OpenGov is the leader in AI-enabled software for cities, counties, state agencies, and special districts. With a mission to power more effective and accountable government, OpenGov serves 2,000 communities across the United States. OpenGov is built exclusively for the unique asset management, permitting and licensing, procurement and contract management, tax and revenue, budgeting and planning, and financial management needs of the public sector. The OpenGov platform empowers organizations to operate more efficiently, adapt to change, and strengthen public trust.

Learn more or request a demo at opengov.com

Job Summary:    

We’re seeking a powerfully intelligent, execution-focused Strategic Communications Lead to work directly with our CEO and Co-founder, Zac Bookman. This role sits at the heart of our organization’s voice and narrative, driving internal and external communications that shape how we show up inside the company and out in the world.

You will be an integral partner in advancing our mission to power more effective and accountable government.  You’ll work on materials that reach 2000 governments across America and touch one third of Americans every day.

You’ll help craft compelling stories for our stakeholders (employees, prospective employees, customers, prospects, investors), shape cultural materials, and act as a critical thought partner to the CEO across executive communications, media engagement, podcasts, speeches, essays, and thought leadership. This is a unique opportunity to operate at the intersection of strategy, storytelling, and brand, amplifying the CEO’s voice and advancing our mission with authenticity and clarity.

This position is ideal for someone who excels in a fast-paced environment. Thinking quickly, managing multiple parallel projects, and the ability to understand and communicate technical and complex topics are table stakes. The right candidate can lead with influence and is comfortable working closely with the highest levels of leadership in the company.

This is not a normal comms job. It’s a chance to help shape the voice of a mission-driven, fast-moving organization at the leadership level. You’ll be in the room where the most strategic decisions are made, and your work will directly influence how we connect with the world and ourselves.

This role is located at our San Francisco headquarters, in-person for five days a week.  Occasional travel may be necessary.  

To hear more about Zac, check out his recent appearances on Grit, 20VC, and American Optimist.

Responsibilities:

• Write essays and memos that inspire action.

• Develop speeches, talking points, and op-eds for the CEO.

• Shape narratives and prepare the CEO for keynote events, high-stakes interviews, panels, podcasts, and media appearances.

• Ensure consistency of tone and messaging across all CEO-directed content.

• Create internal communications materials that articulate our values, strategy, and cultural vision.

• Partner closely with other teams to develop onboarding materials, all-hands content, and internal storytelling.

• Coordinate with our Marketing team to identify, align on, and execute against narrative opportunities and strategic positioning moments.

• Act as a strategic filter—translating complex information into clear, compelling insight.

• Work closely with the Chief of Staff and executive team to align communications with company priorities.

Requirements and Preferred Experience:

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree.

• Extremely exceptional writing, editorial, and content development skills.

• The ability to execute in fast-paced, ambiguous environments. 

• A direct, honest, and transparent communication style.

• The ability to align communications with company strategy. 

• High levels of integrity and confidentiality. 

• 2+ years of experience supporting highly-visible public figures.

Things that would make you stand out:

• Experience directly supporting a CEO or doing executive-level engagement at rapid-growth companies.

• A familiarity with artificial intelligence, public service, and enterprise Tech.

• Incredible track record of written work product.

• Experience writing for first tier journals, newspapers, or other thought leading institutions.

• Familiarity with podcast production, video scripting, or branded storytelling.

• Experience in a fast-paced growth company, private equity, venture capital, or management consulting environment.

• Being a former founder.

Details:

• $115,000 - $165,000 a year, depending on skills and experience.

• On target ranges above include base plus a portion of variable compensation that is earned based on company and individual performance.

• The final compensation will be determined by a number of factors such as qualifications, expertise, and the candidate’s geographical location.

Articles and Items of Interest

• Lulu Cheng Meservy’s GO DIRECT: THE MANIFESTO

Why OpenGov?

A Mission That Matters.

At OpenGov, public service is personal. We are passionate about our mission to power more effective and accountable government. Government that operates efficiently, adapts to change, and strengthens public trust.  Some people say this is boring.  We think it’s the core of our democracy.

Opportunity to Innovate

The next great wave of innovation is unfolding with AI, and it will impact everything—from the way we work to the way governments interact with their residents. Join a trusted team with the passion, technology, and expertise to drive innovation and bring AI to local government. We’ve touched 2,000 communities so far, and we’re just getting started.

A Team of Passionate, Driven People

This isn’t your typical 9-to-5 job; we operate in a fast-paced, results-driven environment where impact matters more than simply clocking in and out. Our global team of 800+ employees is united in our commitment to challenge the status quo. OpenGov is headquartered in San Francisco and has offices in Atlanta, Boston, Buenos Aires, Chicago, Dubuque, Plano, and Pune.

A Place to Make Your Mark

We pride ourselves on our performance-based culture, where every employee is encouraged to jump in head-first and take action to help us improve. If you have a great idea, we want to hear it. Excellent performance is recognized and rewarded, and we love to promote from within.

Benefits That Work for You

Enjoy an award-winning workplace with the benefits to match, including:

• Comprehensive healthcare options for individuals and families.

• Flexible vacation policy and paid company holidays

• 401(k) with company match

• Paid parental leave, wellness stipends, and HSA contributions

• Professional development and growth opportunities

• A collaborative office environment with weekly catered lunches