Job Openings
Head of PR & Communications
About the job Head of PR & Communications
Head of PR & Communications
Location: Onsite – San Mateo, CA
Compensation: $170,000 – $250,000 base + equity
Visa Sponsorship: Not available
The Opportunity
HireNow Staffing is partnering with a high-growth AI software company to hire a Head of PR & Communications to build and scale its brand from the ground up.
This is a senior leadership role for a proven brand architect who has helped turn unknown or unexpected companies into recognizable, talked-about brands. The company is entering a critical phase where brand, narrative, and cultural relevance will directly influence product adoption, consumer trust, and long-term market position.
You will own brand strategy and communications end-to-end, blending earned media, social, and modern storytelling channels to define how the company shows up in the world.
Why This Role Is Different
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This is not enterprise PR or reputation maintenance
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This is brand creation, not brand protection
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You will translate complex AI technology into consumer-relevant stories
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The mandate is awareness, relevance, and momentum—not press volume
What You'll Do
Candidates must demonstrate depth across these responsibilities to be considered:
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Define and lead a cohesive brand and communications strategy across PR, social, and owned channels
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Build consumer-facing brand awareness for a company most people don't yet recognize—but should
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Establish the company's positioning and narrative, simplifying complex technology into emotionally resonant, accessible stories
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Own PR strategy end-to-end, including media relations, press moments, influencer strategy, launches, and events
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Drive modern storytelling through social platforms and emerging channels—not just traditional media
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Partner closely with executives to shape thought leadership, visibility, and public presence
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Prepare the brand for future consumer-facing product launches
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Hire and lead a communications team, building scalable systems and standards as the company grows
Required Qualifications
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7+ years of experience in PR, communications, or brand strategy
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Background in consumer-facing B2C or B2B2C technology environments
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Demonstrated success building brand awareness for companies that started with little to no public recognition
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Strong command of modern channels, especially social and digital storytelling
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Experience translating complex or technical products into clear consumer narratives
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Stable, progressive career history with clear ownership and leadership scope
Preferred Qualifications (Critical for Standout Candidates)
The strongest candidates will bring multiple of the following:
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Experience building a brand for a company people wouldn't expect to know—and making it known
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Background at high-growth consumer tech companies with distinctive, modern brand identities
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Experience with innovative B2B2C platforms or technically complex products sold to broad audiences
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Track record helping creates cult-like brand followings or strong emotional affinity
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Ability to operate strategically while remaining hands-on in execution
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Comfort building brand and PR foundations without relying on legacy enterprise frameworks
This Role Is Not a Fit for Candidates Who:
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Rely heavily on traditional, enterprise-style PR playbooks
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Come from organizations where PR is primarily reactive or compliance-driven
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Have unstable or highly fragmented work histories
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Lack experience building consumer awareness from near-zero
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Prefer slow-moving, highly layered corporate environments