Director, Public Affairs (Los Angeles)

Bryson Gillette is a Los Angeles, California and Washington, D.C.-based, minority-owned, intentionally diverse public affairs firm. With expertise in strategic communications, media relations, crisis communications, and political consulting, we develop tailored strategies to help clients tackle their most pressing communications needs. We are a mission-driven organization that partners with companies, candidates, and individuals fighting to make the world more just, safe, healthy, and prosperous for all.

We not only work with clients who are striving to build a more equitable and open world – we actively do our part. Our leadership team is 88% people of color and/or women. Our firm is composed of veteran political operatives, public affairs experts, and communications strategists, with 63% women and 57% people of color, making us one of the most diverse teams of our size. We operate in English and Spanish. We believe that diverse teams are necessary in order to communicate effectively with diverse communities and design more persuasive, innovative, and authentic campaigns.

We are also a fun, smart, collaborative group who care about the world around us and seek to make positive change at home and across the country. We are experts without egos and creative without control issues. Come work with us and you’ll learn a lot, make an impact, and have fun doing it.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, and/or veteran status.

Bryson Gillette is a mandatory vaccination employer for COVID-19. We require employees to be fully vaccinated as of their start date. If you require medical or religious accommodation, we will engage in an interactive process with you.

Who You Are

You are a smart, kind, and friendly individual who works hard and well with others. You are an exceptional communicator who produces excellent, strategic, and creative work, while also bringing a lot of heart to everything you do. People describe you as a self-starter and problem-solver, who multitasks well and thrives in a fast-paced environment. You bring a diverse perspective to every conversation, while also listening and empathizing. Above all, you want to leave a lasting, positive impact on the world around you. This position requires being based out of Los Angeles. Applicants should currently live in the metro L.A. area or be willing to relocate.

What You’ll Do

1. Communicate clearly: You will lead on public affairs campaigns by developing and executing high-level strategic communications plans. You will discover and understand the needs and goals of each client and create a tailored communications approach for each. We pride ourselves on creating bespoke campaigns; we want you to be creative, responsive, and a strategic partner. You are an expert at writing a range of communications, including media advisories, talking points, proposals, op-eds, ad concepts, scripts, social media content, and other content.
2. Engage media: You will create and execute earned and paid media strategies. You know what makes a good story and how to communicate with reporters, which is something you hopefully have done in a previous role. Ideally, you have existing relationships with reporters and editors or you have run paid campaigns or advocacy campaigns.
3. Lead and run campaigns: We pride ourselves on providing excellent service to our clients. You will lead numerous client teams, ensuring that long and short-term goals are achieved and deadlines are met. You will manage multiple projects at once and ensure that no balls are dropped. To be successful, you’ll need to stay exceptionally organized and be comfortable managing up and down.
4. Build relationships with stakeholders: It will be important for you to build relationships with clients, team members, and vendors, and to do so in a remote environment. Building rapport over the phone, Zoom, and email is crucial. Upholding a strict level of confidentiality while establishing and maintaining trusting and warm relationships both internally and externally is key.
5. Be a team player and grow: We are currently a mid-sized team but are continually growing. We have an all-hands-on-deck approach in a remote working environment. To be successful in this role, you will be comfortable working both independently and with teams.

What Skills and Experiences You’ll Bring

• Exceptional written and oral communication skills
• Self-starter, ability to prioritize, multi-task and meet changing deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent attention to detail and organized
• Strong ability to work effectively with senior management and senior-level clients
• A growth mindset

What Would Be Great to Bring

• At least 5-15 years of work experience in communications, in government, or public affairs
• Experience working on issues related to diversity, equity and inclusion, and/or social or racial justice advocacy
• Spanish speaker and writer and/or experience with multicultural media outlets
• Good sense of humor
• Agency experience is preferred

The salary range for this position is an annual salary of $90,000 - $120,000. For clarity, this is the starting range for the position; it is not an indication that you are capped at that range once you're in the position.

Bryson provides insurance coverage for employees and their dependents, which includes fully paid monthly premiums for PPO health plan, dental, and vision coverage.

401(k) Plan w/ Employer Match

Flexible Time-Off policy with no vacation caps

Generous, paid parental leave

Discretionary, year-end bonuses

Bonuses for origination and/or management of new business accounts

How to Apply

Application Deadline: Sept. 29, 2024

Interested candidates should upload the following to Raúl Hernández, Vice President, People:

• Resume (Naming Convention: Last Name. First Name_Resume)
• Cover letter (Last Name. First Name_Cover Letter) answering the following questions (in no more than one page, 11 point font):

1. Why are you interested in this position with Bryson Gillette?
2. What makes you an exceptional candidate for this position in particular? What related experience do you have?
3. Where did you learn about this opportunity?

The pay range for this role is: 90,000 - 120,000 USD per year (California)