Riff City Strategies is a mission-driven communications firm working at the intersection of climate, emerging technology, and public policy. We build movements and tell stories that help our clients, from VC-backed startups and foundations to social justice campaigns and government leaders, create change that matters.

We tackle the most challenging issues facing our society and planet – our firm believes in the power of advocacy and communication as tools for change. Our work has helped shift hundreds of millions of dollars to BIPOC-led groups fighting for climate justice, brought landmark military justice reforms into law with Protect Our Defenders, and supported community-based public safety efforts with Urban Alchemy.

We’ve led launches for the Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging Network, Sam Altman’s World Network, and some of the most pivotal democracy, justice, and AI governance initiatives of our time — helping government leaders, VC-backed startups, and major foundations build trust and momentum in moments that matter.

Our culture is rooted in integrity, creativity, and results. That commitment has earned us international recognition:

1. PRWeek Purpose Awards -Small Organization of the Year 
2. Fast Company - Most Innovative Companies in the World 
3. Bulldog PR - Best Boutique Agency

The Opportunity

We are looking for a sharp and self-starting Associate with a passion for media relations, storytelling, and public affairs. The ideal candidate is a creative, detail-oriented story-teller, driven to make an impact, and excited to work on campaigns that shape policy, launch technologies, and shift culture.

You’re a confident writer and communicator who can deliver top-tier work across formats, from press releases to long-form thought leadership. You know how to manage projects, and you’re fearless when it comes to pitching and delivering results.

Working with us means you’ll be surrounded by high-quality teammates and learn something new every day. Riff has a positive, team-oriented culture where you’ll be challenged, continue to grow, and laugh a lot. We take our work seriously but not ourselves — you’ll get to do meaningful work with a team that values creativity, purpose, and collaboration.

Riff is a remote-first organization with the team working PT hours and primarily based in the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles. For this role, we’re prioritizing California-based applicants. This position reports to a senior member of the Riff team.

Responsibilities:

1. Get to know our clients inside and out — their mission, products, challenges, and the people and trends shaping their industries
2. Pitch media and conduct community outreach on behalf of clients
3. Build and maintain media lists for multiple clients 
4. Draft a wide variety of communications materials (press releases, pitches, statements, blog posts, newsletters, thought leadership pieces, etc.)
5. Support management of client teams through drafting agendas, recaps, and coverage reports
6. Monitoring news trends 
7. Conduct miscellaneous research for clients as needed
8. Provide general business support, which could include updating the Riff City Strategies' website, drafting newsletters, posting to company’s social channels or contributing to new business efforts

Required Qualifications:

1. 1-3 years of experience in public relations, public affairs, or corporate communications, with a proven track record of success in media relations and storytelling
2. Exceptional media relations – comfortable and confident pitching compelling stories directly to top-tier reporters
3. Passionate storyteller dedicated to amplifying the voices of organizations advancing climate action, social justice, and mission-driven technology
4. Highly organized with excellent prioritization and time management abilities to efficiently handle multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
5. Self-motivated and adaptable with strong initiative to take ownership of tasks while being receptive to feedback and guidance
6. Top-notch research, proofreading, writing, and editing skills that ensure accuracy and clarity in all communications
7. Outgoing, personable, and generally nice! We like to have fun and get into good trouble!
8. Proficiency with digital tools, including G Suite, Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, with an openness to learning new platforms as needed
9. Note: While remote, we are specifically looking for CA-based applicants

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Existing media contacts/relationships
2. 2+ years of PR/agency experience

The Details

Riff City is best-in-class, and this extends to our employee-centric company culture and benefits. Our perks are unrivaled, like our team and clients! We provide big company benefits (competitive salary, healthcare, a personal development stipend for business, internet and phone reimbursement, 401(k) with matching, quarterly profit sharing, half-day Fridays every other week during the summer + more) while maintaining the size and energy of a startup.

Riff is a remote-first organization with the team primarily based in the San Francisco Bay Area. The annual salary range for this position is $65,000-$68,500 per year. We believe in action from the ground up — whether that’s helping accelerate clean energy or supporting changemakers in the field. If you thrive on purpose, collaboration, and creativity, you’ll fit right in.

Riff City Strategies, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.

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