Sr. Manager, Public Relations and Communications

Tekmetric•Houston, TX

About The Position

Tekmetric is seeking its first dedicated public relations leader to build and own the company’s external communications function. This high-visibility individual contributor role will shape how Tekmetric, its leaders, and its community are understood by the press, the auto repair industry, and the broader market. The role combines strategic program development with hands-on communications work, including executive positioning, earned media, media partnerships, product and partner announcements, event communications, and community-impact storytelling. The Sr. Manager will develop executive visibility programs for the CEO, President/COO, CPO, and other leaders; create executive voice guides and media training; and produce content across social and video formats. The role will build a data-informed media relations strategy and a repeatable product-news cadence, lead media partnerships and conference PR for Tektonic and other major events, and manage media sponsorships. A core part of the remit is applying a GEO-forward approach to improve Tekmetric’s visibility and authority in AI-generated answers, while measuring PR performance through signals such as earned reach, placement quality, executive visibility, share of voice, and AI-generated brand mentions. The position works cross-functionally with teams including Product, Sales, and executive stakeholders. Tekmetric offers hybrid and remote work models based on proximity to office hubs; travel is expected for every role, including attendance at several company and team offsites each year.

Requirements

At least 8 years of experience in PR, communications, or a closely related field, including ownership of a program or function.
A track record of building an executive visibility or thought leadership program end to end, including selecting a platform, setting cadence, training a leader, and demonstrating results over time.
Deep experience in executive communications, thought leadership development, or executive visibility programs.
Experience in B2B, SaaS, or technology communications; vertical- or industry-specific experience with a non-desk or field-based audience is relevant.
Hands-on experience building or running AI workflows and measuring visibility in large language models, with examples of findings or results.
Exceptional writing, editing, and messaging skills across media pitches, op-eds, press releases, and talking points.
Executive presence and direct communication skills, including the ability to coach founders, provide candid feedback respectfully, and build trust with C-suite leaders.
Experience managing or mentoring people, or readiness to do so, and interest in growing a team as the function expands.
Ability to work effectively without a set roadmap and develop a point of view on what to build first.
Proven cross-functional collaboration, especially with Product, Sales, and executive stakeholders.
Experience managing media sponsorships, event media partnerships, or conference PR strategy.

Nice To Haves

Experience marketing to field-based, non-desk, or trade audiences, or to audiences related to skilled trades or the local service economy.
Familiarity with PR tools such as Meltwater, Muck Rack, or Cision, and emerging AI visibility tracking tools.
Familiarity with how AI search is changing discovery and curiosity about testing how content earns visibility and trust in that environment.

Responsibilities

Build the company’s external communications function and own its communications strategy end to end.
Develop executive visibility and thought leadership programs for the CEO, President/COO, CPO, and other leaders, including voice guides, speaker selection, media training, ghostwriting, speaking opportunities, and awards.
Develop and execute an earned media strategy rooted in data-driven storytelling and relationships with trade and business press.
Build an earned media program that strengthens Tekmetric’s authority in auto repair technology and improves its visibility in AI-generated answers.
Own media strategy for Tektonic, SEMA, and other major events, including media partnerships, live recordings, broadcast and podcast partners, customer visits, press-friendly content hubs, and before-, during-, and after-event plans.
Create narratives around product releases, establish announcement tiers, and manage a repeatable product launch cadence.
Coordinate announcements with strategic partners, including parts providers, coaching groups, and integrations.
Develop and manage Tektonic’s media partnerships with trade publications, journalists, and content partners.
Identify and amplify subject matter expertise among leaders across marketing, sales, product, finance, operations, customer success, and other functions.
Develop stories about Tekmetric’s philanthropic work and investment in the auto repair community.
Manage the company’s media and trade sponsorship portfolio, evaluate opportunities, negotiate agreements, and ensure strategic value.
Incorporate GEO considerations into media strategy, content structure, and narrative development.
Define and track PR measures, including earned reach, placement quality, executive visibility, share-of-voice trends, and brand sentiment in AI-generated answers; report progress and business outcomes to senior stakeholders.
Work cross-functionally, particularly with Product, Sales, and executive stakeholders.

Benefits

Flexible remote work.
Competitive base salaries.
Flexible PTO with no set number of days.
Paid maternity, parental bonding, and medical leave.
Medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage; employee-only plans cover 100% of premiums, and the company covers 50% of family plan costs.
Free, confidential counseling through BetterHelp.
401(k) plan with a 100% employer match on contributions up to 6%.
Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts.
Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance.
Up to $60 per month toward fitness, mental health, or other wellness needs.
$300 home office setup bonus after one year of employment.
Support for continuing education.