📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Chief Communications Officer
🔹 Company: Phoenix Tailings
🔹 Location: Burlington, MA
🔹 Job Type: Full Time
🔹 Category: Mining, Clean Tech
🔹 Date Posted: April 29, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site (Burlington, MA)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Leading public relations and media efforts to establish Phoenix Tailings as a trusted leader in clean mining and critical metals production.
- Developing and executing proactive media strategies to build brand awareness and secure top-tier media coverage.
- Serving as a primary company spokesperson and crafting compelling narratives for interviews, press conferences, and public engagements.
- Overseeing crisis communication strategies and building a high-performing communications team to support company growth.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic and dynamic communications professional with a proven track record in media engagement and brand management, preferably in energy, technology, mining, or clean tech sectors.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Lead all public relations and media efforts to establish Phoenix Tailings as a trusted leader in clean mining and critical metals production.
✅ Design and execute proactive media strategies to build brand awareness, secure top-tier media coverage, and effectively communicate key company milestones.
✅ Develop and maintain strong relationships with media outlets, reporters, and key industry influencers.
✅ Serve as a primary company spokesperson; craft and deliver compelling narratives in interviews, press conferences, and public engagements.
✅ Create and oversee high-impact external communications, including press releases, media kits, executive speeches, and op-eds.
✅ Monitor industry trends and public perception, providing strategic counsel to the executive team on communication opportunities and risks.
✅ Oversee crisis communication strategies, ensuring rapid, transparent, and effective responses.
✅ Build, manage, and mentor a high-performing communications team to support company growth.
✅ Partner with internal teams (Marketing, Business Development, Government Relations) to align messaging and amplify our mission globally.
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of strategic thinking, exceptional communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with various internal teams.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor or Master’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field.
Experience: 10+ years of experience leading public relations, corporate communications, or media strategy, preferably in energy, technology, mining, or clean tech sectors.
Required Skills:
- Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills with an ability to translate complex technical information into accessible narratives.
- Experience serving as a company spokesperson and engaging with media at the highest levels.
- Deep understanding of media relations, crisis communication, brand management, and digital media strategies.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to anticipate reputational risks and opportunities.
- Strong leadership skills with experience building and scaling communications teams.
Preferred Skills:
- Experience working in a startup environment or with venture-backed companies.
- Fluency in multiple languages (especially Spanish, Mandarin, or other languages relevant to global markets).
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with relevant industry experience and a strong portfolio of media placements and brand management successes will be highly competitive for this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $150,000 - $200,000 per year (based on experience and industry standards for similar roles in the Boston area)
Benefits:
- 100% Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Stock ownership in a fast-growing venture-backed company
- Parental leave and flexibility for families
- Flexible vacation policy
- Regularly scheduled events and celebrations
- Learning and development opportunities
- Working with a fun, hard-working, and kind team committed to making a difference
- Flexible culture with a focus on results
Working Hours: Full-time, with flexible hours and the expectation of occasional evening and weekend work for media appearances and events.
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles in the Boston area. The final offer will depend on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Phoenix Tailings operates in the mining and clean tech industries, with a focus on sustainable and economic critical metals production. The company is at the forefront of clean mining technology, aiming to be the world's first fully clean mining and metals production company.
Company Size: Phoenix Tailings is a small but rapidly growing startup with 11-50 employees. This size allows for a dynamic and agile work environment, with opportunities for significant impact and growth.
Founded: Phoenix Tailings was founded in 2019 and is headquartered in Woburn, Massachusetts, with an additional office in Burlington, MA.
Company Description:
- Phoenix Tailings is dedicated to sustainable and economic critical metals production, using cutting-edge technology to harvest value from mining waste.
- The company focuses on creating zero-carbon emission metals, including rare earth metals, iron, PGMs, and pigments.
- Phoenix Tailings is committed to innovation, environmental responsibility, and driving positive change in the mining industry.
Company Specialties:
- Clean mining technology
- Critical metals production
- Sustainable resource management
- Innovative mining solutions
Company Website: phoenixtailings.com
ASSUMPTION: Phoenix Tailings' focus on clean mining technology and sustainability makes it an attractive employer for environmentally conscious professionals seeking to make a positive impact.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is a senior-level position, reporting directly to the CEO and serving as a key member of the executive team.
Reporting Structure: The Chief Communications Officer will report directly to the CEO and work closely with other senior leaders, including the Chief Technology Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and heads of Marketing, Business Development, and Government Relations.
Work Arrangement: This role is primarily on-site, with occasional remote work possible for experienced candidates with a proven track record of successful remote work.
Growth Opportunities:
- As the company grows, there will be opportunities for the Chief Communications Officer to expand their team and take on additional responsibilities.
- Phoenix Tailings' focus on innovation and technology creates opportunities for professional development and growth in related fields.
- The company's commitment to diversity and inclusion fosters an environment where employees can grow both personally and professionally.
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential as the company continues to expand and solidify its position as a leader in clean mining technology.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Phoenix Tailings has offices in Woburn and Burlington, MA, with a flexible, startup-like work environment that encourages collaboration and innovation.
Office Location(s): 8 Henshaw St, Suite B, Woburn, MA 01801 and 20 North Ave, Burlington, MA 01803
Geographic Context:
- The Boston area is a hub for clean tech, energy, and innovation, providing ample opportunities for networking and collaboration.
- The region offers a high quality of life, with access to cultural attractions, outdoor recreation, and excellent educational institutions.
- Burlington, MA, is a suburban community with a mix of urban and rural amenities, offering a pleasant work-life balance.
Work Schedule: The work schedule is generally Monday through Friday, with flexible hours and the expectation of occasional evening and weekend work for media appearances and events.
ASSUMPTION: The Boston area's vibrant clean tech ecosystem and high quality of life make it an attractive location for professionals seeking to advance their careers in a dynamic and innovative environment.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Initial phone or video screen with the HR team to assess cultural fit and basic qualifications.
- In-depth interview with the CEO and/or other senior leaders to discuss the role, company vision, and strategic goals.
- Presentation or case study challenge to demonstrate communication skills and strategic thinking.
- Final interview with the CEO and/or other senior leaders to discuss the candidate's fit for the role and the company's culture.
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication skills and ability to craft compelling narratives.
- Strategic thinking and ability to anticipate reputational risks and opportunities.
- Leadership skills and ability to build and manage a high-performing team.
- Understanding of media relations, crisis communication, and digital media strategies.
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and accomplishments in public relations, corporate communications, and media strategy.
- Prepare a portfolio of media placements, press releases, and other communications materials that demonstrate your ability to secure top-tier media coverage and build brand awareness.
- Be ready to discuss your approach to crisis communication and your experience managing communications teams.
ATS Keywords: Public Relations, Media Engagement, External Communications, Crisis Communication, Brand Management, Digital Media Strategies, Strategic Thinking, Leadership, Storytelling, Media Relations, Writing, Editing, Communication Skills, Relationship Building, Team Management, Innovation
ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role will be comprehensive and rigorous, focusing on the candidate's communication skills, strategic thinking, and leadership abilities.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Media monitoring and analytics tools (e.g., Mention, Brand24, Hootsuite)
- Content management systems (e.g., WordPress, Drupal)
- Design and graphics software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
ASSUMPTION: The Chief Communications Officer will be expected to have proficiency in relevant tools and technologies, as well as the ability to learn and adapt to new platforms as needed.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- You are only crazy if you are wrong, it’s ok to be wrong
- Lead with Compassion
- Be Resourceful
- Listen
- Hustle
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Results-driven and focused on execution
- Adaptable and open to feedback
- Innovative and forward-thinking
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you embrace a culture where it's okay to be wrong and value learning from mistakes?
- Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic startup environment?
- Do you thrive in a collaborative work environment and enjoy working with diverse teams?
ASSUMPTION: Phoenix Tailings' values and work style emphasize innovation, collaboration, and a growth mindset, making it an attractive employer for professionals who thrive in dynamic, fast-paced environments.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- The role requires a high degree of strategic thinking and the ability to anticipate and manage reputational risks and opportunities.
- The Chief Communications Officer will need to build and manage a high-performing communications team, which may involve hiring, training, and mentoring new team members.
- The role may require occasional evening and weekend work for media appearances and events, which can be demanding and time-consuming.
- The Boston area's competitive job market and high cost of living may present challenges for some candidates.
ASSUMPTION: The Chief Communications Officer will need to be proactive, strategic, and adaptable to successfully navigate the challenges of this role and the dynamic environment of a fast-growing startup.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Unlike traditional mining companies, Phoenix Tailings focuses on clean mining technology and sustainable resource management, making this role unique in the industry.
- The Chief Communications Officer role at Phoenix Tailings requires a higher degree of strategic thinking and innovation than similar roles at traditional mining companies or other clean tech startups.
- This role offers significant growth potential and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the company's success and the clean mining industry as a whole.
ASSUMPTION: The unique focus of Phoenix Tailings and the strategic nature of this role make it an attractive opportunity for communications professionals seeking to make a significant impact in a growing and innovative industry.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a comprehensive media strategy to launch a new clean mining technology and secure top-tier media coverage in major publications and industry outlets.
- Crafting and delivering a compelling narrative for a keynote speech at a major industry conference, highlighting Phoenix Tailings' innovative approach to clean mining and its potential impact on the future of the industry.
- Managing a crisis communication strategy in response to a sudden change in regulatory requirements or a negative media story, ensuring rapid, transparent, and effective responses that protect the company's reputation and maintain stakeholder trust.
ASSUMPTION: The Chief Communications Officer will be expected to develop and execute strategic communications plans that drive brand awareness, secure top-tier media coverage, and protect the company's reputation in a dynamic and fast-changing environment.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does Phoenix Tailings plan to differentiate itself in the competitive clean tech and mining industries?
- What are the key priorities for the Chief Communications Officer in the first 90 days in this role?
- How does Phoenix Tailings support the professional development and growth of its employees?
- What is the company's approach to work-life balance, and how does it support employees in maintaining a healthy work-life balance?
- How does Phoenix Tailings engage with and involve its employees in the company's strategic decision-making processes?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and insightful questions during the interview process will demonstrate the candidate's interest in the role and their understanding of the company's mission, values, and strategic goals.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and accomplishments in public relations, corporate communications, and media strategy.
- Prepare a portfolio of media placements, press releases, and other communications materials that demonstrate your ability to secure top-tier media coverage and build brand awareness.
- Be ready to discuss your approach to crisis communication and your experience managing communications teams.
- Follow up with the HR team one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application and express your continued interest in the role.
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
