About the Role
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
This is not enterprise PR or reputation maintenance
This is brand creation, not brand protection
You will translate complex AI technology into consumer-relevant stories
The mandate is awareness, relevance, and momentum—not press volume
What You'll Do
Candidates must demonstrate depth across these responsibilities to be considered:
Define and lead a cohesive brand and communications strategy across PR, social, and owned channels
Build consumer-facing brand awareness for a company most people don't yet recognize—but should
Establish the company's positioning and narrative, simplifying complex technology into emotionally resonant, accessible stories
Own PR strategy end-to-end, including media relations, press moments, influencer strategy, launches, and events
Drive modern storytelling through social platforms and emerging channels—not just traditional media
Partner closely with executives to shape thought leadership, visibility, and public presence
Prepare the brand for future consumer-facing product launches
Hire and lead a communications team, building scalable systems and standards as the company grows
Required Qualifications
7+ years of experience in PR, communications, or brand strategy
Background in consumer-facing B2C or B2B2C technology environments
Demonstrated success building brand awareness for companies that started with little to no public recognition
Strong command of modern channels, especially social and digital storytelling
Experience translating complex or technical products into clear consumer narratives
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:
Experience building a brand for a company people wouldn't expect to know—and making it known
Background at high-growth consumer tech companies with distinctive, modern brand identities
Experience with innovative B2B2C platforms or technically complex products sold to broad audiences
Track record helping creates cult-like brand followings or strong emotional affinity
Ability to operate strategically while remaining hands-on in execution
Comfort building brand and PR foundations without relying on legacy enterprise frameworks
This Role Is Not a Fit for Candidates Who:
Rely heavily on traditional, enterprise-style PR playbooks
Come from organizations where PR is primarily reactive or compliance-driven
Have unstable or highly fragmented work histories
Lack experience building consumer awareness from near-zero
Prefer slow-moving, highly layered corporate environments
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 who meet the specific qualifications listed above and demonstrate a stable employment history will be considered for interview.https://www.careers-page.com/hirenow-staffing-inc/job/W365X9YWHireNow Staffing - Direct Placement Online Services | Recruitment Agency | Washington State
Tech Stack
PRcommunicationsbrand strategymedia relationssocial mediadigital storytelling