Trysail Strategies: Public Affairs Associate / Sr. Associate (Full-Time)
Location: Buffalo N.Y.
Monday – Thursday on-site, Friday remote.
About Trysail Strategies: Trysail Strategies is a boutique public affairs firm specializing in Tribal Diplomacy, issue advocacy, public affairs, litigation communications, and crisis communications. We are trusted communications advisors to sovereign tribal nations, corporations, nonprofits and public policy-focused trade organizations.
Position Overview: Trysail Strategies is a principal-led firm. Our chief strategist drives client relationships, sets communications strategy, and leads the work. This role exists to extend that capacity – helping execute strategy, keep projects moving, and ensure nothing falls through the cracks.
This is a close working relationship. You will work directly with the principal daily, translating strategic direction into strong written work and organized execution. The right person is a sharp writer, a self-starter, and someone who reads a room well – picking up on subtle direction and acting on it without needing every detail spelled out.
Just as important: you’ll help keep the principal focused and on track. That means managing up – flagging deadlines, anticipating needs, organizing priorities, and making sure the day-to-day doesn’t get in the way of the big picture. We’re a small team, and how well we work together matters as much as what we produce.
If you thrive in a fast-moving, collaborative environment where you’re trusted with real responsibility – and where the work is genuinely interesting – this is a unique opportunity.
Key Responsibilities:
Media Relations and Press Materials
- Produce strong drafts of client-facing materials, ensuring minimal revisions and reflecting a deep comprehension of client requirements and strategic perspective. Materials include media statements, opinion pieces, talking points, articles, messaging frameworks, and advocacy content.
- Support media relations efforts on behalf of clients through pitching compelling stories and media strategy. Lead the creation of media lists and cultivate relationships with regional/local reporters. Design tailored pitches, bolster pitching techniques, and harness media trend insights for impactful outreach.
- Maintain media lists, stakeholder lists, and distribution lists.
Content Creation & Social Media
- Draft and schedule social media content across client platforms.
- Write blog content, website copy, digital newsletters, and campaign materials.
- Assist in maintaining editorial calendars and content plans.
- Monitor media coverage and social engagement and compile reports.
- Graphic design for social media and communications materials.
Project Management
- Conduct background research to inform messaging and stakeholder engagement
- Demonstrate project management skills by overseeing projects with precision, ensuring team alignment with schedules; lead team meetings with strategic and timely communication; and provide regular updates on progress, challenges, and solutions.
- Manage project management tool – Basecamp.
- General small office support.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree required. English, political science, public policy, and communications majors preferred.
- 3–8 years of professional experience in public relations, public affairs, public policy, advocacy, or government relations.
- Experience in PR agency setting is strongly preferred.
- Exceptional writing and editing skills, with the ability to synthesize complex topics into clear, persuasive content.
- Experience working with tribal nations, sovereign governments, or trade associations is highly desirable.
- Proactive and ability to work independently.
- Graphic design proficiency with Adobe or Canva.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
- Experience with Meltwater to another media monitoring tool.
- Comfortable with technology and learning new programs/systems.
Position Details:
- Full-time W2 position with benefits, including health care
- On-site Monday-Thursday, remote Friday after onboarding
- Salary range: $45,000 – $65,000, commensurate with experience
- Annual bonus
- 12 days PTO (increases by one day per additional year of service; includes sick and vacation)
- 10 paid holidays
- Paid parking
- 401(k) with 3% employer contribution, eligible following one year of service
To apply, please email your resume and statement of interest to careers@trysailstrategies.com.
