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.
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At HGA, great design creates meaningful impact. We're seeking a Public Relations Specialist to help share the stories behind our projects, people, and ideas while elevating HGA's reputation as a national leader in architecture, engineering, and design.
With more than 1,100 professionals across 12 offices, HGA partners with clients to create innovative environments that enrich communities nationwide. As a member of our Brand & Communications team, you'll play a key role in connecting HGA's work and expertise with relevant audiences through strategic media relations, compelling storytelling, and thought leadership initiatives.
Reporting to the Senior PR Manager, you'll collaborate with design leaders, subject matter experts, and marketing professionals across the firm to identify and develop stories that showcase HGA's impact. You'll translate complex ideas into engaging content, manage media outreach efforts, cultivate relationships with journalists and industry influencers, and secure meaningful earned media coverage. You'll also serve as a trusted partner to internal stakeholders, helping them understand media opportunities, story development, and communication strategies that advance HGA's brand and business objectives.
This is an exciting opportunity for a curious, proactive, and detail-oriented communications professional who enjoys uncovering compelling stories, building relationships, and amplifying the work of talented professionals making a difference in communities across the country.
In this role you will:
Support PR planning and campaign execution. Partner with the Senior PR Manager on the annual PR strategy and editorial calendar; coordinate assigned campaigns aligned with firmwide and sector priorities.- Develop compelling story angles and content. Identify opportunities with internal teams and clients to connect HGA’s projects, people, and impact with industry and community conversations. Draft, edit, and proofread pitches, press releases, media advisories, key messages, and related content.
- Build media relationships and pursue coverage. Research outlets, editorial calendars, and news trends to inform proactive outreach and national media submissions. Cultivate relationships with journalists, editors, and relevant influencers to earn local, regional, and national coverage.
- Coordinate media opportunities and internal partnerships. Manage media inquiries and coordinate interviews, background materials, and talking points for HGA leaders. Help teams assess story readiness and messaging alignment, and keep PR leadership informed of emerging narratives, opportunities, and risks.
- Celebrate our reputation. Coordinate annual rankings program, managing deadlines and stakeholder engagement. Amplify results for rankings, people project awards to build HGA brand and sector recognition.
- Track results and inform future outreach. Use media monitoring tools for media research, list maintenance, coverage monitoring, and industry insights. Build expertise in the platform and analyze and share PR results through dashboards and regular internal updates.
- Amplify the impact of earned media. Curate and share social posts that highlight coverage and reinforce HGA’s brand positioning, and support related internal and external communications.
- Represent HGA at selected events. Attend in-person events, project related milestones, interviews, and networking opportunities to strengthen relationships and visibility.
What you will need to have:
- Bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, Communications, Marketing, or a related field.
- 5–7 years of experience in public relations or strategic communications, in an agency or in-house setting, supported by formal PR education or training.
- Demonstrated success securing local, regional, and national earned media coverage, with a strong understanding of media strategy, storytelling, and journalist and editor relationships.
- Effective verbal communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and build alignment across internal teams, including senior leaders, through clear context and well-supported recommendations.
- Familiarity with media research, monitoring, and measurement tools such as Meltwater, Cision, or Muck Rack.
- Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills across press materials, social media and thought-leadership content.
- Ability to think strategically, plan and manage multi-phase PR campaigns, and maintain close attention to detail.
- A proactive, resourceful approach, with the ability to work independently, adapt to changing priorities, and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams.
- Familiarity with digital publishing and social media platforms, including LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and X.
Salary Information:
The pay range listed aligns to the geography of the office for which this position is posted. Actual compensation will be based upon work experience, education, licensure requirements and/or skill level and will be finalized at the time of offer. Individuals in this role working more than 24 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in HGA’s robust benefit programs which include an annual bonus and success sharing bonus program, 401(k) guaranteed contribution, paid parental leave, medical, dental and life insurance plans as well as PTO and short- and long-term disability programs. Salary Range: $94,800 - 115,000 depending on location, qualifications and experience.
Additional Information:
At HGA, you’ll do the best work of your career. We design with impact by diving deep into the people and passions that shape every place. Empathy fuels us, curiosity drives us, and meaningful work leads to innovation. We celebrate individuality, embrace flexibility, and thrive together in the office three days a week.
Learn more about us here.
Application Requirements & Instructions
Please submit resume for consideration.
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Find Public Relations Manager JobsPublic Relations Manager Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Public 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, The Smart Agency, and VSC, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 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 Irvine 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 81% of public relations manager openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of November 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 62 Public Relations Manager Jobs in California
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