Director of Internal Communications

Handshake Internal Communications RoleHandshake is looking for a builder to own and run our internal communications function. This is not a typical comms role. Handshake has grown from one business into two — Careers, and Handshake AI, which spans human data, Labs, and Enterprise AI — in under two years, tripling headcount, opening offices in New York and India, and acquiring companies along the way. That growth creates a real opportunity to build a clear, consistent internal story from the ground up, in close partnership with our CEO and leadership team.You'll report to our Chief Communications Officer and work daily with our CEO, Careers and Handshake AI business unit leadership, and our People team. Your job is to make sure every employee — in San Francisco, New York, Bangalore, or remote — hears one Handshake story, on a rhythm they can predict, in a voice that still sounds like us.There is no existing playbook, team, or tooling for this function today. You'll design the systems, select the tools, and earn a seat at the leadership table as an embedded partner rather than a service desk. You'll be measured first on whether leadership communication is clearer, more consistent, and more trusted because you exist, and second on whether the company stays one company as it scales.Responsibilities include:Own the internal communications strategy, calendar, and operating rhythm across Careers and Handshake AIServe as the C-suite internal communications partnerRun All Hands on one standard across the company and extend it to the departmental tierPartner with the People team on people communications and key lifecycle momentsDesign and run recognition and culture programs with the People teamBuild and edit the company's core internal channels and select the tools to run themTranslate technical work into clear, plain-language stories every employee can followConnect the internal and external narrative so employees hear Handshake's news firstMeasure understanding, not just reach, and report the results back to leadershipPlease note, this is a Senior IC role and does not manage a team.Desired Capabilities8–12 years in internal/employee or executive communications, including a tour scaling internal comms through rapid company growthExceptional writer, able to write convincingly in a founder-CEO's voiceProven ability to build communications systems and processes from scratchSkilled at translating complex, technical work into clear, plain-language narrativesTrusted advisor to senior leadership, comfortable giving candid counselAI-native working style, using AI to gather, draft, and measure communications workStrong judgment and discretion with sensitive or high-stakes materialData-literate, comfortable setting benchmarks and reporting results to executivesComfortable working cross-functionally across People, Legal, Marketing, and Product/EngineeringBonus: experience at an AI company, post-acquisition integration, employer brand, or event productionPerksHandshake delivers benefits that help you feel supported—and thrive at work and in life. The below benefits are for full-time US employees.Ownership: Equity in a fast-growing companyFinancial Wellness: 401(k) match, competitive compensation, financial coachingFamily Support: Paid parental leave, fertility benefits, parental coachingWellbeing: Medical, dental, and vision, mental health support, wellness stipendGrowth: Learning stipend, ongoing developmentRemote & Office: Internet, commuting, and free lunch/gym in our SF officeTime Off: Flexible PTO, 15 holidays + 2 flex daysConnection: Team outings & referral bonuses