About the Network

Protocol Labs is an innovation network of more than 600 teams, projects, and movements, focused on R&D and deploying network protocols. Our teams are purpose-aligned and share a common mission: To drive breakthroughs in computing to push humanity forward. For us, decentralization is more than just a rallying cry; it’s an operational ethos and a belief system baked into the products we develop. Network members have been responsible for creating and building many of the core primitives that power the decentralized web: IPFS, IPLD, Filecoin, libp2p, and more. Even more, our focus goes beyond web3 protocols and spans a wide range of technologies, including neurotech, AI, virtual reality, and more.

About the Company

As an innovation network rooted in a culture of collaboration, Protocol Labs requires a fresh approach to advancing emerging technologies. Polaris builds the infrastructure that enables Protocol Labs teams, projects, and movements, and members to flourish. We create the programs, tools, and events that connect, strengthen, and build the teams that drive breakthroughs in computing to push humanity forward. We manage network membership and track data to continuously gauge the growth and state of maturity of Protocol Labs across a number of critical pillars, and manage the Protocol Labs brand and strategic marketing initiatives. At the core of everything Polaris does, is the Protocol Labs mission and the desire to progress innovation.

About the Role

As Communications Lead, you will create the strategy to tell the story and growth journey of Protocol Labs, an innovation network. While Protocol Labs supports the entire R&D pipeline, it is particularly interested in the crucial area around science-to-technology translation. It’s at this early stage where funding is scarce, yet pivotal programs and financial instruments may be created to assist the evolution of advanced technologies that will shape the future of humanity. This role will shape the Protocol Labs narrative and unearth storylines across the innovation network that captivate and activate Protocol Labs’ priority audiences. You will tell these stories in the written content and press releases that you create and share with the media.

You will work alongside the full marketing team and Polaris leadership to craft a foundational communication strategy and playbook. You will drive its delivery. Once this critical piece is in place, you will be responsible for developing the communications calendar, programming content on Protocol Labs channels, and all aspects of PR and media relations. As a seasoned communications leader, you will be responsible for a broad set of media touchpoints to grow and extend the impact of projects in the network. Specifically:

• Collaborate closely with the brand and marketing teams to create and systemize an integrated communications strategy
• Implement the strategy with a strong understanding of audience development and segmentation, and how to maximize reach through internal/external comms channels
• Mine stories from within Protocol Labs that showcase the value proposition of an innovation network and the impactful work happening every day across PL
• Engage with key leaders across the innovation network as an evangelist for their teams, projects, and movements (ties in with storylines)
• Develop and implement media relations plans for Protocol Labs and key leadership across the broader network, notably the Protocol Labs founder and Polaris CEO
• Strengthen existing relationships and cultivate new relationships with the media outlets that reach our key audiences (e.g., online journalists, podcasts, blogs, and influencers)
• Respond to media inquiries, educate reporters, correct misperceptions, and work with the team on issues and crisis communications
• Work with and manage our agency partners to position Protocol Labs as thought leaders and pitch stories about the important work happening in the innovation network with media outlets that connect with our key audiences
• Measure and report the impact of campaigns using key performance indicators (leading and lagging) — and then use that data to optimize our communications strategy

Requirements:

• Possesses 8-12 years of communications experience, with a preference for 5+ years in an open-source community
• Deeply immersed in advanced and emerging technologies (web3, AI, neurotech) and driven by a passion for developer relations and education
• Understands the urgency of Protocol Labs' mission and recognizes the importance of open source and a decentralized internet
• Experienced in working with C-suite executives and leadership teams at major companies or fast-paced startups
• Proficient in working diligently and cohesively with cross-functional teams and related organizations
• Exhibits superior ability to assess priorities and manage a diverse array of tasks effectively, balancing urgency and importance
• Brings a strategic mindset while being willing and able to get hands-on with execution
• Demonstrates excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills, along with the journalistic ability to source stories from team leaders and founders
• A self-starter capable of independently driving projects to completion with the agility to adapt to the rapidly evolving technology landscape
• Possesses analytical skills to leverage data for audience insights

Bonus

• Has communications experience with a VC firm
• Brings 4+ years of experience in a communications role or function within a startup
• Experience managing open-source communities
• Possess 2-3 years of experience at a web3 company

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Polaris is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. We believe that diversity in our team makes us stronger and more innovative. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.