Meet the Team

BRIAN PURCHIA
CEO + Founder

JESS MONTEJANO
President

LIZ PURCHIA
Founding Partner

PAUL DAY
Vice President

KATE HELETE
Director

AONYA MCCRUISTON
Manager

JORDANA KLAUSNER
Senior Consultant

SARA BILOTTA
Sr. Associate

APRIL MORLAND
Sr. Associate

MELANIE DIEZ
Sr. Associate

ELSA CASTRO
Sr. Associate

MONICA COYLE
Associate
Join Our Team
Senior Associate
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 positive world changing impact.
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.
As a result of our agency culture and our commitment to integrity, creativity and results, we’ve been recognized broadly:
- PRWeek Purpose Awards recognized us as Small Organization of the Year
- Fast Company named Riff City one of the most Innovative Companies in the World
- Bulldog PR selected Riff City as Best Boutique Agency
The Opportunity
We are looking for a sharp and self-starting Senior Associate with a passion for media relations, traditional and digital-focused communications, 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 clients, 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. Riff is a growing organization that offers opportunities to take on diverse responsibilities and make a real impact.
Riff is a remote-first organization with the team working PT hours and primarily based in the San Francisco Bay Area. This position reports to a senior member of the Riff team.
Responsibilities
- Lead day-to-day client account management for high-profile campaigns, guiding strategy and overseeing team execution
- Drive the development and execution of integrated media strategies, ensuring timelines, deliverables, and results align with client goals
- Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, editors, and influencers to secure impactful coverage
- Monitor media landscape trends and proactively recommend strategic adjustments to exceed client KPIs
- Develop media assets, including press releases, media alerts, pitches, and Q&As, ensuring messaging aligns with brand goals and resonates with target audiences
- Develop a comprehensive understanding of our clients, including their business, products/services, competitors, influencers and markets
- Contribute to the growth of client relationships and help guide a high-performing internal team
Required Qualifications:
- 2-4 years of experience in public relations, public affairs, or corporate communications, with a proven track record of success in media relations and storytelling
- Exceptional media relations – comfortable and confident pitching compelling stories directly to top-tier reporters
- Passionate storyteller dedicated to amplifying the voices of organizations advancing climate action, social justice, and mission-driven technology
- Highly organized with excellent prioritization and time management abilities to efficiently handle multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
- Self-motivated and adaptable with strong initiative to take ownership of tasks while being receptive to feedback and guidance
- Top-notch research, proofreading, writing, and editing skills that ensure accuracy and clarity in all communications
- Outgoing, personable, and generally nice! We like to have fun and get into good trouble!
- Proficiency with digital tools, including G Suite, Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, with an openness to learning new platforms as needed
- Note: While remote, we are specifically looking for CA-based applicants
Preferred Qualifications:
- Existing media contacts/relationships
- 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 $70,000-78,500 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’re someone who thrives on purpose, collaboration, and creativity, we’d love to meet you.
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.
Apply via LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/4236817090/.