Research Communications Manager

About the TeamOpenAI’s mission is to ensure that general-purpose artificial intelligence benefits all of humanity.Our Communications team’s ethos is to support OpenAI's mission and goals by clearly and authentically explaining our technology, values, and approach to safely building powerful AI.About the RoleOpenAI is seeking an experienced communications professional to join our Platform & Research Communications team. This role will work closely with the Research Communications Lead and in partnership with applied and engineering teams to shape how OpenAI’s scientific work is understood by researchers, journalists, policymakers, and the broader public. This position is responsible for developing and executing external communications strategies around OpenAI’s research—from foundational model advances to applied science collaborations—ensuring accuracy, nuance, and alignment with OpenAI’s long-term goals. The ideal candidate brings strong science or technical fluency, excellent storytelling instincts, and experience navigating complex, high-stakes narratives.You will partner closely with research leadership, individual researchers, policy, product, and cross-functional communications teams. This role requires both strategic judgment and hands-on execution in a fast-moving environment where research, product, and public discourse intersect.This role is based in San Francisco, CA and follows a hybrid schedule (three days per week in office). Relocation assistance is available.In this role you will: Shape Research NarrativesDevelop clear, credible external narratives around OpenAI’s research roadmap, breakthroughs, and long-term scientific direction.Translate complex technical work into accessible stories without oversimplifying or overstating impact.Help define and reinforce OpenAI’s POV on key research topics (e.g., reasoning, alignment, interpretability, scientific discovery).Lead Research-Focused Media EngagementBuild and maintain trusted relationships with top-tier science, technology, and business journalists.Manage proactive and reactive media engagement related to research announcements, papers, collaborations, and emerging narratives.Prepare researchers and executives for interviews, briefings, and public appearances.Support Research Launches & PublicationsPartner with research teams to plan communications for major papers, model releases, evaluations, and science initiatives.Collaborate with design, editorial, and social teams on blogs, explainers, visuals, and supporting materials.Ensure launches are grounded in evidence, aligned with policy and safety considerations, and appropriately scoped.Cross-Functional PartnershipWork closely with Product, Policy, Safety, Legal, and Marketing to align research communications with broader company goals.Serve as a communications thought partner to researchers—helping them anticipate questions, risks, and opportunities.Risk Anticipation & MitigationIdentify potential reputational, scientific, or misinterpretation risks early.Develop mitigation strategies, Q&A, and guidance for sensitive or high-profile research topics.Help ensure OpenAI communicates responsibly about frontier capabilities and limitations.You might thrive in this role if you have:7+ years of experience in research, science, or technology communicationsDemonstrated experience working directly with scientists, engineers, or technical leaders.Strong understanding of AI, machine learning, or adjacent scientific domainsExceptional writing and editing skills, with the ability to adapt tone for expert and general audiencesProven judgment handling complex, ambiguous, or high-stakes narrativesExperience managing multiple workstreams in a fast-paced environment with shifting prioritiesStrong project management and cross-functional collaboration skillsComfort operating at both strategic and executional levelsFamiliarity with academic publishing, peer review, or research collaborationsAbout OpenAIOpenAI is an AI research and de ... (truncated, view full listing at source)