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.

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

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

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.

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