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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Showing 5 of 11+ Media Relations Manager jobs
Salary & Compensation
*UCLA provides a full pay range. Actual salary offers consider factors, including budget, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business considerations. Salary offers at the top of the range are not common. Visit UC Benefit package to discover benefits that start on day one, and UC Total Compensation Estimator to calculate the total compensation value with benefits.
Qualifications
- Experience as a spokesperson for a high-profile institution in a large media market. (Required)
- Experience managing crisis communications, including the development of emergency management and crisis communications plans. (Preferred)
- Excellent oral and written communications skills and ability to make professional presentations to executive-level participants in both group and one-on-one situations. (Required)
- Demonstrated reporting and writing skills and ability to identify story placement opportunities and think strategically about communications, including social media applications. (Required)
- Demonstrated ability to anticipate public events that can be used to advance institutional objectives. (Required)
- Thorough knowledge and understanding of current events, issues and developments in the subject areas of institutional operations. (Required)
- Knowledge of other issues facing public institutions of higher education. (Required)
- 10+ years full-time professional media experience, preferably in new media and/or television news. (Required)
- Demonstrated record of successful national, regional and local media relations planning, implementation and placement. (Required)
- Extensive media contacts at key ethnic, California and national media and ability to work with journalists at all skill levels, including student journalists. (Required)
- Demonstrated knowledge of news media operations and protocols, especially the news gathering process. (Required)
- Experience in writing op-ed and analysis pieces. (Required)
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with independent news media. (Required)
- Superior strategic thinking, planning and program design and implementation skills. (Required)
- Solid professional judgment. (Required)
- Exceptional interpersonal skills to interact effectively with academic leaders, faculty, staff and external constituents. (Required)
- Leadership abilities that foster learning and excellence among team members. Supervisory skills to manage professional staff, including delegation and prioritization of work, training and evaluation. Experience planning and implementing employee professional development. (Required)
- Excellent organizational and project management skills and proficiency in prioritizing assignments to complete work in a timely manner and on deadline. (Required)
- Demonstrated knowledge of software and multi-media applications, including systems that serve as tools for broadcasting news. (Required)
- Ability to get to work reliably and on time and to be present in the workplace during normal working hours. (Required)
- Ability to work evenings, weekends, and after hours as needed. (Required)
- Working knowledge of the University, its organization and structure, and the roles and responsibilities of various academic and administrative units. (Preferred)
- Working knowledge of UC and UCLA policies, regulations, guidelines, and resources for programming. (Preferred)
Education, Licenses, Certifications & Personal Affiliations
- Bachelor's Degree from a four-year college or university or equivalent combination of education and experience. (Preferred)
Special Conditions for Employment
- Background Check: Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background investigation.
- Live Scan Background Check: A Live Scan background check must be completed prior to the start of employment.
Schedule
Variable based on operational needs
Union/Policy Covered
99-Policy Covered
Complete Position Description
https://universityofcalifornia.marketpayjobs.com/ShowJob.aspx?EntityID=38&JDName=Media%20Communications%20Specialist%205%20CM%20(40728375) Apply
- Full Salary Range:
Salary & Compensation
*UCLA provides a full pay range. Actual salary offers consider factors, including budget, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business considerations. Salary offers at the top of the range are not common. Visit UC Benefit package to discover benefits that start on day one, and UC Total Compensation Estimator to calculate the total compensation value with benefits.
Qualifications
- Experience as a spokesperson for a high-profile institution in a large media market. (Required)
- Experience managing crisis communications, including the development of emergency management and crisis communications plans. (Preferred)
- Excellent oral and written communications skills and ability to make professional presentations to executive-level participants in both group and one-on-one situations. (Required)
- Demonstrated reporting and writing skills and ability to identify story placement opportunities and think strategically about communications, including social media applications. (Required)
- Demonstrated ability to anticipate public events that can be used to advance institutional objectives. (Required)
- Thorough knowledge and understanding of current events, issues and developments in the subject areas of institutional operations. (Required)
- Knowledge of other issues facing public institutions of higher education. (Required)
- 10+ years full-time professional media experience, preferably in new media and/or television news. (Required)
- Demonstrated record of successful national, regional and local media relations planning, implementation and placement. (Required)
- Extensive media contacts at key ethnic, California and national media and ability to work with journalists at all skill levels, including student journalists. (Required)
- Demonstrated knowledge of news media operations and protocols, especially the news gathering process. (Required)
- Experience in writing op-ed and analysis pieces. (Required)
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with independent news media. (Required)
- Superior strategic thinking, planning and program design and implementation skills. (Required)
- Solid professional judgment. (Required)
- Exceptional interpersonal skills to interact effectively with academic leaders, faculty, staff and external constituents. (Required)
- Leadership abilities that foster learning and excellence among team members. Supervisory skills to manage professional staff, including delegation and prioritization of work, training and evaluation. Experience planning and implementing employee professional development. (Required)
- Excellent organizational and project management skills and proficiency in prioritizing assignments to complete work in a timely manner and on deadline. (Required)
- Demonstrated knowledge of software and multi-media applications, including systems that serve as tools for broadcasting news. (Required)
- Ability to get to work reliably and on time and to be present in the workplace during normal working hours. (Required)
- Ability to work evenings, weekends, and after hours as needed. (Required)
- Working knowledge of the University, its organization and structure, and the roles and responsibilities of various academic and administrative units. (Preferred)
- Working knowledge of UC and UCLA policies, regulations, guidelines, and resources for programming. (Preferred)
Education, Licenses, Certifications & Personal Affiliations
- Bachelor's Degree from a four-year college or university or equivalent combination of education and experience. (Preferred)
Special Conditions for Employment
- Background Check: Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background investigation.
- Live Scan Background Check: A Live Scan background check must be completed prior to the start of employment.
Schedule
Variable based on operational needs
Union/Policy Covered
99-Policy Covered
Complete Position Description
https://universityofcalifornia.marketpayjobs.com/ShowJob.aspx?EntityID=38&JDName=Media%20Communications%20Specialist%205%20CM%20(40728375) Apply
- Full Salary Range:
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 JobsMedia Relations Manager Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Media Relations Manager Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Science & Research
- Non-Profit & Social Services
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 AMD, Grace Cathedral, and Radiant Nuclear, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 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, Burbank, and Murrieta 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 33% of media relations manager openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of September 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