Media Director Jobs in California
Media Director jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in entertainment, digital media, advertising, and tech across a market that ranges from entry-level media coordinators to senior directors overseeing multi-platform strategy. Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego are the primary hiring hubs, anchored by established employers such as NBCUniversal, Walt Disney Company, and Salesforce. The most consistent demand is for directors with expertise in digital campaign strategy, paid media, and integrated brand communications. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Job Description
The Director of External Communications is responsible for leading strategic communications for Cedars-Sinai, working closely with the External Comms team and others to develop compelling content and secure news coverage that elevates the organization’s national and international reputation. This leader will shape stories for the news media, manage crisis communications, enhance content on the Cedars-Sinai Newsroom and serve as a primary editor for the team, ensuring the highest standards in digital and video storytelling. The Director will manage direct reports and work collaboratively with Marketing, Social Media and other teams to support priorities at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Cedars-Sinai Marina Hospital, Cedars-Sinai Medical Network and affiliated hospitals. This individual will use metrics to measure and evolve earned media strategy while deploying SEO and AI strategies to boost newsroom traffic.
The Director will bring to this position significant experience leading communications in a large, matrixed organization, preferably in an academic medical center or other healthcare setting. The leader in this position must possess exceptional writing and editing skills, sound news judgment and an astute ability to solve communications challenges calmly under tight deadlines. The Director will have the capacity to juggle numerous projects on a busy team that produces more than 500 stories annually about patients, medical research and other relevant subjects. The Director must be an effective communicator and a team player who can contribute meaningfully to a supportive team environment, conceive enterprise projects and stories, and write and edit a wide range of materials, including communications plans, news releases, media statements and messages for organizational leaders.
- Partners with Chief Communications Officer and External Comms leaders to oversee communications strategy including content for the Cedars-Sinai Newsroom, media pitches and statements.
- Uses sound news judgment and experience to solve communications challenges calmly under tight deadlines.
- Conceives stories and projects with team, and writes and edits a wide range of materials, including communications plans, news releases, media statements and messages for organizational leaders.
- Develops and implements strategic, targeted communications and tactics for special projects, events and campaigns across the health system that support and advance the organization's reputation and identity.
- Plays a leadership role in advancing communication strategies and tactics with counterparts in Marketing, Digital Strategy, Creative Studio and other related departments.
- Provides counsel and support for executive-level institutional crisis messaging as needed.
- Evaluates and implements external communications strategic plans in conjunction with service line leadership and others across the institution.
Qualifications
Educational Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism or Writing
Experience Requirements:
8 years prior communications experience related to journalism, public relations/media relations required
Diversity and Inclusion at Cedars-Sinai
We are caretakers and innovators committed to the pursuit of equitable healthcare. But health equity is not possible without representation. Our commitment to diversity goes beyond demographics or checking boxes. Our people must reflect the diverse identities, experiences and geographies of the communities and patients we serve – because that’s what our patients, colleagues and communities deserve Quality Care and Research—For All, By All.
Our compensation philosophy
We offer a competitive compensation package for our employees. The base pay range shown generally applies to the greater Los Angeles area and may vary based on work location. Our range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including knowledge/skills: relevant experience and training, education/certifications/licensure; and other business and organizational factors. The base pay range does not include any incentive payments that may be applicable to a role. Pay Transparency Non-Discrimination Provision (PDF) .
Cedars-Sinai is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
Cedars-Sinai does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of the race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, physical or mental disability, legally protected medical condition (cancer-related or genetic characteristics or any genetic information), marital status, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age (40 or older), military and/or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal or state law. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at Applicant_Accommodation@cshs.org and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.
Cedars-Sinai will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories, in accordance with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.
At Cedars-Sinai, we are dedicated to the safety, health and wellbeing of our patients and employees. This includes protecting our patients from communicable diseases, such as influenza (flu). For this reason, we require that all new employees receive a flu vaccine based on the seasonal availability of flu vaccine (typically during September through April each year) as a condition of employment, and annually thereafter as a condition of continued employment, subject to medical exemption or religious accommodation. For the same reason, you may also be required to receive other vaccines as a condition of employment. Cedars-Sinai reserves the right to make modifications to its required list of vaccines as required by law and/or policy.
Job Description
The Director of External Communications is responsible for leading strategic communications for Cedars-Sinai, working closely with the External Comms team and others to develop compelling content and secure news coverage that elevates the organization’s national and international reputation. This leader will shape stories for the news media, manage crisis communications, enhance content on the Cedars-Sinai Newsroom and serve as a primary editor for the team, ensuring the highest standards in digital and video storytelling. The Director will manage direct reports and work collaboratively with Marketing, Social Media and other teams to support priorities at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Cedars-Sinai Marina Hospital, Cedars-Sinai Medical Network and affiliated hospitals. This individual will use metrics to measure and evolve earned media strategy while deploying SEO and AI strategies to boost newsroom traffic.
The Director will bring to this position significant experience leading communications in a large, matrixed organization, preferably in an academic medical center or other healthcare setting. The leader in this position must possess exceptional writing and editing skills, sound news judgment and an astute ability to solve communications challenges calmly under tight deadlines. The Director will have the capacity to juggle numerous projects on a busy team that produces more than 500 stories annually about patients, medical research and other relevant subjects. The Director must be an effective communicator and a team player who can contribute meaningfully to a supportive team environment, conceive enterprise projects and stories, and write and edit a wide range of materials, including communications plans, news releases, media statements and messages for organizational leaders.
- Partners with Chief Communications Officer and External Comms leaders to oversee communications strategy including content for the Cedars-Sinai Newsroom, media pitches and statements.
- Uses sound news judgment and experience to solve communications challenges calmly under tight deadlines.
- Conceives stories and projects with team, and writes and edits a wide range of materials, including communications plans, news releases, media statements and messages for organizational leaders.
- Develops and implements strategic, targeted communications and tactics for special projects, events and campaigns across the health system that support and advance the organization's reputation and identity.
- Plays a leadership role in advancing communication strategies and tactics with counterparts in Marketing, Digital Strategy, Creative Studio and other related departments.
- Provides counsel and support for executive-level institutional crisis messaging as needed.
- Evaluates and implements external communications strategic plans in conjunction with service line leadership and others across the institution.
Qualifications
Educational Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism or Writing
Experience Requirements:
8 years prior communications experience related to journalism, public relations/media relations required
Diversity and Inclusion at Cedars-Sinai
We are caretakers and innovators committed to the pursuit of equitable healthcare. But health equity is not possible without representation. Our commitment to diversity goes beyond demographics or checking boxes. Our people must reflect the diverse identities, experiences and geographies of the communities and patients we serve – because that’s what our patients, colleagues and communities deserve Quality Care and Research—For All, By All.
Our compensation philosophy
We offer a competitive compensation package for our employees. The base pay range shown generally applies to the greater Los Angeles area and may vary based on work location. Our range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including knowledge/skills: relevant experience and training, education/certifications/licensure; and other business and organizational factors. The base pay range does not include any incentive payments that may be applicable to a role. Pay Transparency Non-Discrimination Provision (PDF) .
Cedars-Sinai is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
Cedars-Sinai does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of the race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, physical or mental disability, legally protected medical condition (cancer-related or genetic characteristics or any genetic information), marital status, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age (40 or older), military and/or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal or state law. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at Applicant_Accommodation@cshs.org and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.
Cedars-Sinai will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories, in accordance with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.
At Cedars-Sinai, we are dedicated to the safety, health and wellbeing of our patients and employees. This includes protecting our patients from communicable diseases, such as influenza (flu). For this reason, we require that all new employees receive a flu vaccine based on the seasonal availability of flu vaccine (typically during September through April each year) as a condition of employment, and annually thereafter as a condition of continued employment, subject to medical exemption or religious accommodation. For the same reason, you may also be required to receive other vaccines as a condition of employment. Cedars-Sinai reserves the right to make modifications to its required list of vaccines as required by law and/or policy.
See All 42 Media Director Jobs in California
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Find Media Director JobsMedia Director Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Media Director Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Music
- Retail
- Staffing & Recruiting
- Technology & Software
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in media director jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, journalism, or a related field required
- Seven or more years of progressive media planning, buying, or strategy experience
- Demonstrated leadership managing cross-functional teams and agency or vendor relationships
- Proficiency with programmatic platforms, media analytics tools, and attribution software
- Proven ability to develop and execute integrated campaigns across digital, broadcast, and print channels
- Strong presentation and stakeholder communication skills for executive-level reporting
Media Director Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a media director in California?
Media director roles in California do not require a state-issued license or certification, so the path runs through education and experience. Most California employers expect a bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, or a related field, followed by several years in media planning, buying, or brand strategy. Building a portfolio of multi-channel campaign results and progressing through roles such as media planner, media manager, or account director are the most direct routes into director-level positions at California companies.
How much do media directors make in California?
Media directors in California earn a median of about $129,790 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $63,570 for the lowest 10% to over $306,850 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire media directors in California?
Employers hiring media directors in California right now include Verve, EY, and Meta, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. California's concentration of entertainment studios, global tech firms, and major consumer brands means the hiring pool is broad, with both in-house corporate teams and large independent agencies posting director-level roles throughout the year.
Which California cities have the most media director jobs?
Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego have the most media director openings in California. Los Angeles dominates because of its density of entertainment studios, advertising agencies, and streaming companies, while San Francisco draws demand from technology firms and digital-first brands, and San Diego's growing biotech and defense sectors generate openings for directors who manage corporate and product media strategies.
Are there remote media director jobs in California?
Yes, and more than many senior marketing roles, because media strategy and campaign oversight translate well to distributed teams. About 71% of media director openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting how broadly the industry adopted flexible arrangements post-pandemic. Campaign planning, vendor management, and performance reporting are the functions most commonly handled fully remote, while in-person presence is more common for roles tied to production, live events, or executive stakeholder alignment.
How can I get hired as a media director in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is securing a media coordinator or media planner role at a California agency or in-house team and building upward from there. Large California-based agencies and entertainment companies regularly hire entry-level media planners and campaign associates, and tech firms in the Bay Area often bring in marketing associates who rotate through media functions. A strong portfolio of internship or freelance campaign work, Google or Meta media certifications, and experience with analytics platforms give candidates a clear edge when applying to these stepping-stone roles.
Where can I find and apply to media director jobs in California?
You can find and apply to media director jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings updated regularly. Search the listings for roles that match your experience and target location, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 42 Media Director Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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