Senior PR & Communications Manager (Build-from-...
Job Description:
Senior PR & Communications Manager (Build-from-Scratch Role)
Location: Hybrid – San Francisco, CA (2 days onsite; Monday–Thursday in-office collaboration rhythm)
Compensation: $145,000 – $167,000 base salary
Additional Compensation: Equity
Work Authorization: Must be authorized to work in the U.S. — no visa sponsorship
Benefits & Perks
The company offers a highly competitive and thoughtful benefits package:
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Stock options + 401(k) with 4% employer match
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Medical, dental, and vision coverage + FSA options
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Unlimited PTO (salaried) + company holidays
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Up to 12 weeks paid parental leave (after 6 months)
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Life insurance + short- and long-term disability coverage
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Work From Anywhere Month + annual meeting-free weeks
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Meals provided, commuter benefits, team offsites, and Customer Days
Hybrid Rhythm: Collaboration drives impact. Monday–Thursday are intentional in-office days for faster execution, deeper connection, and better decision-making.
The Opportunity
HireNow Staffing is acting as a direct placement partner for a fast-growing software development company seeking a Senior PR & Communications Manager to build and lead its PR function from the ground up.
This is a highly visible, high-ownership role for a proactive storyteller who can define communications strategy, shape differentiated narratives, and consistently secure top-tier media coverage. Initially operating as a team of one, you will establish the internal foundation and external credibility that will scale long-term.
This role is best suited for PR leaders who have built in-house communications at high-growth startups—not candidates coming exclusively from agency environments.
Key Responsibilities
Candidates will be considered for interview based on demonstrated ability to perform the following responsibilities:
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Develop and execute a proactive PR strategy and roadmap, transitioning efforts from reactive to forward-looking
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Build and own the company's narrative across AI innovation, SMB impact, and major product initiatives
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Secure consistent Tier 1 and Tier 2 media coverage, elevating brand credibility and visibility
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Lead data-driven storytelling initiatives, using proprietary insights to craft compelling market narratives
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Partner cross-functionally with Data, Product, and Leadership teams to surface insights and shape differentiated positioning
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Drive communications for key launches, industry moments, and company milestones
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Establish scalable PR infrastructure, including messaging frameworks, media processes, and internal comms readiness
Only candidates with proven high-impact media wins and in-house startup PR ownership will be considered.
Required Qualifications (Non-Negotiable)
These qualifications are mandatory. Candidates who do not meet all requirements will not be considered for interview.
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5–8 years of PR and communications experience, including significant in-house startup experience
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Demonstrated track record securing Tier 1/Tier 2 U.S. media coverage (deal breaker)
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Established relationships with U.S.-based business and technology reporters
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Proven experience building narrative using first-party data and insights
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Ability to operate as a team of one in a lean, fast-moving environment
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Deep, specific PR/communications expertise (not generalist marketing)
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Strong job longevity and sustained impact in prior roles (no freelance/temp/contract-heavy backgrounds)
Preferred Qualifications (Strong Differentiators)
Candidates with the following background will be viewed as standout applicants:
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Experience building PR functions from scratch at high-growth startups
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Track record positioning AI-driven products and modern SMB technology narratives
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Background at data-driven SMB SaaS companies with strong internal storytelling cultures
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Comfort partnering directly with product and analytics teams to develop differentiated insights
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Proven ability to move quickly with limited resources while maintaining high editorial quality
Who Thrives in This Role
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PR leaders who want full ownership, not narrow execution
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Storytellers who can connect data, product, and market narrative into media-worthy moments
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Operators who thrive in high-growth, build-from-zero environments
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Candidates excited to shape how AI and SMB innovation are communicated at scale