Communications Manager (Contract)

Role Description

We’re looking for a strategic and highly detail-oriented Communications Manager contractor role to support and drive media-facing initiatives that showcase our product and mission.  This role blends strategic communications, media relations, and program management to support high-impact campaigns, partnerships, and events that drive awareness of Mill’s products, mission, and brand.

This role sits at the intersection of storytelling, media relations, VIP partnerships and events, and consumer marketing and will be instrumental in shaping how we communicate with partners, customers, and the public. You’ll work across the communications and marketing teams — as well as with our agency partners and external partners — to ensure our message is consistent, timely, and compelling. 

The ideal candidate brings 4-6 years of communications experience, excellent writing skills, event management experience, creativity, proactiveness and thrives in a fast-paced environment, with a passion for culinary & design, sustainability, and technology that makes a difference.

Key Responsibilities:

Comms Program Management –  Support the planning and execution of events, partnerships, and campaigns — ensuring cross-functional alignment, strong project tracking, and on-time delivery of materials and milestones.

Agency Management Support – Partner with and support Mill’s external PR agency to ensure consistent communication, clear priorities, and timely deliverables. Track projects, support press outreach efforts, and coordinate approvals.

Media relations – Identify and shape stories, and drive proactive media outreach, cultivating strong relationships with journalists and editors in consumer and local media outlets. 

Media Demo Coordination –  Plan, schedule, and manage logistics for product demos with media, influencers, and partners. Ensure seamless execution, from account set up, to follow-up and monitoring.

Event Planning & Execution - Oversee event strategy and execution in conjunction with Mill’s external PR agency - ensuring cross-functional team alignment across Marketing and Creative teams including creative briefing, messaging, partner management, event prep, and on-site staffing. 

Research & Insights -  Stay on top of relevant industry news, competitive developments, and market trends and conduct research audits to inform communications strategies and messaging.

Content & Messaging Support –  Draft high-quality content including press releases, media pitches,  briefing documents, blog posts, Q&As, and media statements.

Measurement & Reporting - Track media coverage and event outcomes to evaluate performance, share insights, and inform future strategies.

Requirements

• 4-6 years of experience in public relations, consumer communications, or events, with a strong focus on consumer communications and experience with event strategy and execution.
  
• Proven media relationships and experience securing coverage in top-tier consumer and local outlets.
  
• Exceptional writing and editing skills—able to turn complex or technical topics into clear, engaging content.
  
• Sharp editorial judgment and an eye for compelling, newsworthy stories.
  
• Highly organized and detail-oriented with strong project management abilities.
  
• Experience managing logistics for events and campaigns.
  
• Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally and manage multiple initiatives on deadline.
  
• Strong understanding of the consumer and general media landscape.
  
• Mission-driven mindset with a passion for food and sustainability.
  
• Based in the San Bruno, CA or Los Angeles area, with the ability to travel as needed (approx. 10–20%). 
• Contractor term: March-July

Bonus:

Familiarity with media monitoring and relationship management tools such as Muck Rack or Cision.