Climate Communications Associate

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.