af&co., based in the heart of San Francisco, with clients from coast-to-coast, is a full-service integrated communications agency with a passion for the hospitality industry. Our clients include hotels, restaurants, food and beverage brands and special events. We specialize in media relations, influencer relations, marketing, social media and launch strategy, as well as concept development and operational consulting. Our goals are to provide personalized and expert guidance, build brand awareness, and generate positive results for our clients. We work hard and we love what we do. Our approach is insightful, creative and makes an impact. We inspire people to love our clients as much as we do! 

We’re Growing!

Seeking a Passionate Account Manager, Public Relations & Marketing

The scoop:

Job Title: Account Manager, Public Relations & Marketing

Department: Marketing/Public Relations

Reporting To: Account Director(s)/ VP of PR & Marketing

FLSA Status: Full time, Exempt 

Requirements for Position:

This position requires three to five years’ of experience, with strong public relations and marketing expertise, complemented by sharp communication and leadership skills. Account Managers are responsible for achieving and maintaining client satisfaction. A passion for food, restaurants and the hospitality industry, as well as a desire to learn more about marketing, media relations and brand strategy, are key to success in this role. San Francisco Bay Area or Los Angeles residency is required for this role.

af&co. Fundamentals:

We are looking for someone excited to share their public relations and marketing expertise with our team and clients. The ideal candidate:

• Possesses a strong portfolio of secured local and national media coverage, particularly focusing on the hospitality industry
• Has excellent relationships with a long list of San Francisco Bay Area and national media, specifically those that cover hospitality, food and beverage
• Has experience managing social media accounts, including community management, content creation and advertising
• Is knowledgeable of Bay Area food, beverage, travel and lifestyle influencers
• Is detail-oriented, very creative, empathetic, resourceful, tenacious, strategic, an assertive goal-setter and excellent communicator
• Possesses a keen interest in and passion for food, restaurants, cocktails, travel, and the hospitality arts and culture in general
• Exhibits excellent writing skills, which can be applied creatively and effectively to anything from a press release or pitch to a case study or client newsletter
• Is a natural networker and team player with strong social skills who can juggle multiple projects with finesse
• Is a born story-teller with strong persuasion skills
• Fosters a friendly, open, and productive work environment
• Enjoys making new connections within the travel, hospitality and food & beverage industries for generating new business leads
• Brings strategic rigor and a high quality of work to every account or project
• Is naturally friendly, courteous and attentive to client needs
• Is highly productive and efficient in time management
• Responds quickly to internal and external communication
• Is naturally courteous, friendly and attentive to client needs
• Is highly productive and efficient manager of time and deadlines, both for self and colleagues
• Adapts easily, is flexible to change and responsive
• Is punctual, arrives on time and displays a positive attitude for and towards work, tasks, responsibilities, clients and co-workers
• Expertly uses Google Workspace (Calendar, Docs, Sheets and Slides)
• Working knowledge of Canva for content creation and design projects and Asana for project management

In this role, you will be the central point of communication for six to nine clients. You will build confidence with the client that strategic solutions, project details, process steps, billings and deliverables are well organized, communicated and managed. Additionally, you will ensure all correspondence, materials, presentations, proposals seen by prospective and existing clients are error-free, of highest quality, relevant to the client’s business challenges, and reflective of af&co.’s approach.

Media Relations Responsibilities

A successful candidate will be able to:

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with traditional media
• Lead the creation of creative media relations initiatives that drive relevance and revenue
• Secure earned media features, mentions and round-ups for clients on a regular basis
• Ideate, write, edit, and execute press kits, pitches and press releases that achieve goals for clients and agency
• Build and oversee the creation of targeted media lists for client pitches
• Manage editorial calendar and HARO opportunities for clients, including tracking deadlines, sharing opportunities with other account managers
• Measure ROI and utilize data to make informed strategic or tactical recommendations

Marketing Responsibilities

A successful candidate will be able to:

• Lead client’s integrated marketing communications planning, identifying objectives, strategies and tactics
• Manage content for digital platforms (social media, blog, website, e-newsletters, etc.) for af&co. and its clients
• Directly manage client social media profiles, including, but not limited to, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and LinkedIn
• Manage organic and paid influencer campaigns from start to finish
• Use Sprout Social and Klear or another influencer marketing platform
• Create and manage social media ad campaigns through Facebook Business Manager
• Is experienced in facilitating and negotiating paid advertising campaigns with various media and digital outlets, including Hearst Media (San Francisco Chronicle, SFGate), Secret San Francisco, SF Bucket List, DoTheBay and Modern Luxury (San Francisco Magazine and Silicon Valley Magazine)
• Manages and provides creative direction for client photo/video shoots
• Create and manage client email marketing campaigns
• Create reports and analyzes KPIs for each client
• Measure ROI and utilize data to make informed strategic or tactical recommendations
• Collaborate with account teams on the planning and execution of events for af&co clients, with oversight by Managing Director
• Assist in overall digital brand strategy and messaging for all clients
• TikTok knowledge is a plus

Perks:

• Working with a fantastic, tight team of communications and marketing pros who are passionate about our industry and clients
• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• Business development bonus
• Paid vacation with additional comp time
• Remote work with occasional in-person meetings
• Partial reimbursement for cell phone and internet service
• 401K retirement plan with profit sharing
• The thrill of working with and experiencing our amazing clients, which often includes enjoying delicious food and beverages!

Please also include two to three examples of your recent related work as well as links to social media profiles, blogs or other relevant content. Please note that candidates are also required to complete a timed writing test.

The salary range for this position starts at $65,000 and is commensurate with experience, accomplishments and skills. If selected as a top candidate, you will be asked to share professional references for final consideration. Please send your resume and cover letter to Rose Guiliano at rose@afandco.com. 

af&co. is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

af&co., based in the heart of San Francisco, is a full-service integrated communications agency with a passion for the hospitality industry. Our West Coast based clients include restaurants, hotels, food and beverage brands and special events. We specialize in media relations, influencer relations, marketing, social media and launch strategy, as well as concept development and operational consulting. Our goals are to provide personalized and expert guidance, build brand awareness, and generate results and results for our clients. We work hard and we love what we do. Our approach for each client is fresh, direct, creative and stylish. We inspire people to love our clients as much as we do! This position is open to individuals who are located in the Bay Area or LA. 

Job Title: Associate Account Manager, PR & Marketing

Department: Marketing/Media Relations

Reporting To:  Account Manager(s)/Account Director(s)

FLSA Status: Full time, Exempt 

Requirements for Position:

This position requires two to three years’ of professional experience, with strong media relations and marketing expertise, complemented by sharp communication and leadership skills. Associate Account Managers are responsible for supporting account teams and achieving and maintaining client satisfaction. A passion for food, restaurants and the hospitality industry, as well as a desire to learn more about marketing, media relations and brand strategy, are key to success in this role. 

af&co. Fundamentals: 

We are looking for someone excited to share their media relations and marketing skills with our team and clients.  The ideal candidate:

• Possesses a growing portfolio of secured local and national media coverage
• Has begun to develop excellent relationships with a long list of San Francisco Bay Area and national media, specifically those that cover hospitality, food and beverage
• Has experience managing social media accounts, including community management, content creation and advertising
• Is knowledgeable of Bay Area food, beverage, travel and lifestyle influencers
• Is detail-oriented, very creative, empathetic, resourceful, tenacious, strategic, an assertive goal-setter and excellent communicator
• Possesses a keen interest in and passion for food, restaurants, cocktails, travel, and the hospitality arts and culture in general
• Exhibits excellent writing skills, which can be applied creatively and effectively to anything from a press release or pitch to a case study or client newsletter
• Is a natural networker and team player with strong social skills who can juggle multiple projects with finesse
• Is a born story-teller with strong persuasion skills
• Fosters a fun, friendly, open, drama-free and efficient work environment
• Enjoys new business outreach
• Brings strategic rigor and a high quality of work to every account or project
• Is naturally friendly, courteous and attentive to client needs
• Is highly productive and efficient in time management
• Adaptable and responds quickly to internal and external communication
• Is naturally courteous, friendly and attentive to client needs
• Is highly productive and efficient manager of time and deadlines, both for self and colleagues
• Adapts easily, is flexible to change and responsive
• Is punctual, arrives on time and displays a positive attitude for and towards work, tasks, responsibilities, clients and co-workers
• Expertly uses Microsoft Office and Google Calendar, Docs, Sheets and Slides

In this role, you will be supporting six to nine clients, and be the central point of communication of those six to nine. You will build confidence with the client that strategic solutions, project details, process steps, billings and deliverables are well organized, communicated and managed. Additionally, you will ensure all correspondence, materials, presentations, proposals seen by prospective and existing clients are error-free, of highest quality, relevant to the client’s business challenges, and reflective of af&co.’s approach. 

Public Relations Responsibilities

A successful candidate will be able to: 

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with traditional media 
• Help lead the creation of creative media relations initiatives that drive relevance and revenue
• Secure earned media features, mentions and round-ups for clients on a regular basis
• Ideate, write, edit, and execute press kits, pitches and press releases that achieve goals for clients and agency
• Build and oversee the creation of targeted media lists for client pitches
• Manage editorial calendar and HARO opportunities for clients, including tracking deadlines, sharing opportunities with other account managers
• Measure ROI and utilize data to make informed strategic or tactical recommendations

Marketing Responsibilities

A successful candidate will be able to: 

• Help  client’s integrated marketing communications planning, identifying objectives, strategies and tactics
• Manage content for digital platforms (social media, blog, website, e-newsletters, etc.) for af&co and its clients
• Directly manage client social media profiles, including, but not limited to, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and LinkedIn
• Manage influencer campaigns from start to finish 
• Use Sprout Social and Klear or another influencer marketing platform
• Create and manage social media ad campaigns through Facebook Business Manager
• Manage client photo/video shoots
• Create and manage client email marketing campaigns
• Create reports and analyzes KPIs for each client
• Measure ROI and utilizes data to make informed strategic or tactical recommendations
• Collaborate with account teams on the planning and execution of events for af&co clients, with oversight by Managing Director
• Assist in overall digital brand strategy and messaging for all clients

Perks

• Working with a fantastic, tight team of communications and marketing pros who are passionate about our industry and clients
• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• Business development bonus
• Paid vacation with additional comp time
• Work from home
• Partial reimbursement for cell phone and internet service
• 401K retirement plan with profit sharing
• Pre-tax transit benefit
• The thrill of working with and experiencing our amazing clients, which often includes enjoying delicious food and beverages!

Please also include two to three examples of your recent related work as well as links to social media profiles, blogs or other relevant digital content. Please note that candidates are also required to complete a writing exercise. 

The salary range for this position starts at $55,000 and is commensurate with experience, accomplishments and skills. If selected as a top candidate, you will be asked to share professional references for final consideration. Please send your resume and cover letter to Rose Guiliano at rose@afandco.com.

af&co. is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

af&co., based in the heart of San Francisco, is a full-service integrated communications agency with a passion for the hospitality industry. Our West Coast based clients include restaurants, hotels, food and beverage brands and special events. We specialize in media relations, influencer relations, marketing, social media and launch strategy, as well as concept development and operational consulting. Our goals are to provide personalized and expert guidance, build brand awareness, and generate results and results for our clients. We work hard and we love what we do. Our approach for each client is fresh, direct, creative and stylish. We inspire people to love our clients as much as we do! San Francisco / Bay Area residency is a requirement for this position. For more information, please see our website at www.afandco.com.

Job Title: Account Director, Public Relations

Department: Public Relations

Reporting to: Vice President of Public Relations & Marketing, and CEO

FLSA Status: Full time, Non-Exempt

With eight to ten years of experience, this position requires top notch public relations expertise complemented by sharp communication and leadership skills. The Account Director of Public Relations is a leader in the public relations department at the agency, which includes leading campaign strategy and planning for their clients, mentoring, training and developing individual team members, conducting media outreach, supporting the new business process, and achieving and maintaining client satisfaction through client leadership. The Account Director will support department operations, including performance reviews, contractor agreements, and scopes of work. Collaborating with the Vice President of Public Relations & Marketing, this role is key to the success of our clients and our teams. A passion for restaurants and the hospitality industry as well as a desire to lead cross functional teams in public relations, marketing and brand strategy are a must. 

af&co. Fundamentals

• Has a minimum of eight years of public relations experience
• Has excellent relationships with San Francisco Bay Area, regional CA, and national media, specifically those that cover hospitality, food and beverage
• Is detail-oriented, very creative, empathetic, resourceful, tenacious, strategic, an assertive goal-setter and excellent communicator
• Possesses a keen interest in and passion for food, restaurants, cocktails, travel, and the hospitality arts and culture in general
• Has excellent writing skills which can be applied creatively and effectively to anything from a press release or pitch to a case study or client newsletter
• Is trained in AP Style
• A natural networker and team player with strong social skills who can juggle multiple projects with finesse
• Is a born story-teller with strong persuasion skills
• Serves as a knowledgeable mentor
• Fosters a fun, friendly, open, drama-free and efficient work environment
• Assists company with new business outreach
• Brings strategic rigor and a high quality of work to every account or project
• Displays friendliness, courtesy and attentiveness to client needs
• Is highly productive and efficient in time management
• Is adaptable and responds quickly to internal and external communication

In this position, you will play a significant leadership role at the agency, in partnership with the Vice President of Public Relations & Marketing, and CEO, working with the leadership team on agency management and operations. You will be the central point of communication for eight to twelve clients. You will build confidence with the client that strategic solutions, project details, process steps, billings and deliverables are well organized, communicated and managed. Additionally, you will ensure that correspondence, materials, presentations, proposals seen by prospective and existing clients are error-free, of highest quality, relevant to the client’s business challenges, and reflective of af&co.’s approach. 

People & Team

• A go-to resource for internal peers and clients, highly respected for their expertise
• Builds positive relationships within the team by leading agency meetings, project check-ins, and performance reviews as a member of the leadership team
• Supports operational needs of the public relations department, including approving PTO requests in collaboration with the Vice President of Public Relations & Marketing
• Brings out the best in others by interacting with colleagues and clients in a positive, professional and motivating manner
• Understands team interaction and provides stellar account leadership
• Thoughtfully delegates work to junior-level talent with their career development in mind, providing clear direction and feedback to ensure the best results
• Collaborate with Vice President of Public Relations & Marketing, and  CEO, and director of media relations on team leadership and agency culture initiatives 

Client Relationships

• Is the client lead, trusted advisor and central point of communication for eight to twelve clients
• Oversees the success of their accounts, ensuring all deliverables are creative, of the highest quality and relevant to the client’s business challenges
• Builds confidence with the client that strategic solutions, project details, process steps, billings and deliverables are thoughtful, well organized, communicated and managed
• Communicates in a clear and compelling manner in written, oral and presentation forms.
• Drives timelines and account results effectively using internal project team meetings (kick-off, status, etc.) as appropriate

Strategic, Creative & Innovative Thinking 

• Is competent at providing executive level clients with strategic counsel
• Is highly creative and competent at communicating ideas; consistently brings “Bright Ideas” for driving revenue and increasing client relevance to key audiences
• Strong integrated marketing communications skills and knowledge across a broad spectrum of tactics
• Knowledgeable and up to date on hospitality, marketing and public relations trends
• Actively identifies inspirations and benchmarks for projects and share with team
• Authors thought leadership pieces through the af&co. blog, newsletter or by contributing to the agency’s annual trend report

New Business Development

• Supports Vice President of Public Relations & Marketing, and CEO with business development, actively seeking opportunities to respond to agency leads and generating leads independently
• Comfortably uses a consultative sales approach to sell new business
• Is able to sell to all of af&co.’s  capabilities and core value proposition for clients
• Develops custom proposals to meet the needs of potential new clients while showcasing the value of the agency
• Consistently works in collaboration with the Vice President of Public Relations & Marketing and CEO in driving the agency’s growth strategy

Project/Financial Management

• Establishes and clearly communicates project priorities to team members
• Oversees activities including updating status reports, meeting agendas, summaries, audits, etc.
• Develops and drives timelines and action steps to drive successful program development
• Proactively raises concerns in a timely fashion so that action can be taken to solve potential issues

Public Relations Expertise

• Leads public relations planning, identifying objectives, strategies and tactics for their clients
• Has strong, personal relationships with top tier media, locally and nationally
• Pitches media on a regular basis, collaborating with Vice President of Public Relations & Marketing
• Consistently builds new media relationships on behalf of the agency
• Leads the creation of creative public relations initiatives that drive relevance and revenue 
• Secures features, mentions and round-ups for clients on a regular basis
• Ideates, writes, edits, and executes pitches that achieve PR goals for clients and agency
• Researches/writes press releases 
• Creates targeted media lists for client pitches that lead to results, collaborating with Vice President of Public Relations & Marketing
• Ensures capture of editorial calendar opportunities for clients
• Is able to measure ROI and utilize data to make informed strategic or tactical recommendations

• Develops engaging brand content
  • Ensures smooth execution of photo shoots for clients
  • Provides art direction and shot lists for professional photography

The salary range for this position starts at $90,000 and is commensurate with experience, accomplishments and skills. If selected as a top candidate, you will be asked to share professional references for final consideration. Please send your resume and cover letter to Rose Guiliano at rose@afandco.com.
 
Please also include two to three examples of your recent related work as well as links to social media profiles, blogs or other relevant content. Please note that candidates are also required to complete a timed writing test. Finalists will be asked to arrange calls with references.
 
af&co. is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.