📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Interim Public Relations Strategic Partner
🔹 Company: AffiniPay
🔹 Location: Austin, Texas
🔹 Job Type: Full-time
🔹 Category: Public Relations
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-07-28
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and maintaining strong relationships with media professionals
- Proactively pitching news and thought leadership to secure media coverage
- Collaborating with the Communications team to create content that elevates the brand
- Supporting strategic PR initiatives and executive visibility
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of media relations experience and strategic thinking to effectively manage and grow AffiniPay's brand presence.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Developing and maintaining strong relationships with reporters, editors, and influencers across business, fintech, and vertical-specific media
✅ Proactively pitching news, thought leadership, and executive commentary to drive consistent, quality, top-tier media coverage
✅ Monitoring and responding to media inquiries, ensuring timely, thoughtful, and accurate responses
✅ Identifying opportunities for commentary around relevant news cycles and industry trends
✅ Working with the Sr. Director of Communications in identifying and executing speaking, awards, and media opportunities for senior leaders
✅ Serving as strategic counsel for the Communications team in the development of public relations expansion surrounding growth
✅ Engaging with the Communications team on press releases, blog posts, media pitches, Q&As, bylines, social copy, and other written content that elevates the brand and aligns with the strategic PR vision
✅ Collaborating with internal stakeholders to source stories and develop content that reflects AffiniPay's values, impact, and innovation
✅ Partnering with the Communications team on PR agency management to coordinate announcements, media outreach, and reporting
✅ Supporting the planning and execution of campaigns and product launches
✅ Consulting on the communications budget, ensuring the effective allocation of resources for maximum impact
✅ Supporting measurement of PR efforts through reporting on reach, sentiment, and impact
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a proactive and strategic approach to media relations, with a strong focus on securing top-tier coverage and amplifying AffiniPay's brand presence.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred)
Experience: 20+ years relevant work experience in communications with significant in-house experience, preferably at scaled technology or fintech companies
Required Skills:
- Proven experience in fintech, finance, or technology industries
- Established media relationships with key financial, technology, and business journalists
- Strong understanding of the media landscape, with a track record of successful PR campaigns and top-tier coverage
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence and engage diverse audiences
Preferred Skills:
- Experience leading an outside PR agency relationship
- Collaborative mindset with a proven track record of achieving PR success while collaborating across functions and teams
ASSUMPTION: Given the strategic nature of this role, candidates should have extensive experience in communications and a strong understanding of the media landscape.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $150,000 - $180,000 per year (Estimated based on industry standards for a senior PR role in Austin, TX)
Benefits:
- Fully covered medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Pet insurance
- Flexible paid time off
- 401K with company match
- Mid-year and end-of-year bonuses
- Equity options for all full-time employees
- Health wellness program
- Parental resources
- Professional development opportunities
- Matching gift program
- Diversity and inclusion initiatives
- In-office experience with free lunch delivery and fully stocked kitchen
Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with flexibility for remote work as needed
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is estimated based on industry standards for a senior PR role in Austin, TX. The benefits package is comprehensive and designed to support the well-being and growth of employees.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: AffiniPay operates in the embedded software products industry, focusing on providing financial technology solutions to professional services firms.
Company Size: AffiniPay is a mid-sized company with 201-500 employees, providing ample opportunities for growth and collaboration.
Founded: AffiniPay was founded in 2005 and has since grown to become one of the fastest-growing tech companies in Austin, TX.
Company Description:
- AffiniPay is a leading fintech company based out of Austin, Texas, specializing in professional services payments and practice management software
- The company serves legal, accounting, architectural, engineering, and construction firms, with a portfolio of software solutions including MyCase, CASEpeer, and Docketwise
- AffiniPay's mission is to build technology products that help professionals focus on the work they love, with a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
Company Specialties:
- Merchant service provider
- Specializes in associations and non-profits
- Member benefit programs
- LawPay products and services for the legal community
- PCI compliance
Company Website: http://www.affinipay.com
ASSUMPTION: AffiniPay's focus on professional services payments and practice management software sets it apart in the fintech industry, offering unique opportunities for growth and innovation.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the senior management level, reporting directly to the CMO and working closely with the Communications team.
Reporting Structure: The role will report directly to the CMO and collaborate with the Communications team, subject matter experts, and agency partners.
Work Arrangement: This is an on-site role based out of AffiniPay's headquarters in Austin, TX, with flexibility for remote work as needed.
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to grow into a permanent role or take on additional responsibilities as the company expands
- Opportunities to work with and learn from experienced professionals in the fintech industry
- Chance to contribute to AffiniPay's mission and make a significant impact on the company's growth and success
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential, as AffiniPay continues to expand its presence in the fintech industry.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: AffiniPay's headquarters in Austin, TX, offers a modern and collaborative work environment with free lunch delivery and a fully stocked kitchen.
Office Location(s): 3700 N Capital of Texas Highway, Suite 300, Austin, TX 78746, US
Geographic Context:
- Austin, TX, is a vibrant and growing city with a strong tech industry and a high quality of life
- The city offers a diverse range of cultural, recreational, and culinary experiences
- Austin is known for its mild winters and hot summers, with plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities
Work Schedule: The work schedule is generally Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, with flexibility for remote work as needed.
ASSUMPTION: AffiniPay's headquarters in Austin, TX, provides a modern and collaborative work environment, with ample opportunities for professional growth and development.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Initial phone or video screen with the Talent Acquisition team
- In-depth phone or video interview with the hiring manager (CMO) and a member of the Communications team
- Final in-person interview with senior leadership
Key Assessment Areas:
- Media relations experience and strategic thinking
- Communication skills and ability to influence diverse audiences
- Cultural fit and alignment with AffiniPay's values and mission
- Problem-solving skills and ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant media relations experience and strategic thinking
- Prepare examples of successful PR campaigns and top-tier media coverage you've secured in the past
- Research AffiniPay's industry and competitors to demonstrate your understanding of the fintech landscape
- Prepare questions to ask the interview panel about AffiniPay's growth plans and the role's potential for long-term success
ATS Keywords: Public Relations, Media Relations, Strategic Storytelling, Communications, Collaboration, Content Development, Crisis Management, Executive Visibility, Campaign Planning, Measurement and Reporting, Thought Leadership, Press Releases, Media Pitches, Influencer Engagement, Budget Management, Agency Management
ASSUMPTION: AffiniPay's interview process is designed to assess candidates' media relations experience, strategic thinking, and cultural fit for the role and the company.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Media databases and monitoring tools (e.g., Muck Rack, Agility PR Solutions)
- PR software and platforms (e.g., Cision, Business Wire)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
- Collaboration tools (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace)
ASSUMPTION: This role requires proficiency in various PR software and platforms, as well as collaboration tools for effective communication and project management.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Collaboration: We work together to achieve our goals and support each other's success
- Innovation: We continuously seek new and better ways to solve problems and drive growth
- Integrity: We act with honesty and transparency in all our interactions
- Customer Focus: We prioritize the needs and satisfaction of our customers above all else
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: We foster a culture of belonging and respect for all individuals
Work Style:
- Fast-paced and growth-focused, with a strong emphasis on collaboration and innovation
- Results-driven and data-informed, with a focus on continuous improvement
- Open and transparent communication, with a culture of feedback and learning
- Flexible and adaptable, with a willingness to take on new challenges and responsibilities
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, and enjoy working on multiple projects simultaneously?
- Are you comfortable working with and influencing diverse audiences, including senior leadership and media professionals?
- Do you share AffiniPay's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and actively seek opportunities to promote these values in your work?
ASSUMPTION: AffiniPay's culture is characterized by collaboration, innovation, and a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Candidates should be comfortable working in a fast-paced, growth-focused environment and share the company's values and mission.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- The role requires a high level of media relations experience and strategic thinking, which may be challenging for candidates with less experience in the field
- AffiniPay's fast-paced and growth-focused environment may be overwhelming for candidates who prefer a more structured or slower-paced work environment
- The role may require occasional travel to attend industry events, conferences, or meet with media professionals
- The Austin, TX, area may have a competitive job market, making it challenging to find suitable housing or commuting options
ASSUMPTION: While this role offers significant opportunities for growth and professional development, candidates should be aware of the potential challenges and ensure they are well-suited to the fast-paced, growth-focused environment.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to a Senior PR Manager or Director of Communications role in a technology or fintech company, with a focus on media relations and strategic storytelling
- Compared to other senior PR roles, this position may offer a higher level of responsibility and autonomy, with the opportunity to make a significant impact on AffiniPay's brand presence
- Career path comparison: This role may serve as a stepping stone to a VP or CCO role in a larger organization, or a more senior role within AffiniPay as the company continues to grow
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to take on a high level of responsibility and make a significant impact on AffiniPay's brand presence, with potential for long-term growth and career development.
📝 Sample Projects
- Securing top-tier media coverage for AffiniPay's product launches and strategic initiatives
- Developing and executing a comprehensive PR campaign to raise awareness of AffiniPay's brand and services among target audiences
- Collaborating with the Communications team to create thought leadership content that positions AffiniPay's executives as industry experts
- Managing a PR agency relationship to coordinate announcements, media outreach, and reporting
- Supporting the planning and execution of events and conferences to showcase AffiniPay's products and services
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the strategic and collaborative nature of the role, with a focus on securing top-tier media coverage and amplifying AffiniPay's brand presence.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the biggest challenges facing AffiniPay's communications team in the next 12-24 months, and how can this role help address them?
- How does AffiniPay support the professional development and growth of its employees, particularly in the communications department?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days, and how will success be measured?
- How does AffiniPay approach diversity, equity, and inclusion, and what initiatives are currently in place to promote these values within the company?
- What opportunities exist for collaboration and knowledge-sharing with other departments and teams within AffiniPay?
ASSUMPTION: These key questions are designed to assess the role's potential for long-term success and growth, as well as AffiniPay's commitment to professional development and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through http://www.affinipay.com/careers
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant media relations experience and strategic thinking
- Prepare examples of successful PR campaigns and top-tier media coverage you've secured in the past
- Research AffiniPay's industry and competitors to demonstrate your understanding of the fintech landscape
- Prepare questions to ask the interview panel about AffiniPay's growth plans and the role's potential for long-term success
- Follow up with the Talent Acquisition team one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and next steps
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
