Policy Communications Lead, Washington D.C.

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Policy Communications Lead

🔹 Company: Anthropic

🔹 Location: Washington, District of Columbia, United States

🔹 Job Type: On-site

🔹 Category: 📣 Marketing Communications (MarCom)

🔹 Date Posted: Mon Mar 31 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years

🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (25% on-site required)

📌 Essential Job Details

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing and executing communication strategies in a fast-paced environment.
• Engaging with policy makers, media, and other stakeholders to communicate Anthropic’s mission.
• Collaborating across policy, legal, and product teams for major announcements.
• Managing media relations and building influential relationships.

ASSUMPTION: This role likely requires a strong understanding of AI ethics and policy, given Anthropic's focus on steerable and reliable AI systems.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Develop and execute proactive communications strategies.

✅ Work with policy teams to craft responses to policy developments.

✅ Partner with cross-functional teams for product launches and media requests.

✅ Build strong relationships with media and influencers in D.C. and key policy hubs.

✅ Orchestrate and write company communications materials.

✅ Manage executive interviews and speaking engagements.

ASSUMPTION: Responsibilities include communication strategy and policy coordination, which likely involves resolving complex communication scenarios quickly.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience required.

Experience: 10+ years directing policy communications in tech companies or political campaigns.

Required Skills:

• Policy Communications
• Media Relations
• Written and Verbal Communication
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Critical Thinking
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Proactive Strategy Development

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with AI-related policy or technology
• Understanding of the D.C. media environment

ASSUMPTION: The role benefits from candidates who can navigate both technical and policy aspects, influential D.C. network preferred.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $240,000 - $300,000 USD annually

Benefits:

• Competitive healthcare and wellness programs
• Generous vacation and parental leave
• Flexible working hours

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with hybrid onsite expectations

ASSUMPTION: Salary reflects high level of expertise expected, and benefits are structured to appeal to top-tier candidates.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Research Services focusing on AI

Company Size: 501-1,000 employees, providing a balance of resources and agility

Founded: Not specified

Company Description:

• AI research focused on safe, steerable systems
• Offers AI assistant Claude for scalable tasks
• Research spans natural language, human feedback, and interpretability

Company Specialties:

• AI Safety
• Interpretable Systems
• Reinforcement Learning

Company Website: https://www.anthropic.com/

ASSUMPTION: Anthropic’s focus on AI safety implies potential candidates should align with ethical AI practices.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Senior leadership in communications, influencing company direction on policy matters

Reporting Structure: Reports to Head of Corporate and Policy Communications

Work Arrangement: Hybrid model allows for some flexibility, but physical presence is necessary

Growth Opportunities:

• Opportunities to influence AI policy directions
• Leadership role in promoting AI ethics and practices
• Building extensive networks in tech and policy circles

ASSUMPTION: This role is positioned as a bridge to policy-making circles, vital for guiding strategic AI communication efforts.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Modern office in strategic policy location

Office Location(s): Washington, D.C.

Geographic Context:

• Close proximity to policy makers and media hubs
• Strategic location for networking and policy influence
• Access to diverse cultural and professional settings in D.C.

Work Schedule: Flexibility likely accommodates peak project loads and events

ASSUMPTION: D.C. location is optimal for engaging with federal policy makers, vital for this communications role.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Initial screening by HR
• Technical interview with policy team
• Final panel interview including communications leadership

Key Assessment Areas:

• Policy and media relations experience
• Crisis communication skills
• Understanding of AI and technical policy issues

Application Tips:

• Highlight relevant AI policy or communications experience
• Demonstrate strategic thinking in media management
• Showcase cross-functional collaboration skills

ATS Keywords: AI policy, media engagement, strategic communications

ASSUMPTION: Actual interview processes may include additional assessments, depending on role demands.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Media monitoring software
• AI communication platforms
• Content management systems

ASSUMPTION: Typical tools used for broader dissemination and strategy monitoring, tailored to AI industry communication needs.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Commitment to AI safety
• Sustainability in technology development
• Innovative and collaborative work culture

Work Style:

• Collaborative team environment
• Focus on high-impact, scalable projects
• Transparent and open communication paths

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Am I passionate about AI safety?
• Can I manage complex media relations effectively?
• Do I thrive in fast-paced, dynamic environments?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates will likely excel if they align with ethical tech values and can handle dynamic communication challenges.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Handling high-stakes media interactions
• Navigating complex policy environments quickly
• Ensuring consistent communication across diverse platforms
• Maintaining clarity in mission-critical announcements

ASSUMPTION: Challenges commonly seen in tech policy roles include rapid adaptation to emergent tech policies and public-facing communication.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Corporate Communications Manager in a tech firm – similar but less policy-focused
• Policy Director for a governmental agency – more focus on policy creation without a communications angle
• Public Affairs Lead at a non-profit – similar networking but different sector pressures

ASSUMPTION: Job comparisons suggest this role uniquely combines policy expertise with direct communications leadership in AI.

📝 Sample Projects

• Lead communications for a flagship AI research announcement
• Organize executive speaking engagements in key conferences
• Develop media strategies for handling complex AI policy discussions

ASSUMPTION: Projects are indicative of the role's emphasis on high-impact, public-facing communication in AI policy areas.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does Anthropic view the role of policy in AI development?
• What are the biggest communication challenges Anthropic faces?
• How is success in this role measured within the team?
• What kind of media training is available for executives?
• How often does cross-functional collaboration occur and with what focus?

ASSUMPTION: Questions are formulated to gauge the role’s strategic impact, clarity on expectations, and understanding of organizational dynamics.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through the Anthropic careers page
• Prepare a portfolio showcasing relevant policy communications experience
• Include a cover letter reflecting your understanding of AI policy communications
• Keep track of application status by contacting the recruitment team
• Navigate any technical difficulties using provided support contacts

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.