Description
About Bearstar
Bearstar takes on the toughest fights for candidates, ballot initiatives, brands, and organizations. We partner with clients to craft their message, tell their story, and win together. We've guided strategy for clients across the country, as well as producing award-winning television, radio, digital, and outdoor advertising campaigns that deliver on election day. For us, it’s all about doing what works and what wins for our clients, recent examples of whom include Governor Gavin Newsom, Senators Alex Padilla and Chris Murphy, and Representatives Robert Garcia and Lateefah Simon, among many others.
The Role
Bearstar is seeking an Associate or Senior Associate (pending experience) to join the team. This member of the team will serve as a critical member of a small firm that sits at the heart of California and national politics. This individual will work across a broad range of clients—including both candidates and issue campaigns—helping to execute key elements of their strategies. We’re looking for someone who is comfortable wearing many different hats, learning on the fly, and balancing several obligations at a time without being overwhelmed. This is truly a “no job to small, no job to large” kind of role.
Location: San Francisco Bay Area or other location in California
Target Start Date: January 16, 2026
Reports to: Alaina Haworth, Director and George Ross, Partner
Job Duties
- Plan and execute multiple aspects of political campaigns, including communications, budgeting, paid media, client and candidate management, and certain internal scheduling responsibilities.
- Anticipate and address campaign needs
- Produce a range of different written work products, from memos, to press releases, to paid media scripts, to proposals, that are nearly client ready
- Other related job duties, as assigned
Compensation and Benefits
The salary range for this role starts at $85,000 and increases commensurate with experience.
The benefits at Bearstar Strategies include, but are not limited to:
- 100% employer paid gold level healthcare for the employee and benefits. Platinum level plan available, with the employee paying the difference only between the gold and platinum plants.
- 100% employer paid dental, vision, and life insurance
- Optional health and dependent care FSA accounts
- 401(k) plan
- Generous paid time off, including, vacation (starting at 15 days per year), 12 paid holidays per year, sick time, and various other leave types
How to Apply
To apply for this role, please submit your resume and cover letter through Gusto here. You will also be asked to provide the following:
- Full Name
- Current state of residence
- Phone number (optional)
- Are you authorized to work in the United States?
The priority application deadline for this role is December 8, 2025. After that date, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The role will be closed once we have received a sufficient number and strength of applicants.
Bearstar is dedicated to building a collaborative and supportive workplace. The organization prioritizes a work environment that is racially just, equitable, and inclusive and holds our vendors and candidates to the same standard. Individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences are highly encouraged to apply.
Requirements
Job Qualifications
- At least two years work experience in government, policy, or political campaigns
- Extreme self-starter who actively seeks opportunities to plug-in and take on responsibilities
- Excellent writing ability
- Willingness to learn and adapt quickly
Requirements
Bearstar is a California-based organization, and employees will be expected to reside in the state with a preference for the Bay Area. Occasional travel will be required.
