Media Relations Manager Jobs in California

Media Relations Manager jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in entertainment, technology, healthcare, and public affairs across a market that ranges from entry-level communications coordinators to senior directors of media strategy. Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego are the largest hiring hubs, where organizations like Disney, Salesforce, and Kaiser Permanente consistently staff media relations teams. Crisis communications, entertainment PR, and tech company media strategy are the most in-demand specialties. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.

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Overview

Open roles11
Top employerSan Diego State University
Top cityLos Angeles, CA
Cities hiring6
Work type50% On-site
Top credentialBachelor's degree in communications

Showing 4 of 11+ Media Relations Manager jobs

Executive Communications & Media Relations Specialist
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Added 6d ago
Executive Communications & Media Relations Specialist
Stanford University
Stanford, California
Customer Support
IT Support
Technical Product & Program Management
$103k - $113k/yr
Hybrid
Bachelor's degree
10,000+

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Media Relations Specialist III
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Added 1w ago
Media Relations Specialist III
NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Pasadena, California
Business Development
Customer Service
Customer Success
$113k - $137k/yr
Bachelor's degree in communications
5,001-10,000

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Media Relations, Safety Communications
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Added 2w ago
Media Relations, Safety Communications
OpenAI
San Francisco, California
Brand Marketing
Growth Marketing
Marketing
$240k - $260k/yr
Hybrid
51-200

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College of Health and Human Services Media Relations Officer (Marketing Communications Professional III)
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Added 2w ago
College of Health and Human Services Media Relations Officer (Marketing Communications Professional III)
San Diego State University
San Diego, California
Content Marketing
Marketing
Social Media Management
$5,877 - $8,561/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's degree
1,001-5,000

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See All 11 Media Relations Manager Jobs in California

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Media Relations Manager Jobs by City in California

Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.

Los Angeles
3 jobs
San Francisco
3 jobs
San Diego
2 jobs
Pasadena
1 job
Stanford
1 job
El Segundo
1 job

Media Relations Manager Job Market in California

A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.

Who's Hiring

San Diego State University2 open roles
NIKE1 open role
OpenAI1 open role

What California Employers Look For

The qualifications that appear most often in media relations manager jobs across California.

  • Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field
  • Five or more years of progressive media relations or public relations experience
  • Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with journalists and editors
  • Experience developing and executing strategic media campaigns for large organizations
  • Strong writing skills including press releases, talking points, and executive messaging
  • Familiarity with media monitoring tools and digital newsroom management platforms

Media Relations Manager Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions

How do you become a media relations manager in California?

The path to a media relations manager role in California typically starts with a bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or a closely related field. No state-issued license is required, but many California employers expect candidates to have worked their way through roles like communications coordinator, public affairs specialist, or PR associate before moving into management. Accreditation through the Public Relations Society of America is well regarded in the California market and can strengthen a candidacy.

How much do media relations managers make in California?

Media relations managers in California earn a median of about $167,980 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $97,800 for the lowest 10% to over $300,800 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.

Which companies hire media relations managers in California?

Employers hiring media relations managers in California right now include San Diego State University, NIKE, and OpenAI, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. California's concentration of Fortune 500 headquarters, major entertainment studios, and large integrated health systems means demand for experienced media relations professionals is consistent throughout the year.

Which California cities have the most media relations manager jobs?

Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego account for the greatest concentration of media relations manager openings in California. Los Angeles dominates due to its entertainment industry and corporate headquarters density, San Francisco draws demand from the technology and venture-backed startup sectors, and San Diego's biotech corridor and large defense contractors sustain a steady need for communications professionals in those specialized industries.

Are there remote media relations manager jobs in California?

Yes, and more than many comparable management roles, since much of the work involves writing, media outreach, and digital communication that does not require a physical office. About 50% of media relations manager openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the desk-based nature of the core responsibilities. Roles that involve regular spokesperson duties, on-site press events, or direct executive support tend to require more in-person presence.

How can I get hired as a media relations manager in California with little or no experience?

The most realistic entry point is a communications coordinator or public affairs assistant role, which large California employers such as county health systems, UC and CSU campuses, and major technology companies hire for regularly. Building a portfolio of press releases, pitch letters, and media coverage you helped generate is the credential that moves candidates forward without a long work history. Internship programs at studios, tech firms, and California-based nonprofits are a common bridge into full-time media relations work.

Where can I find and apply to media relations manager jobs in California?

You can find and apply to media relations manager jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers hiring across the state right now. Search the listings to find roles that match your experience level and target location, then apply directly to the ones that fit.

See All 11 Media Relations Manager Jobs in California

Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.

Find Media Relations Manager Jobs