Head of Communications at Atticus

About Atticus

At Atticus, we address a critical issue: 16 million Americans currently face a crisis in accessing the legal system or government aid. We exist to change that by operating as a modern law firm dedicated to helping individuals navigate complex benefits like Social Security Disability Insurance and workers’ compensation. We combine experienced legal expertise with innovative technology to provide a high-touch client experience, helping claimants secure over $10 billion in aid. Having raised over $100 million from top-tier investors like Forerunner and GV, we are rapidly scaling as a category-defining business.

We are hiring our first Head of Communications to establish our media presence and shape stakeholder perception. You will report to the Chief Marketing Officer, Amanda Runner, and collaborate closely with Stephanie Akpa, Head of Policy and Public Affairs, Arpit Garg, Chief Legal Officer, and Sam Byker, Founder & CEO.

The Role and Mission

Your primary mission is to establish Atticus' media presence and shape how diverse stakeholders, including clients, law firms, the SSA, policymakers, and thought leaders, understand our company and our mission. This role requires building a communications program centered on two pillars: data journalism and policy-driven storytelling, with a specific focus on the SSA.

Key Responsibilities

What You'll Own:

• Communications Strategy and Operations: Develop and own the core communications strategy and core messaging, including building a comprehensive 12-month editorial calendar. You will build the operational infrastructure necessary for the function to run smoothly.
• Earned Media Strategy: Construct and lead a public relations program designed to consistently place Atticus in high-impact outlets that influence public and policymaker views. You will transform our proprietary data into compelling insights for publications such as the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Bloomberg.
• Policy Newsjacking and Rapid Response: Establish the agility to respond immediately to breaking news regarding the SSA or related policy changes, providing commentary, expert perspective, and op-eds to position Atticus as the first call for industry insight.
• Public Affairs and Congressional Engagement: Partner with the Public Affairs and Advocacy team to plan and execute Washington fly-ins and Congressional events, ensuring client stories directly influence policy conversations.
• Corporate Communications: Manage executive positioning for the CEO and leadership team, oversee thought leadership platforms, and maintain crisis preparedness plans.
• Agency and Stakeholder Management: Act as the central coordinator for PR and public affairs agencies, ensuring that our external voice is cohesive and reflects the entire organization across Policy, Legal, Product, and Growth teams.
• Team Building and Operations: Establish the operational foundations for PR and Comms, including media strategy, content calendars, approval workflows, messaging frameworks, and performance measurement. You will also be responsible for hiring and developing the communications team as the function grows.

What Success Looks Like In Year One

• Atticus is recognized as a consistent, credible voice in top tier coverage regarding Social Security, the SSA, disability benefits, and access to legal aid.
• The rapid-response capability is proven by consistent appearances within the first 24 hours of major SSA policy shifts.
• A series of well-staged Congressional events and fly-ins have been successfully executed, moving key policy priorities forward.
• The CEO has a clearly established and distinctive executive platform.
• Earned media and public affairs efforts operate under one unified plan, sharing calendars and messaging frameworks across all workstreams.

About You

We are seeking a communications leader who is deeply mission-driven and highly strategic.

• Experience: Must have 10 or more years in communications, with substantial experience in a policy-adjacent sector such as advocacy, government relations, a regulated industry, or a mission-driven consumer brand.
• Data Storytelling: Proven ability to translate complex datasets into compelling stories that media outlets want to publish.
• Public Affairs Expertise: Demonstrated success organizing high-level events, managing Congressional interactions, and navigating policy narratives within Washington.
• Writing Mastery: A strong writer and editor capable of pivoting seamlessly between external pitches, executive op-eds, and internal messaging.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Skill in acting as a central coordinator between diverse groups including agencies, Legal, Policy, and executive teams.
• Government Affairs Fluency: Deep understanding of how federal agencies and Congress function, with the capacity to build necessary relationships in D.C.
• Empathy: Genuine compassion for the individuals we serve, understanding that our clients are often at critical, difficult life moments.
• Culture Fit: Excitement for contributing to a performance-driven, data-first company culture.

Why Join Atticus

This is a unique chance to build a brand that genuinely changes lives. You will have significant creative autonomy, dedicated budget, and an executive team that prioritizes brand growth. You will be part of a well-funded, fast-growing company ($100M+ raised) that values craft. We are committed to a remote-first culture, with a US-distributed team and planned travel to LA for quarterly in-person connection.

Salary and Benefits

We offer competitive compensation designed to attract top talent who share our commitment to our mission. This includes:

• Compensation: Base salary anticipated between $250,000 and $350,000, plus equity. Final offer depends on experience and internal equity.
• Health & Wellness: Medical and dental insurance covering 100% of employee premiums. Free membership to OneMedical.
• Time Off: 15 vacation days and approximately 20 paid holidays annually (including two weeks at year-end).
• Financial Support: $600/year stipend for internet service. $1,000 reimbursable stipend for education and training outside of work. Student loan repayment assistance up to $1,200/year.
• Retirement: 401(k) options, including optional HSA/FSA.

Location and Employment Details

Employment Type: Full time. Location: Remote, with required travel to Los Angeles (on company dime) for quarterly meetings and offsites. Department: Marketing.