BRYSON GILLETTE

Careers

Bryson Gillette is always looking for diverse and interesting people to join the team.

CURRENT OPENINGS

Bryson Gillette - Director, Public Affairs (Remote)

Who We Are

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, 57% people of color, and 20% LGBTQ+, 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.

What You’ll Do

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.
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.
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.
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.
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

Compensation & Benefits

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

How-to-apply

Application Deadline: Rolling

Interested candidates should upload the following to Raúl Hernández, Vice President, People via this link.

Please upload:

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):

Why are you interested in this position?
What makes you an exceptional candidate for this position in particular?
Where did you learn about this opportunity?

Bryson Gillette - Director, Public Affairs (Los Angeles)

Who We Are

Who You Are

What You’ll Do

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.

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.
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.
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.
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

Compensation & Benefits

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 via this link.

Please upload:

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):

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

Bryson Gillette - Manager, Political and Public Affairs (Remote)

Who We Are

Who You Are

You are a smart, kind, 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.

What You’ll Do

Be a project manager: We pride ourselves on providing excellent service to our clients. You will be a key part of our team, working as a project manager for specific clients. You will be responsible for tracking tasks and deliverables, and ensuring that deadlines are met so that no balls are dropped. To be successful, you’ll need to stay exceptionally organized and be comfortable managing up.
Create communications plans: In this role, you’ll work with our directors to create communications plans and execute on those earned and paid media strategies. You will work on all types of public affairs and political campaigns, leveraging traditional, print outlets and broadcast/cable television, as well as digital and social platforms. To do so successfully, you will be thoughtful, curious, strategic, and use good judgment.
Communicate clearly: With guidance from senior team members, in both public affairs and political campaigns, you will write and craft a range of communications, including media advisories, talking points, proposals, op-eds, ad concepts, direct mail, scripts, social media content, and other content.
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.
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 should be responsive to emails, texts, and calls from clients, team members, and vendors.

What Skills and Experiences You’ll Bring

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
Excellent written and oral communication skills
A growth mindset

What Would Be Great to Bring

At least 2-3 years of work experience in communications, political campaigns, in government, or public affairs agencies
Experience working on issues related to diversity, equity and inclusion, and/or social or racial justice advocacy
Client relationship experience
Spanish speaker and writer and/or experience with multicultural media outlets
Good sense of humor

Compensation & Benefits

The salary range for this position is an annual salary of $50,000 – $75,000. 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 a 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

How-to-apply

Application Deadline: Rolling

Interested candidates should submit the following to Raúl Hernández, Vice President, People via the following link.

Please upload:

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):

Why are you interested in this position?
What makes you an exceptional candidate for this position in particular?
Where did you learn about this opportunity?

Bryson Gillette - Associate, Operations

Who We Are

Bryson Gillette is a California-based, minority-owned, intentionally-diverse strategic communications and public affairs firm dedicated to serving the needs of its clients and delivering results. With expertise in strategic communications, media relations, crisis communications, and political consulting, we develop tailored strategies that shape narratives around the issues that matter to clients and address their most pressing communications needs.

We work with political candidates, progressive organizations, major companies, national law firms, and nonprofits. Our partners and vendors are also leaders in their fields. We are based out of Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles, and are currently working in a hybrid capacity in these locations. Our preferences are for either Los Angeles-based or D.C.-area applicants.

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 creatives without control issues. Come work with us and you’ll learn a lot, make an impact, and have fun doing it.

Who You Are

You are supremely proactive and detail-oriented, and are able to create and execute processes where they are needed. You have excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet changing deadlines in a fast-paced environment. You are a strong communicator, are able to collaborate with senior leaders, and have a desire to learn and grow in this role, and to take on additional responsibilities as they come your way.

What You’ll Do

Execute excellent administrative support: We expect that you will use your exceptional organizational skills to provide support to Bryson’s Partners and the Strategic Operations team. Examples of this support may include managing scheduling requests, providing daily calendar management for 1-2 executives, preparing materials for new business meetings, facilitating travel coordination, tracking expenses, assisting with office space logistics and in-person gatherings, supporting talent acquisition and hiring processes, and/or coordinating contracting and compliance efforts under the guidance of our legal and HR team. You will do well in this role if you can anticipate needs and proactively ask questions and share information. You will need to be adaptable and use texting, Slack, and other tools to appropriately keep everyone informed on the status of deliverables.
Handle special projects: As a fast growing company, there are always special projects happening. You would work to execute on those special projects within Bryson’s Strategic Operations teams.
Communicate clearly: To be successful in this role, you should be exceptionally quick and responsive to emails, texts, and calls. You should feel comfortable writing professional emails and research briefs.
Build relationships with team & clients: It will be important for you to build relationships with team members, clients, and vendors, and to do so in a hybrid environment. You’ll need to use your adaptability and grace.
Be a team player & grow: We are currently a mid-sized team but are continually growing. We have an all-hands-on-deck approach in a hybrid working environment. To be successful in this role, you should be willing to work some nights and weekends if there is urgency near critical deadlines.

What Skills and Experiences You’ll Bring

Self-starter, ability to plan and prioritize, multi-task and meet changing deadlines in a fast-paced environment
Excellent attention to detail and organized
Proactive and collaborative problem-solving
Strong written and oral communication skills
Comfort with using technology and learning new systems
A growth mindset

What Would Be Great to Bring (but not required)

Work experience in executive support, operations, administration, or political advance or campaign work
Experience working on issues related to diversity, equity and inclusion, and/or social or racial justice advocacy
Good sense of humor

Compensation & Benefits

The pay for this position is an hourly wage of $25/hour (annualized to $52,000 per year based on a 40-hr work week) with the opportunity for overtime. For clarity, this is the starting pay for the position and is eligible for raises.
Bryson provides insurance coverage for employees and their dependents, which includes fully paid monthly premiums for a PPO health plan, dental, and vision, STD and LTD coverage.
Generous Health Reimbursement Arrangement for medical expenses and optional Flexible Spending Account
401(k) Plan w/ Employer Match
20-22 paid holidays per year
Flexible Time-Off policy with no vacation caps after 90 days
Generous, paid parental leave
Discretionary, year-end bonuses

How-to-apply

Application Deadline: October 13, 2024

Interested candidates should submit the following to the VP, People, Raúl Hernández, via this link.

Please upload:

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):

Why are you interested in this position?
What makes you an exceptional candidate for this position in particular?
Where did you learn about this opportunity?

JOBS

Our team is constantly evolving to keep up with the needs of a fast-moving world. If you are interested in working with us, please share a resume telling us a bit about yourself and why you are interested in a career in strategic communications and public affairs.

Interested in working with us?
Share a bit about yourself and your resume.

DAMARA CATLETT

Senior Vice President

damara@brysongillette.com

With nearly two decades of experience in issue campaign strategy, lobbying, strategic communications, and corporate third-party engagement, Damara Catlett brings a thoughtful and creative approach to her work managing a broad portfolio of clients in tech, media, civil rights, and social justice. Damara was a government affairs principal at the Raben Group for 13 years, leading cutting edge issue campaigns. She worked with Airbnb during the company's nascent years to build its strategy around domestic lobbying, strategic communications, and partner engagement. She spearheaded efforts for We Must Count, drawing national attention to the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on communities of color. She helped manage the Second Chance on Shoot First campaign, which brought national awareness to Stand Your Ground laws following the shooting of Trayvon Martin. She led a multi-state civic engagement campaign for the National Urban League that reached over 350,000 African American voters. Damara got her start working as a client strategies manager at Winning Connections, where she managed voter contact campaigns for nonprofits, political party organizations, and candidates, including the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. She is a board member of the Voter Participation Center, a member of the National Institute for Lobbying Ethics's AI Task Force, an advisory board member for the Center for Democracy and Technology, was a New Leaders Council Institute Fellow, and served on the inaugural Kennedy Center Culture Caucus, where she worked with afrofuturists forecasting emerging tech policy issues through the arts.

Damara resides in Washington, D.C. with her fiance. Outside of work you can find Damara running, hiking or camping.

GARRETT ARWA

Senior Vice President | Head of Political

garrett@brysongillette.com

Garrett Arwa has over 15 years of successful experience working on campaigns and with cause-based organizations. He most recently served as the interim executive director of the National Democratic Redistricting Committee. He led the NDRC’s post-redistricting pivot to support pro-democracy candidates in the 2022 midterm elections, expanding its work into protecting election administration and preparing the organization for the fall U.S. Supreme Court term with two consequential redistricting cases before the court. Garrett has served in previous leadership roles at the For Our Future PAC and For Our Future Action Fund (FOF), NextGen Climate, and the Michigan Democratic Party.

Outside of the office, Garrett is an avid cook, will dance just about anywhere (especially department stores), can be found walking while listening to an audiobook, and loves to go on adventures with his wife Emily and their pug Franklin.

SETH LITT

Vice President

seth@brysongillette.com

Seth Litt is a strategist, communicator and doer who has spent 20 years bringing people together to build capacity and develop strategy to solve complex challenges. Equally skilled at media relations, brand-building, activating coalitions, and digital engagement, Seth employs every tool at his disposal to help his clients – from innovative national nonprofits to leading technology companies – expand their imagination of what is possible and then achieve their goals. Seth is also a seasoned nonprofit executive whose work has strengthened public education and empowered disenfranchised communities. He has organized marginalized families in Los Angeles to secure historic policy victories increasing access to high quality schools. He co-founded an organization that raised and distributed funds to over 4,000 families during the height of the pandemic. Seth founded a public high school in the South Bronx for young people who deserve a fair shot at happiness and success after being impacted by the criminal legal system.

Seth and his wife Lucy live in Washington DC with their two Australian Shepherds, Zeus and Lefty.

KATHERINE PROVINS

Executive Assistant

katherine @brysongillette.com

Katherine Provins provides administrative support on a wide variety of projects for Bryson Gillette, including project management, client relations, finance, operations, and event planning.

Katherine is a Chicago native now living in Los Angeles. Outside of the office, you will find her at the dog park, hiking with her Boxer puppy, or spending time with her daughter.

ANNA WOOD

Director | Enterprise Operations

anna@brysongillette.com

Anna Wood manages Bryson Gillette’s internal operations and is thrilled to be part of the firm’s strategic growth. Anna wears many hats at Bryson Gillette, and is passionate about building smart, efficient processes that increase her colleagues’ impact. Prior to joining Bryson Gillette, Anna worked as the strategic operations manager at Los Angeles’ Central City Association. She also led organizing teams for youth voter mobilization and issue advocacy efforts as regional organizing manager at New Era Colorado.

Outside of work you can find Anna exploring LA with her husband, packing the car for a weekend trip, or cuddling with her cats at home, tea or cocktail in hand.

JESSICA TAYLOR

Director | People Operations

jess@brysongillette.com

Jess Taylor provides strategic operations and human resources support to help scale team impact. She has served both political campaigns and public affairs clients through a variety of duties, including project management, media tracking, a variety of writing duties, and an array of production responsibilities. Prior to joining Bryson Gillette, Jess managed organizing teams and special projects for statewide and national political campaigns, including Senator Elizabeth Warren’s senate re-election campaign and presidential bid, and the Democratic ticket in New Hampshire in 2020.

Jess lives in Atlanta with her partner, Anna, where they’re aiming to try all of the delicious food, dance to lots of live music, and immerse themselves in the city’s legacy of activism.

RISA SUNAKAWA

Senior Manager

risa@brysongillette.com

Risa Sunakawa has quickly developed a specialty in tech reform, handling project management and a variety of writing projects for nonprofit and private sector clients working to transform social media and the digital landscape for the common good. She was part of the team that helped secure groundbreaking California legislation implementing landmark online safety regulations for children. She also helped elect a first-time member of the L.A. County Board of Supervisors. Prior to joining Bryson Gillette, Risa worked with multiple nonprofits to increase voter registration and civic engagement in Utah, including one focusing on the AAPI community. She also created a web platform that helped Missourians safely and easily request absentee ballots during the 2020 election season.

Risa is a Yankees fan, but will root for the Angels for Ohtani. In her free time, she likes pretending like she knows about wine.

SLOANE PERRY

Senior Manager

sloane@brysongillette.com

Sloane Perry handles project management, media tracking, a variety of writing duties including op-eds and website content, and an array of production responsibilities for Bryson Gillette’s political and public affairs clients. She has helped re-elect L.A. Unified Board of Education members and is now working to elect a first-time Congressmember. She was part of the team that helped secure California’s first-in-the-nation law to reduce single-use plastics. Sloane helped create and implement paid media for Measure LA, a historic bond measure that will invest $5 billion to prepare students for 21st century careers. She also supported Caroline Simmons’ successful mayor campaign in Stamford, Connecticut and our global media work with Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen. Previously, Sloane served as a researcher at Unite America and did field work for the 2020 Democratic campaign in Colorado.

Sloane spends most of her free time outside hiking, skiing, at the beach, or playing with her dog, Fig.

REBECCA PEARCEY

Partner | Political Communications

rebecca@brysongillette.com

One of the most accomplished political operatives in the country, Rebecca Pearcey works on local, state, and national political campaigns at Bryson Gillette. In 2022, she led the paid media strategy to elect Pennsylvania's first African American Congresswoman, Summer Lee, and advised more than 20 candidates throughout the cycle. Prior to joining Bryson Gillette, Rebecca served as political director and senior advisor for Senator Elizabeth Warren’s presidential campaign, where she led a flood-all-zones strategy and oversaw staff teams in all 57 states and territories. Her work for Sen. Warren included overseeing ballot access operation, delegate recruitment and operations, advising on external communications strategy, surrogate and principal scheduling, and briefing the candidate on a daily basis. In 2018, as director of the national independent expenditure campaign for the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, Rebecca played a crucial role in flipping over 400 legislative seats and eight chambers. During her 20-year career, she has steered hundreds of campaigns across the country, including running a U.S. Senate race in Ohio and a gubernatorial race in Indiana. Outside of her career, Rebecca is committed to mentoring and training diverse young talent in strategic campaign management through the Blue Leadership Collaborative. Her dedication to fostering fresh talent has earned her numerous accolades, including being named a Fellow at Georgetown University’s Institute of Politics and Public Service in 2021. A native of Oregon, Rebecca is now based in Washington DC.

If Rebecca hasn’t missed her flight, she is probably tweeting about how close she’s calling it and offering travel tips on Twitter.

JASON MANDELL

Senior Director

jason@brysongillette.com

Jason Mandell helps changemakers and organizational leaders deepen their impact through persuasive messaging, powerful storytelling, and the strategic deployment of resources. A skilled writer, creative thinker and experienced media strategist, Jason positions his clients to increase their exposure, influence public opinion, and change policy. Over the years, he has secured coverage in countless outlets, from the New York Times to Politico; scripted everything from brand videos to op-eds to speeches; and provided media coaching for everyone from CEOs and elected officials to teachers and farmers. His proudest moments at Bryson Gillette including helping to launch a national climate coalition advocating for regenerative agriculture; shepherding a national paid advertising campaign pressuring Congress to pass voting rights legislation; creating consumer-friendly messaging for a housing startup and an innovative crowdfunding platform; and significantly expanding the media footprint of the nation’s largest and oldest scholarship provider to Indigenous students. A former reporter, Jason has served as a communications director for nonprofits advocating for better schools, economic justice, and solutions to homelessness.

Jason and his partner Ellie live in Pasadena and enjoy hiking, eating, bossa nova, and the occasional healthy debate.

JACQUELINE LEE RIVERA

Senior Director

jacqueline@brysongillette.com

Jacqueline Lee Rivera has more than a decade of experience developing and managing award-winning campaigns for feature films, global nonprofit organizations, and Fortune 100 companies tackling some of the most pressing issues of our time. Most recently, she led a rebrand for the country’s largest and oldest direct scholarship provider to Native students, that increased the organization’s average annual media impressions, and she led the national launch of an unprecedented coalition of farmers, food companies and environmental advocates championing climate-friendly agriculture practices. Previously, she served as an impact producer leading social impact campaigns for feature films and television such as Academy Award-winner American Factory; NAACP Image Awards Best Documentary winner John Lewis: Good Trouble; and the acclaimed docuseries America To Me. Jacqueline also has experience leading international humanitarian and disaster relief communications during the Syrian Refugee Crisis and the Nepal Earthquake of 2015 and developing cause marketing campaigns in partnership with Microsoft YouthSpark and Gucci’s Chime For Change.

Jacqueline is passionate about the power of storytelling to open hearts and minds and can be found watching the latest films, sampling new restaurants, and attending concerts across Los Angeles.

RAÚL HERNÁNDEZ

Vice President | People

raul@brysongillette.com

With a knack for making strategic connections between people, programs, and resources, Raúl Hernández builds capacity in teams and institutions to maximize impact. A former educator with nearly 20 years of experience in education reform and talent development, Raúl oversees all things human resources at Bryson Gillette. He has expertise in designing and delivering learning experiences that resonate with audiences. Prior to joining Bryson Gillette, Raúl led alumni and corps member work for Teach For America Los Angeles for over 10 years. He supported a network of over 3,600 leaders across a variety of industries in Southern California through program partnerships, facilitating leadership development, talent matching, and ongoing engagement. Previously, Raúl spent eight years as a public school classroom teacher in Baltimore and Boston.

Raul lives with his wife, Rohini, and their two little girls. You can find him spending time with his family, going on walks with their dogs, or on the course trying to become a scratch golfer.

SHIRA FINE

Partner | Head of Strategic Communications

shira@brysongillette.com

The head of Bryson Gillette’s public affairs department, Shira Fine creates audacious, award-winning communication campaigns for high-impact, high-profile organizations and individuals working to change the world. She helps brands tell their stories and creates paths to success for impactful progressive causes. A creative thinker who is fluent in comprehensive communications strategy, digital engagement, media relations, branding and messaging, Shira designs bespoke campaigns to achieve clients’ goals. Her proudest achievements include advising the social impact campaign for Netflix’s Oscar-nominated, ceiling-shattering documentary Crip Camp; elevating the media profile of the largest homeless services and advocacy organization in California; and teaching lawmakers about the benefits of regenerative agriculture.

On the weekends, she can be found hiking in Griffith Park, wandering on the beach or discovering new playgrounds with her husband and two sons.

AREF AZIZ

Director

aref@brysongillette.com

Aref Aziz is a seasoned marketing expert, digital strategist and campaign consultant who creates innovative, customized solutions for some of his clients’ greatest challenges. Those clients have included leading tech companies, groundbreaking legislative efforts and successful political campaigns. Aref designed and and implemented the first multi-channel consumer marketing program for a next-gen, privacy-by-design social network. His digital programs helped secure the passage of Measure LA – a historic bond measure that will invest $5 billion to prepare students for 21st century careers – and California’s first-in-the-nation law to reduce single-use plastics. In 2022, Aref ran digital operations for the independent expenditure campaigns of the Sacramento Central Labor Council and Los Angeles Central Labor Council. The same year, Aref managed all digital and mail for L.A. Unified Board Member Nick Melvoin’s successful re-election campaign. Prior to joining Bryson Gillette, Aref served as a campaign consultant on some of California's most contentious statewide races. He worked with the political teams of Governor Gavin Newsom, Attorney General Rob Bonta, Treasurer Emeritus John Chiang, and a handful of state and local ballot propositions. Through ballot measures, Aref has helped raise nearly $15 billion in generated and expected revenue for infrastructure investments throughout California.

Outside of work, Aref enjoys hiking, photography, and tending to his garden.

PAUL BEAN

Designer

paul@brysongillette.com

A British designer who’s hopped the pond and is obsessed by clever, considered, beautiful typography, created digitally or by hand, Paul Bean gently pushes each project as far as it can go, to live up to its potential. His expertise is in stripping away the nonessentials to make the communication as powerful as possible. Paul was trained in branding and print design at Kingston University, London, where he won a D&AD New Blood Award before joining the prestigious product design agency SeymourPowell, where he trained under Richard Seymour. While running Delivery of Thought, a small design studio, Paul worked with a wide variety of clients from The Prince’s Trust, Unilever, Freedom From Torture, Puma and Adidas (not at the same time!). Since then, he has been busy designing branding, websites, digital and print ads, policy reports, and a wide range of collateral for all types of clients, from political candidates and advocacy organizations to Fortune 100 corporations and education institutions.

Paul and his wife, Becky, have lived in both New York City and Seattle, and are now settled in Santa Barbara with their beautiful daughter, Poppy.

EMILY SCHWARTZ

Partner | Strategic Communications

emily@brysongillette.com

A national expert in social media reform, Emily Schwartz has worked at the intersection of technology, business and policy for nearly 15 years. She led the media and communications strategy for Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen, creating and managing an unprecedented international media consortium. She helped secure the passage of groundbreaking legislation in California requiring tech companies to prioritize children’s safety and privacy. She has shepherded clients through high-pressure opportunities, from congressional and Parliamentary testimonies to SXSW appearances, from interviews with the New York Times and Vanity Fair to segments on CBS’ 60 Minutes and HBO’s Real Time With Bill Maher. Prior to joining Bryson Gillette, she led Uber’s global data sharing policy, advising the company on regulatory issues regarding privacy and mobility data. Drawing on her leadership experience in the tech sector, as well as stints at the World Trade Organization and the U.S. Senate Finance Committee, Emily helps her clients win over the media, legislators and the public.

Emily lives in Los Angeles with her husband and three baby boys.

KASEY POULIN

Senior Director | Strategic Operations and Paid Media Production

kasey@brysongillette.com

Kasey Poulin leads the firm’s paid media and production work. From video production, ad buying all the way to direct mail, Kasey helps to shepherd our political and public affairs clients through the process of creating compelling paid media content from beginning to end. Previously, she was national travel manager for Senator Elizabeth Warren’s presidential campaign and before that served on Warren’s successful U.S. Senate re-election campaign. Kasey began her career as a field organizer for Jay González’s gubernatorial campaign in Massachusetts.

Kasey and her wife Annie live in Worcester, Massachusetts, where they enjoy getting involved in local political races.

MARCOS RODRIGUEZ

Senior Director

marcos@brysongillette.com

A skillful writer, bilingual media expert, paid media strategist, crisis advisor, and campaign manager, Marcos Rodriguez Maciel does it all in service of a truly diverse spectrum of clients. Marcos’ advocacy campaign for a survivor of abuse by a church leader yielded sweeping coverage, from NPR to the Associated Press to the L.A. Times. He has designed communications and digital engagement strategies for top tech companies and drafted speeches for leaders of some of the country’s largest governmental organizations. Marcos’ op-eds have appeared in top publications like the Washington Post and USA Today. He has also guided candidates through highly competitive races, from statewide to Congress to school board, designing comprehensive paid media plans, executing complex mail plans, and developing Spanish and bilingual ads. From helping elect Congressmember Josh Harder to turning out Spanish-speaking voters in Arizona during the 2020 election to re-electing L.A. Unified Board President Kelly Gonez, Marcos leverages polling, research, and creativity to help candidates win.

Outside of work, Marcos loves to travel and often spends his weekends outside of Los Angeles. He also enjoys trying new restaurants and knows the best spots in L.A.

BILL BURTON

Founding Partner | Chief Executive Officer

bill@brysongillette.com

Bill Burton is a renowned political and communications strategist who has worked as a senior adviser to some of the nation’s most influential political leaders, corporations, advocacy organizations, and nonprofits. After serving as national press secretary for then-Senator Barack Obama’s presidential campaign, Bill became a senior adviser and deputy press secretary during President Obama’s first term in the White House. For over two decades, he has shepherded hundreds of candidates in races across the country, while also driving national communications campaigns on the biggest issues of our time, from climate change and education reform to voting rights and racial justice. A natural communicator who simplifies complicated ideas and designs strategies that break through the noise, Bill empowers leaders and organizations large and small to communicate with authenticity and build lasting relationships with their audiences.

Since 2015, Bill has made Santa Barbara his home with his wife Kelly Ward Burton and three kids, Oscar, Emma, and Miles. Bill loves playing guitar and teaching his son to play basketball.

BRYSON GILLETTE

Careers

CURRENT OPENINGS

Bryson Gillette - Director, Public Affairs (Remote)

Bryson Gillette - Director, Public Affairs (Los Angeles)

Bryson Gillette - Manager, Political and Public Affairs (Remote)

Bryson Gillette - Associate, Operations

JOBS

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DAMARA CATLETT

Senior Vice President

GARRETT ARWA

Senior Vice President | Head of Political

SETH LITT

Vice President

KATHERINE PROVINS

Executive Assistant

ANNA WOOD

Director | Enterprise Operations

JESSICA TAYLOR

Director | People Operations

RISA SUNAKAWA

Senior Manager

SLOANE PERRY

Senior Manager

REBECCA PEARCEY

Partner | Political Communications

JASON MANDELL

Senior Director

JACQUELINE LEE RIVERA

Senior Director

RAÚL HERNÁNDEZ

Vice President | People

SHIRA FINE

Partner | Head of Strategic Communications

AREF AZIZ

Director

PAUL BEAN

Designer

EMILY SCHWARTZ

Partner | Strategic Communications

KASEY POULIN

Senior Director | Strategic Operations and Paid Media Production

MARCOS RODRIGUEZ

Senior Director

BILL BURTON

Founding Partner | Chief Executive Officer

Interested in working with us?
Share a bit about yourself and your resume.