PR & Communications Lead

About Deploy
Deploy is an intelligence infrastructure platform that gives developers and enterprises access to open source and proprietary AI models. For leading open source LLMs, Deploy operates an optimized model inference engine that keeps costs and latency low while maintaining high throughout.  Deploy also offers a set of proprietary AI models that address challenges in content safety, AI & deepfake detection, sponsorship intelligence, and IP & publicity protection. Trusted by the world's largest and most innovative organizations, Deploy's solutions unlock high-performance AI model inference at production scale.
Deploy has raised more than $200M from leading investors, including Tomales Bay Capital, General Catalyst, 8VC, Glynn Capital, Bain & Company, Visa Ventures, and others. The company has more than 250 employees across offices in San Francisco, Seattle, New York, and Delhi.
The Role
 
Deploy is looking for an experienced communications professional to build and lead the Public Relations and Communications function, reporting directly to the CEO and working closely with the broader executive team. As the first hire dedicated to this function, you will drive our external narrative, manage strategic communications, and increase Deploy’s visibility across media and industry conversations. This will be an individual contributor role to start, but we expect this person to grow the function, potentially managing agency relationships and/or additional internal team members over time.

Responsibilities

- Define and execute Deploy’s strategic communications roadmap, owning all external PR and communications efforts across media relations, press releases, thought leadership, and corporate messaging

- Proactively identify and secure earned media opportunities to elevate Deploy’s brand, technology, and leadership team in top-tier publications and industry outlets

- Write and edit high-quality content across formats—including press releases, media statements, blog posts, and executive bylines—that clearly communicate Deploy’s story and point of view

- Develop and maintain key media relationships across business, tech, and AI-focused outlets; serve as the primary point of contact for all media inquiries

- Collaborate closely with internal teams (product, legal, engineering, HR) to surface compelling stories and ensure accurate and consistent messaging

- Act as a strategic communications partner to internal stakeholders, advising on messaging and positioning for product launches, partnerships, events, and issues management

- Manage external communications around major company milestones such as product launches, partnerships, and funding announcements

- Monitor press coverage, industry trends, and competitor narratives to identify opportunities or risks, and share relevant insights with internal teams

- Support internal communications as needed, including executive messaging and all-hands updates

- Own communications reporting, including press activity tracking, share of voice, and impact metrics

- Adhere to policies, guidelines, and procedures pertaining to the protection of information assets

Requirements

- 5+ years of experience in public relations, corporate communications, or a related field, with a preference for candidates who have worked in fast-paced tech or AI-driven environments

- Proven track record of securing high-quality media coverage and managing end-to-end communications efforts

- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a strong ability to distill complex technical concepts into clear, engaging narratives

- Strong news judgment and a keen understanding of media cycles, journalist priorities, and industry dynamics

- Able to operate independently and strategically in a fast-moving startup environment; experience building functions from the ground up is a plus

- Comfortable collaborating with executive stakeholders and representing the company externally with credibility and confidence

- Ability to juggle multiple priorities, adapt quickly to changing circumstances, and deliver high-quality work on deadline

- Strong attention to detail and a high editorial standard

Nice to Have

- Experience working with or managing PR agencies or freelancers

- Familiarity with AI, machine learning, or other emerging technologies

- Background in crisis communications or issues management

- Understanding of SEO, social media strategy, or content marketing

- Media training experience for executives or spokespeople

Don’t meet every qualification? We encourage strong applicants to apply—we are looking for the right people, not just checking a box.

Who We Are
 
We are a group of ambitious individuals who are passionate about creating a revolutionary AI company. At Deploy, you will have a steep learning curve and an opportunity to contribute to one of the fastest growing AI start-ups in San Francisco. The work you do here will have a noticeable and direct impact on the development of the company.
 
Thank you for your interest in Deploy and we hope to meet you soon!
 
The current expected base salary for this position ranges from $100,000 - $135,000. Actual compensation may vary depending on a number of factors, including a candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies and experience, and location. Base pay is one part of the total compensation package that is provided to compensate and recognize employees for their work; stock options may be offered in addition to the range provided here.