Director of Internal Communications

About the Role

Handshake 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 leadership team.

You'll report to our Chief Communications Officer and work daily with 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.

• Own the internal communications strategy, calendar, and operating rhythm across Careers and Handshake AI
• Serve as the C-suite internal communications partner
• Run All Hands on one standard across the company and extend it to the departmental tier
• Partner with the People team on people communications and key lifecycle moments
• Design and run recognition and culture programs with the People team
• Build and edit the company's core internal channels and select the tools to run them
• Translate technical work into clear, plain-language stories every employee can follow
• Connect the internal and external narrative so employees hear Handshake's news first
• Measure understanding, not just reach, and report the results back to leadership

Please note, this is a Senior IC role and does not manage a team.

Desired Capabilities

• 8–12 years in internal/employee or executive communications, including a tour scaling internal comms through rapid company growth
• Exceptional writer, able to write convincingly in a founder-CEO's voice
• Proven ability to build communications systems and processes from scratch
• Skilled at translating complex, technical work into clear, plain-language narratives
• Trusted advisor to senior leadership, comfortable giving candid counsel
• AI-native working style, using AI to gather, draft, and measure communications work
• Strong judgment and discretion with sensitive or high-stakes material
• Data-literate, comfortable setting benchmarks and reporting results to executives
• Comfortable working cross-functionally across People, Legal, Marketing, and Product/Engineering
• Bonus: experience at an AI company, post-acquisition integration, employer brand, or event production

Perks

Handshake delivers benefits that help you feel supported—and thrive at work and in life.

🎯 Ownership: Equity in a fast-growing company

💰 Financial Wellness: 401(k) match, competitive compensation, financial coaching

🍼 Family Support: Paid parental leave, fertility benefits, parental coaching

💝 Wellbeing: Medical, dental, and vision, mental health support, wellness stipend

📚 Growth: Learning stipend, ongoing development

💻 Remote & Office: Internet, commuting, and free lunch/gym in our SF office

🏝 Time Off: Flexible PTO, 15 holidays + 2 flex days

🤝 Connection: Team outings & referral bonuses