Public Relations Jobs in California
Public Relations jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in entertainment, technology, consumer brands, and healthcare across a market that ranges from entry-level coordinators to senior vice presidents and agency partners. Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego anchor the hiring, with major employers such as Disney, Apple, and Kaiser Permanente maintaining large and lasting communications teams throughout the state. Corporate communications, crisis management, and digital media relations are the most consistently in-demand specialties. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Public Relations JobsOverview
Open roles56
Top employerHighwire
Top citySan Francisco, CA
Cities hiring26
Work type58% Hybrid
Top industryNon-Profit
Showing 5 of 56+ Public Relations jobs
Public Relations Director
We won't show you this job again
Added 1d ago
Gensler
Public Relations Director
San Francisco, California
Added 1d ago
Senior Manager Public Relations (M3)
We won't show you this job again
Added 1d ago
Northrop Grumman
Senior Manager Public Relations (M3)
Redondo Beach, California
Added 1d ago
Director, Technology Public Relations
We won't show you this job again
Added 1d ago
WD
Director, Technology Public Relations
San Jose, California
Added 1d ago
T
Social Media & Public Relations Coordinator
We won't show you this job again
T
Added 2d ago
The Nacelle Company
Social Media & Public Relations Coordinator
Burbank, California
Added 2d ago
Senior Vice President, Public Relations (Professional Services)
We won't show you this job again
Added 3d ago
Highwire
Senior Vice President, Public Relations (Professional Services)
San Francisco, California
Added 3d ago
Added 1d ago
Public Relations Director
Gensler·San Francisco, California
Job functions:
Bachelor's degree in communications
5,001-10,000 employees
Job Description
General Information
Posting Date
09-04-2026
Time Type
Full-Time
Job ID
8997
Areas of Expertise
Public Relations
Job Category
Marketing, Communications, Public Relations
Locations
San Francisco, CA, US
Description
Gensler's Northwest Region is seeking an experienced and strategic communications leader to direct public relations, executive communications, thought leadership, and reputation management across one of the firm's most innovative and influential regions. This role will serve as a trusted advisor to regional leadership and drive integrated communications strategies that elevate Gensler's brand, market leadership, and business priorities throughout the Bay Area, Seattle, and emerging Northwest markets.
Your Role
The Public Relations Director leads the Northwest Region's communications strategy, working closely with Regional Managing Principals, Office Managing Directors, Practice Area Leaders, Regional Marketing Leadership, and the communications team to identify opportunities that strengthen Gensler's regional presence and industry influence.
As the senior communications leader for the region, you will shape positioning, guide thought leadership priorities, and oversee a team responsible for public relations, awards, and, social media. You will establish communications priorities that align with business goals while ensuring consistent messaging across offices, practices, and market sectors.
This role calls for a strategic thinker with strong leadership skills, sound business judgment, and a deep understanding of the design, real estate, and innovation landscape in the Northwest.
What You Will Do
Regional Communications Leadership & Strategy
- Develop and lead an integrated communications strategy for the Northwest Region in partnership with regional and office leadership.
- Establish annual communications priorities that support regional business objectives, growth opportunities, and market positioning.
- Identify and shape strategic narratives that elevate Gensler's leadership in design, innovation, sustainability, workplace, cities, and emerging market sectors.
- Serve as the senior communications advisor to regional leadership and key business leaders.
Executive Communications & Thought Leadership
- Lead executive communications strategy for Regional Managing Principals, Office Managing Directors, and practice leaders.
- Develop executive positioning, messaging frameworks, strategic presentations, keynote narratives, and high-profile communications.
- Guide the region's thought leadership agenda, ensuring alignment with Gensler's firmwide priorities and regional business opportunities.
- Counsel leaders on communication strategies that enhance visibility, influence, and industry leadership.
Media Relations & Reputation Management
- Direct media relations strategy and provide guidance on high-impact regional and national opportunities.
- Hold and build relationships with top-tier business, design, real estate, technology, and innovation media.
- Advise leadership on reputational risk, crisis communications, and issues management.
- Monitor regional and industry trends to identify opportunities and potential communications risks.
Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Lead, mentor, and develop the Northwest communications team, fostering professional growth and strategic excellence.
- Establish priorities and workflows for communications initiatives across PR, awards, social media, content, and visual storytelling functions.
- Partner closely with regional marketing, business development, and practice area leaders to ensure PR efforts support client and business objectives.
- Represent the Northwest Region within Gensler's firmwide communications and public relations network.
Measurement & Business Impact
- Define regional communications KPIs and evaluate performance against business and brand objectives.
- Leverage data and insights to optimize communications programs and inform future investment and strategy.
- Report outcomes, trends, and strategic recommendations to regional leadership.
Your Qualifications
- 12+ years of experience in public relations, corporate communications, executive communications, or strategic communications, including significant leadership and team management experience.
- Experience developing and leading communications strategies for complex organizations, preferably within architecture, design, commercial real estate, professional services, technology, or related industries.
- Proven track record advising senior executives and business leaders on communications strategy and reputation management.
- Strong media relationships and experience securing high-impact business, design, real estate, and innovation coverage.
- Exceptional writing, editing, presentation, and storytelling skills.
- Experience managing communications during sensitive business or reputational situations.
- Ability to lead multiple complex initiatives while operating in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment.
- Demonstrated success building and developing high-performing teams.
- Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
**The base salary will be estimated between $155-185k plus bonuses and benefits and contingent on relevant experience.
From curated art exhibits to internal design competitions to “Well-being Awareness Week,” our offices reflect our people’s diverse interests.
We encourage every person at Gensler to lead a healthy and balanced life. Our comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability, wellness programs, flex spending, paid holidays, and paid time off. We also offer a 401k, profit sharing, employee stock ownership, and twice annual bonus opportunities. Our annual base salary range has been established based on local markets.
As part of the firm’s commitment to licensure and professional development, Gensler offers reimbursement for certain professional licenses and associated renewals and exam fees. In addition, we reimburse tuition for certain eligible programs or classes. We view our professional development programs as strategic investments in our future.
NOTICE TO APPLICANTS
We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer of choice. All aspects of employment decisions will be based on merit, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of any status protected under federal, state and local law.
Individuals with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with federal, state and local law.
See also Know your rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal , right to work and E-verify program , as required by law.
Gensler endeavors to make gensler.com/careers accessible to all applicants. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us .
Regarding Gensler’s approach to recruiting new talent, we will never ask an applicant for sensitive or personal financial information during the recruitment process. We advise all applicants seeking employment with Gensler to review available information on recruitment fraud . Anyone who suspects that they have been contacted by someone falsely representing Gensler should email
talentacquisition@gensler.com
.Gensler
Public Relations Director
San Francisco, California
Added 1d ago5,001-10,000 employees
Job functions:
Bachelor's degree in communications
Job Description
General Information
Posting Date
09-04-2026
Time Type
Full-Time
Job ID
8997
Areas of Expertise
Public Relations
Job Category
Marketing, Communications, Public Relations
Locations
San Francisco, CA, US
Description
Gensler's Northwest Region is seeking an experienced and strategic communications leader to direct public relations, executive communications, thought leadership, and reputation management across one of the firm's most innovative and influential regions. This role will serve as a trusted advisor to regional leadership and drive integrated communications strategies that elevate Gensler's brand, market leadership, and business priorities throughout the Bay Area, Seattle, and emerging Northwest markets.
Your Role
The Public Relations Director leads the Northwest Region's communications strategy, working closely with Regional Managing Principals, Office Managing Directors, Practice Area Leaders, Regional Marketing Leadership, and the communications team to identify opportunities that strengthen Gensler's regional presence and industry influence.
As the senior communications leader for the region, you will shape positioning, guide thought leadership priorities, and oversee a team responsible for public relations, awards, and, social media. You will establish communications priorities that align with business goals while ensuring consistent messaging across offices, practices, and market sectors.
This role calls for a strategic thinker with strong leadership skills, sound business judgment, and a deep understanding of the design, real estate, and innovation landscape in the Northwest.
What You Will Do
Regional Communications Leadership & Strategy
- Develop and lead an integrated communications strategy for the Northwest Region in partnership with regional and office leadership.
- Establish annual communications priorities that support regional business objectives, growth opportunities, and market positioning.
- Identify and shape strategic narratives that elevate Gensler's leadership in design, innovation, sustainability, workplace, cities, and emerging market sectors.
- Serve as the senior communications advisor to regional leadership and key business leaders.
Executive Communications & Thought Leadership
- Lead executive communications strategy for Regional Managing Principals, Office Managing Directors, and practice leaders.
- Develop executive positioning, messaging frameworks, strategic presentations, keynote narratives, and high-profile communications.
- Guide the region's thought leadership agenda, ensuring alignment with Gensler's firmwide priorities and regional business opportunities.
- Counsel leaders on communication strategies that enhance visibility, influence, and industry leadership.
Media Relations & Reputation Management
- Direct media relations strategy and provide guidance on high-impact regional and national opportunities.
- Hold and build relationships with top-tier business, design, real estate, technology, and innovation media.
- Advise leadership on reputational risk, crisis communications, and issues management.
- Monitor regional and industry trends to identify opportunities and potential communications risks.
Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Lead, mentor, and develop the Northwest communications team, fostering professional growth and strategic excellence.
- Establish priorities and workflows for communications initiatives across PR, awards, social media, content, and visual storytelling functions.
- Partner closely with regional marketing, business development, and practice area leaders to ensure PR efforts support client and business objectives.
- Represent the Northwest Region within Gensler's firmwide communications and public relations network.
Measurement & Business Impact
- Define regional communications KPIs and evaluate performance against business and brand objectives.
- Leverage data and insights to optimize communications programs and inform future investment and strategy.
- Report outcomes, trends, and strategic recommendations to regional leadership.
Your Qualifications
- 12+ years of experience in public relations, corporate communications, executive communications, or strategic communications, including significant leadership and team management experience.
- Experience developing and leading communications strategies for complex organizations, preferably within architecture, design, commercial real estate, professional services, technology, or related industries.
- Proven track record advising senior executives and business leaders on communications strategy and reputation management.
- Strong media relationships and experience securing high-impact business, design, real estate, and innovation coverage.
- Exceptional writing, editing, presentation, and storytelling skills.
- Experience managing communications during sensitive business or reputational situations.
- Ability to lead multiple complex initiatives while operating in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment.
- Demonstrated success building and developing high-performing teams.
- Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
**The base salary will be estimated between $155-185k plus bonuses and benefits and contingent on relevant experience.
From curated art exhibits to internal design competitions to “Well-being Awareness Week,” our offices reflect our people’s diverse interests.
We encourage every person at Gensler to lead a healthy and balanced life. Our comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability, wellness programs, flex spending, paid holidays, and paid time off. We also offer a 401k, profit sharing, employee stock ownership, and twice annual bonus opportunities. Our annual base salary range has been established based on local markets.
As part of the firm’s commitment to licensure and professional development, Gensler offers reimbursement for certain professional licenses and associated renewals and exam fees. In addition, we reimburse tuition for certain eligible programs or classes. We view our professional development programs as strategic investments in our future.
NOTICE TO APPLICANTS
We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer of choice. All aspects of employment decisions will be based on merit, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of any status protected under federal, state and local law.
Individuals with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with federal, state and local law.
See also Know your rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal , right to work and E-verify program , as required by law.
Gensler endeavors to make gensler.com/careers accessible to all applicants. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us .
Regarding Gensler’s approach to recruiting new talent, we will never ask an applicant for sensitive or personal financial information during the recruitment process. We advise all applicants seeking employment with Gensler to review available information on recruitment fraud . Anyone who suspects that they have been contacted by someone falsely representing Gensler should email
talentacquisition@gensler.com
.See All 56 Public Relations Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Public Relations JobsPublic Relations Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Los Angeles
9 jobsSan Diego
3 jobsSan Jose
2 jobsRedondo Beach
2 jobsManhattan Beach
2 jobsIrvine
1 jobBurbank
1 jobFremont
1 jobOakland
1 jobOntario
1 jobCampbell
1 jobEl Monte
1 jobOroville
1 jobCalabasas
1 jobDaly City
1 jobLong Beach
1 jobSanta Cruz
1 jobBakersfield
1 jobSanta Clara
1 jobPalm Springs
1 jobRohnert Park
1 jobBeverly Hills
1 jobEast Palo Alto
1 jobRancho Santa Fe
1 jobCity of Industry
1 jobPublic Relations Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Non-Profit & Social Services
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in public relations jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in public relations, communications, journalism, or a closely related field
- Demonstrated experience writing press releases, media pitches, and executive communications
- Established relationships with California regional and national media contacts
- Proficiency with media monitoring platforms such as Cision, Meltwater, or similar tools
- Experience managing social media channels and coordinating integrated communications campaigns
- Strong project management skills with the ability to handle multiple accounts simultaneously
Public Relations Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a public relations professional in California?
Public relations is not a licensed profession in California, so there is no state board or required credential to practice. Most California employers expect a bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, or journalism and at least one internship at an agency, brand, or media outlet. Earning the Accreditation in Public Relations credential from the Public Relations Society of America strengthens your candidacy, particularly for mid-level and senior roles at California's large corporate communications departments.
How much do public relationses make in California?
Public relationses in California earn a median of about $85,030 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $49,550 for the lowest 10% to over $160,520 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire public relations professionals in California?
Employers hiring public relations professionals in California right now include Highwire, WD, and VSC, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. California's concentration of entertainment studios, global technology firms, and large integrated agencies in Los Angeles and San Francisco means openings appear consistently at both in-house corporate teams and boutique PR firms.
Which California cities have the most public relations jobs?
San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego have the most public relations openings in California. Los Angeles dominates because of its entertainment, fashion, and consumer brand industries, while San Francisco and the broader Bay Area are driven by technology companies and venture-backed startups that maintain active communications functions at every stage of growth.
Are there remote public relations jobs in California?
Yes, and more than many fields. About 79% of public relations openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting how much of the role centers on writing, media outreach, and digital strategy rather than on-site presence. Media relations, content development, and social media management are the functions most frequently offered remotely, while crisis communications and executive visibility work tend to require in-person availability.
How can I get hired as a public relations professional in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is an agency internship or junior account coordinator role, where you build a media list, draft pitches, and support senior staff on client accounts. Large California employers such as entertainment studios and technology companies run structured communications internship programs that regularly convert to full-time positions. A portfolio of writing samples, even from campus newspapers or nonprofit volunteer work, and active membership in a student chapter of the Public Relations Society of America signal readiness to California hiring managers.
Where can I find and apply to public relations jobs in California?
You can find and apply to public relations jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across agencies, corporate communications teams, and nonprofit organizations. Find roles that fit your experience level and location preference, and apply directly to the positions that match.
See All 56 Public Relations Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Public Relations JobsRelated Jobs in California
Program Specialist JobsCalifornia
Office Manager JobsCalifornia
Custodial Worker JobsCalifornia
Business Consultant JobsCalifornia
HR Business Partner JobsCalifornia
Department Supervisor JobsCalifornia
Human Resources Assistant JobsCalifornia
Receptionist JobsCalifornia
Administrative Assistant JobsCalifornia