Public Relations Manager Jobs in California
Public Relations Manager jobs in California are among the most active in the country, with strong demand concentrated in entertainment, technology, healthcare, and consumer brands, covering roles from communications coordinator through senior PR director. Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego account for the largest share of openings, with major employers like Disney, Apple, and Kaiser Permanente maintaining sizable communications teams across the state. The most sought-after specialties include crisis communications, corporate communications, and digital media strategy. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Public Relations Manager JobsOverview
Open roles56
Top employerHighwire
Top citySan Francisco, CA
Cities hiring26
Work type58% Hybrid
Top industryNon-Profit
Showing 5 of 56+ Public Relations Manager jobs
Public Relations Director
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New 23h ago
Gensler
Public Relations Director
San Francisco, California
New 23h ago
Senior Manager Public Relations (M3)
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Added 1d ago
Northrop Grumman
Senior Manager Public Relations (M3)
Redondo Beach, California
Added 1d ago
Director, Technology Public Relations
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Added 1d ago
WD
Director, Technology Public Relations
San Jose, California
Added 1d ago
T
Social Media & Public Relations Coordinator
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T
Added 2d ago
The Nacelle Company
Social Media & Public Relations Coordinator
Burbank, California
Added 2d ago
Senior Vice President, Public Relations (Professional Services)
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Added 3d ago
Highwire
Senior Vice President, Public Relations (Professional Services)
San Francisco, California
Added 3d ago
New 23h 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
New 23h 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 Manager Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Public Relations Manager JobsPublic Relations Manager 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 Manager 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 manager jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in public relations, communications, journalism, or a related field required
- Five or more years of progressive public relations or corporate communications experience
- Demonstrated experience managing media relations and building reporter and editor contacts
- Proficiency with PR software platforms such as Cision, Meltwater, or similar tools
- Experience developing and executing integrated communications campaigns across digital channels
- Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) credential from PRSA preferred by many California employers
Public Relations Manager Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a public relations manager in California?
Most public relations managers in California enter the field with a bachelor's degree in public relations, communications, or journalism, then build several years of agency or in-house experience before stepping into a management role. California does not require a state-issued license for this role. Earning the Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) credential from the Public Relations Society of America strengthens candidacy, particularly at larger California corporations and entertainment industry employers.
How much do public relations managers make in California?
Public 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 public relations managers in California?
Employers hiring public relations managers 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, major technology companies, and large health systems means consistent demand for communications professionals at both the corporate and agency level.
Which California cities have the most public relations manager jobs?
San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego have the most public relations manager openings in California. Los Angeles dominates because of its entertainment industry, major studios, and global consumer brands, while San Francisco and San Jose hiring reflects the Bay Area's dense concentration of technology companies and venture-backed firms that maintain active communications functions.
Are there remote public relations manager jobs in California?
Yes, and more than many management roles, because much of the work, including media outreach, content development, and agency coordination, is desk-based and easily done off-site. About 79% of public relations manager openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting how well the role adapts to flexible arrangements. Crisis response and executive media coaching tend to remain in-person.
How can I get hired as a public relations manager in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is starting as a public relations coordinator or communications assistant at a California agency or corporate communications team, then moving into management after building a measurable portfolio. Large California employers in entertainment and technology frequently hire communications associates through new-grad programs. Adjacent roles in marketing, journalism, or social media management also open doors, and an APR credential signals readiness for management even without extensive tenure.
Where can I find and apply to public relations manager jobs in California?
You can find and apply to public relations manager jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings tied to California employers. Find roles that fit your experience and location and apply directly through the listings.
See All 56 Public Relations Manager Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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