Communications Consultant [Science/Frontier Tech]

Milltown Partners

Our clients operate at the frontiers of innovation - we advise technology companies driving change, global investors funding the future, the giants of sport and entertainment, and influential individuals on the communications and policy challenges that define their reputations. Our work spans corporate and financial communications, policy and public affairs to engage regulators and policymakers, policy communications and leadership communications. We underpin the full breadth of our capabilities with research-driven insights and campaigns. We're also pioneering AI-enhanced advisory work for both our clients and internal innovation, using technology to unlock insights from data at unprecedented scale and speed.

The role

We're looking for a communications adviser who brings at least 4 years of experience in corporate communications, ideally specialised in science and frontier technology issues. We want someone who brings a genuine drive to go deep into unfamiliar territory, find the angles that others miss, and translate what you find into communications that land. The best consultants in this space operate a bit like investigative reporters – forensic enough to go deep into a subject, restless enough to extrapolate from it, and skilled enough to make it land with media (traditional and new), policymakers and technical talent. We want someone who has a proven track record of taking this approach to their work, rather than simply stating it.

Consultants are the driving force behind our work. You'll be a trusted adviser who shapes client reputations in line with agreed strategy and priorities, applying your knowledge and insights to commercial challenges. You'll drive work across the team in a way that makes the most of everyone's skills and experience, support more junior colleagues to develop, and deputise for Directors and Partners when required.

What you'll do

Shape communications strategy

You'll draw on deep knowledge of channels and audiences to position clients and tell their story – including translating highly technical, scientific, or regulatory subject matter into narratives that resonate beyond specialist audiences. That means working with client team leads to set strategy and priorities, building integrated communications plans, and designing research briefs that ensure all advice is grounded in insight. You'll tailor your recommendations to each client's needs – and consistently push for the most creative solutions, including confident use of AI-enhanced approaches.

Advise clients

You'll earn the trust of a range of clients and deliver recommendations that are understood and acted on. You'll produce compelling written content, drive significant communications moments – media briefings, speeches, owned channels, events – and stay across the issues your clients face, from government consultations to research papers and the wider news agenda. You'll use tools including Factiva, Meltwater, Claude, and Gemini to generate insight, support complex deliverables, and enable innovation.

Develop the team

You'll build and manage project plans, manage the work of junior colleagues, and support their development through coaching and constructive feedback. Encouraging continuous learning – and delegating effectively to enable it – is a core part of the role.

Contribute to the business

You'll apply your understanding of the commercial context in which clients operate, contribute to internal projects, and bring restlessness to spotting growth and development opportunities – whether that's finding new ways to help clients, running teams more efficiently, or sharing knowledge internally. You'll experiment with and implement AI-powered workflows that improve team efficiency.

Build a collaborative environment

You'll give and receive feedback regularly, actively seek input from colleagues at all levels, and demonstrate allyship to everyone on the team. Creating an inclusive environment where brilliant work happens is everyone's responsibility.

What we're looking for

You'll bring a strong foundation in communications expertise, with the passion and curiosity in all things frontier tech and the expertise to act as an exceptional adviser.

Essential:

• At least 4 years of communications experience with direct exposure and experience for clients, stakeholders or organisations who could be at the forefront of technology innovation, from deep science or frontier tech or biotech and other adjacent fields.
• Demonstrated ability to translate technically complex subject matter for non-specialist audiences, including media, policymakers, and the general public.
• Media handling experience across proactive and reactive – driving stories into specialist and mainstream outlets, managing sensitive enquiries, and building relationships with journalists covering science, research, health, or technology.
• Experience working directly with technically expert stakeholders – scientists, engineers, researchers, or R&D leads – and translating their expertise into communications strategy. You've earned credibility with demanding clients, not just supported someone who did.
• Demonstrable restless intellectual curiosity which is proven by following debates and issues beyond your immediate brief which will raise the quality of the work for clients and colleagues alike
• Strong project management skills: planning and delivering work against agreed goals, timelines, and budgets.
• Experience managing a team and delegating effectively.
• Working knowledge of AI tools (e.g. Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini) used critically and effectively in professional settings.

Desirable:

• An existing network of contacts in science, research, or frontier tech media – journalists, editors, or publications covering the R&D community.
• Familiarity with the policy and regulatory environment affecting companies at the science and technology frontier – including AI governance, biotech regulation, research ethics, DSIT, and the broader UK and EU science policy landscape.
• Agency or consultancy experience, particularly managing multiple clients simultaneously.

Why join us

We're an independent, employee-owned firm, which means the people who work here share in our collective success. We operate across London, Brussels, San Francisco, New York, and Washington D.C., advising technology companies, global investors, iconic brands and influential individuals on the communications and policy challenges that define their reputations.

Our culture is built on five values: brilliance, restlessness, comradeship, inclusivity and integrity. We expect a lot from each other, but we also invest in each other—through honest feedback, shared learning and genuine care that goes beyond the work itself.

You'll have access to competitive pay with transparent salary bands, twice-yearly bonuses, professional development opportunities guided by our career framework and progression pathways, private healthcare, mental health support, 26 days holiday plus public holidays (outside of our annual Christmas break), and a hybrid working model (three days in the office: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday).

We're also serious about building a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace. We have measurable commitments around representation, inclusion, and supporting underrepresented communities through pro bono work. Creating an environment where everyone can thrive is central to how we operate.

Ready to apply?

If this sounds like the right place to progress your career, we'd love to hear from you.

If the years of experience or salary band don't quite align with your expectations please don't hesitate to reach out and we can talk it through.