OPR Communications
Job Description: Senior Writer - Public Affairs
Location: Riverside, CA or San Diego, CA
Full-time
About Us
OPR Communications is a successful, dynamic, mid-sized public affairs firm specializing in high-impact campaigns and initiatives that influence change and deliver results for California businesses and communities. We serve a diverse range of clients across public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Our team thrives in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment that values collaboration, integrity, and creative thinking.
We seek a seasoned Senior Writer - Public Affairs with exceptional writing skills, a passion for shaping narratives, and proven public affairs and/or public relations agency experience. This individual will write and edit compelling bylined articles, opinion editorials/letters, proposals, content, and support communications strategies to help persuade target audiences to take desired action.
Key Responsibilities
- Client Communications Support
- Write and edit a range of materials including press releases, op-eds, standby statements, white papers, talking points, FAQs, speeches, and legislative summaries.
- Contribute to messaging strategies for public affairs campaigns in areas such as infrastructure, economic development, education, and regulatory reform.
- Interview subject matter experts and synthesize research findings into compelling copy.
- Proofread and revise content for accuracy, clarity, and voice alignment.
- Editorial Leadership
- Ensure that all strategic communications and client content are aligned with corporate standards and industry best practices.
- Serve as a go-to resource for internal teams on style, tone, and editorial quality.
- Help OPR evolve our writing tools and workflow processes for greater efficiency and impact.
- Proposal & Business Development Writing
- Draft high-quality new business proposals that include strategy, tactics, media targets, and messaging.
- Develop and maintain templates for proposals, presentations, case studies, and staff bios.
- Collaborate with OPR's senior leadership on pitch materials and follow-up correspondence.
- Translate complex issues into clear, persuasive content for diverse audiences.
Qualifications & Experience
- Minimum 5 years of professional writing experience in a public affairs or public relations agency environment, preferably in issues analysis, issues management, and policy communications.
- Demonstrated success in writing proposals, corporate or policy communications, and media materials.
- Strong background in research-driven content creation and the ability to distill complex topics into accessible language.
- Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Journalism, Communications, Government and Politics, Political Science, or a related field.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills, with a sharp eye for detail and deadlines.
- Comfortable working independently while collaborating closely with cross-functional teams.
Preferred Attributes
- Experience developing content in sectors such as infrastructure, sustainability, education, or healthcare.
- Familiarity with California public policy and media landscape.
- Strong interpersonal and listening skills-able to absorb, distill, and reflect diverse perspectives.
- Comfortable working in an in-office environment, managing multiple deadlines simultaneously.
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary, commensurate with experience and location.
- Full benefits package including performance bonus, health, dental, vision, PTO, and 401(k).
- Professional development opportunities, mentorship, and team-building events.
- A collaborative and inclusive workplace culture that values growth and innovation.
To Apply:
Submit your resume, cover letter, salary expectations, and 2-3 writing samples (preferably including a proposal or policy-related work). Please indicate your preferred location (Riverside or San Diego).
Help shape a better future for California communities-join OPR Communications and apply the power of language to make change happen.