a central role in developing strategy and executing content across Schmidt Sciences’ climate portfolio.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the development of clear, unified narratives for Schmidt Sciences’ climate portfolio of programs
Serve as a thought partner to climate program staff on positioning, messaging and presentation support
Highlight the voices and work of climate grantees through profiles, interviews, and feature stories
Draft and edit high-quality written materials including press releases, website content, reports, blog posts, newsletters, op-eds, social posts, speeches and explainer materials
Translate complex climate, modeling and scientific research into accessible language for diverse audiences including media, and the public
Pitch stories to journalists, podcasters and other influencers in the climate and public sector
Draft and develop content, calendar and post to Schmidt Sciences social media channels
Ensure consistency in tone, brand, and messaging across communications
Collaborate on multimedia storytelling efforts for the Climate Center, including video, audio, interactive features and short-form explainers
Monitor and analyze communications performance metrics to evaluate effectiveness and inform strategy
Identify opportunities to innovate using digital tools, data visualization or emerging AI technologies to strengthen communications
Maintain an active understanding of trends in climate research across academia and industry to ensure messaging remains timely and credible
Monitor climate grantee publications and Schmidt Sciences-funded research for amplification on owned media channels
Manage incoming communications requests from internal teams and external partners for the climate institute, ensuring accuracy and adherence to brand standards
Provide general project support to the communications team as needed
Collaborate closely with colleagues across programs
Some national or international travel will be required
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, climate science, environmental science, energy policy, or a related field
3 - 5 years of professional experience in communications
Previous experience pitching stories successfully and working with the press
Strong working knowledge of climate modeling, carbon cycle science, energy transition pathways, and computational tools
Demonstrated ability to translate complex technical topics into clear, compelling narratives for non-expert audiences
Strong track record of collaboration with researchers, scientists or technical subject matter experts
Excellent writing and editing skills
Experience using AI tools to enhance day-to-day workflows and productivity
Experience managing websites, digital content platforms and social channels
Familiarity with analytics tools and audience engagement metrics
Strong project management skills and ability to coordinate multiple initiatives simultaneously
High attention to detail, strong organizational skills and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working in philanthropic, academic, research or technology-focused institutions
Emerging network of connections at publications, social media channels and other domains that cover climate news
Experience with data analysis or visualization tools
Design sensibility and working knowledge of creative tools such as Adobe Creative Suite or audio/video editing software
Portfolio demonstrating science or climate storytelling
Interest in or exposure to both academic and industry climate research environments
Experience with analytics, audience engagement metrics or performance tracking
This is an exempt position.
Schmidt Sciences, is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that proudly pursues and hires a
diverse workforce. We do not make hiring or employment decisions on the basis of race, color,
religion or religious belief, ethnic or national origin, nationality, sex, gender, gender-identity, sexual
orientation, disability, age, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable local,
state, or federal laws or prohibited by Company policy. We strive for a healthy and safe workplace and
strictly prohibit harassment of any kind.