Senior PR & Communications Manager (Build-from-Scratch Role)

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:

• Stock options + 401(k) with 4% employer match

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage + FSA options

• Unlimited PTO (salaried) + company holidays

• Up to 12 weeks paid parental leave (after 6 months)

• Life insurance + short- and long-term disability coverage

• Work From Anywhere Month + annual meeting-free weeks

• 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:

• Develop and execute a proactive PR strategy and roadmap, transitioning efforts from reactive to forward-looking

• Build and own the company's narrative across AI innovation, SMB impact, and major product initiatives

• Secure consistent Tier 1 and Tier 2 media coverage , elevating brand credibility and visibility

• Lead data-driven storytelling initiatives, using proprietary insights to craft compelling market narratives

• Partner cross-functionally with Data, Product, and Leadership teams to surface insights and shape differentiated positioning

• Drive communications for key launches, industry moments, and company milestones

• 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.

• 5–8 years of PR and communications experience , including significant in-house startup experience

• Demonstrated track record securing Tier 1/Tier 2 U.S. media coverage (deal breaker)

• Established relationships with U.S.-based business and technology reporters

• Proven experience building narrative using first-party data and insights

• Ability to operate as a team of one in a lean, fast-moving environment

• Deep, specific PR/communications expertise (not generalist marketing)

• 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:

• Experience building PR functions from scratch at high-growth startups

• Track record positioning AI-driven products and modern SMB technology narratives

• Background at data-driven SMB SaaS companies with strong internal storytelling cultures

• Comfort partnering directly with product and analytics teams to develop differentiated insights

• Proven ability to move quickly with limited resources while maintaining high editorial quality

Who Thrives in This Role

• PR leaders who want full ownership, not narrow execution

• Storytellers who can connect data, product, and market narrative into media-worthy moments

• Operators who thrive in high-growth, build-from-zero environments

• Candidates excited to shape how AI and SMB innovation are communicated at scale

HireNow Staffing Disclaimer

HireNow Staffing is acting as a direct placement partner for this role. All candidate information is handled confidentially and evaluated against defined requirements. This job description outlines the general scope of responsibilities and qualifications. Duties may evolve based on client needs and business growth. Only candidates meeting the core qualifications will be considered for interview.