Associate

About the organization

Riff City Strategies is a purpose-led communications firm operating where climate, emerging technology, and public policy meet. The team creates campaigns and narratives that help startups, foundations, advocacy groups, and public leaders drive meaningful change.

The firm’s work spans climate justice, military justice reform, community safety, major technology launches, democracy initiatives, and AI governance. Its approach is built on integrity, creativity, and measurable outcomes, and the organization has received recognition such as PRWeek Purpose Awards - Small Organization of the Year, Fast Company - Most Innovative Companies in the World, and Bulldog PR - Best Boutique Agency.

Role overview

This position is for a proactive Associate who enjoys media outreach, public affairs, and strategic storytelling. The ideal candidate writes well, manages details carefully, and is energized by work that influences policy, launches products, and shapes public conversation.

You should be comfortable creating strong communications across formats, coordinating multiple projects, pitching stories with confidence, and contributing to results-driven campaigns. The role reports to a senior team member and is part of a remote-first team.

The company works primarily with a team based in the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles, and candidates based in California are preferred for this position.

Key responsibilities

• Develop a solid understanding of each client’s mission, offerings, challenges, and market context.
• Reach out to journalists and conduct community-focused outreach for clients.
• Create and maintain media contact lists across multiple accounts.
• Write communications materials such as press releases, pitch notes, statements, blog content, newsletters, and thought leadership articles.
• Assist with client coordination by preparing agendas, recaps, and coverage summaries.
• Track news coverage and broader industry developments.
• Perform research assignments as needed for client work.
• Support internal business activities, which may include website updates, newsletter drafting, social media posting, and help with new business efforts.

Required qualifications

• Between 1 and 3 years of experience in public relations, public affairs, or corporate communications, with evidence of strong media relations and storytelling results.
• Ability to pitch persuasive stories directly to senior journalists with confidence.
• Genuine interest in elevating organizations working on climate action, social justice, and mission-driven technology.
• Strong organization, prioritization, and time management skills for handling several projects in a fast-moving setting.
• Self-directed and flexible, with the ability to take initiative while also incorporating feedback.
• Excellent research, proofreading, writing, and editing abilities with a focus on accuracy and clarity.
• Personable, approachable, and collaborative in working style.
• Comfort using G Suite, Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, plus willingness to learn new tools.
• California-based applicants are specifically preferred for this remote role.

Preferred qualifications

• Established relationships or existing contacts in the media.
• More than 2 years of experience in PR or agency environments.

Benefits and perks

• Competitive compensation.
• Healthcare coverage.
• Personal development stipend for business use.
• Internet and phone reimbursement.
• 401(k) plan with matching contributions.
• Quarterly profit sharing.
• Half-day Fridays every other week during the summer.
• Access to a startup-like environment with the benefits of a larger company.

Additional information

This organization describes itself as remote-first, with team members working part-time hours and being mainly located in the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles. The annual pay range for this role is $65,000 to $68,500. The company states that it is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics.