Public Relations Specialist Jobs in California
Public Relations Specialist jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in entertainment, technology, consumer brands, and advocacy, with openings at every level from entry-level communications coordinator through senior director. Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego drive the bulk of hiring, where employers like Disney, Apple, and Kaiser Permanente maintain large, established communications teams. The most in-demand specialties are digital and social media PR, corporate communications, and crisis communications. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Company and benefits
Social Impact & Sustainability
Join the leader in entertainment innovation and help us design the future. At Dolby, science meets art, and high tech means more than computer code. As a member of the Dolby team, you’ll see and hear the results of your work everywhere, from movie theaters to smartphones. We continue to revolutionize how people create, deliver, and enjoy entertainment worldwide. To do that, we need the absolute best talent. We’re big enough to give you all the resources you need, and small enough so you can make a real difference and earn recognition for your work. We offer a collegial culture, challenging projects, and excellent compensation and benefits, not to mention a Flex Work approach that is truly flexible to support where, when, and how you do your best work.
The Marketing department creates passion and relevance for the "Dolby Difference" driving sell-in and sell-thru of Dolby enabled devices, services, content, and experiences across multiple constituents – partners, creators, consumers, and developers.
Position Overview:
We are seeking an experienced leader in Global Communications to shape and manage Dolby’s global reputation. This role is responsible for developing and executing a global communications strategy across multiple media audiences, positioning Dolby as a leader in entertainment innovation.
Responsibilities:
- Strategic Planning:
- Develop and implement a comprehensive global communication strategy that reinforces Dolby’s leadership in the industry and supports its strategic goals across diverse internal and external audiences.
- Internal Communications:
- Provide communication counsel and support to senior executives, securing speaking engagements and positioning leaders as industry thought leaders.
- Develop and share the global communications strategy and playbook with regional communications leaders (Americas, APAC, EMEA).
- Collaborate with all departments and regional teams to maintain consistent messaging and identify new marketable opportunities.
- Facilitate knowledge sharing among regional leaders to apply learnings globally.
- External Communications:
- Craft key communication materials, including talking points, pitches, presentations, and strategy documents.
- Proactively develop and pitch stories that showcase Dolby’s innovation, product launches, and partnerships to maximize media impact.
- Coordinate with global digital, social, and CRM teams to convey messages through social platforms, newsletters, and corporate websites.
- Media Relations:
- Build and manage relationships with media representatives across various verticals (business, tech, entertainment, lifestyle, etc.) to secure positive coverage and handle crisis situations effectively.
- Oversee media relations, including managing project requests and announcements, maintaining strong media relationships, and serving as a company spokesperson.
- Support corporate and industry events, including travel when necessary.
- Crisis Management:
- Act as a key partner in crisis communication strategies, developing plans to address potential issues and minimize reputational risks.
- Budget Management:
- Oversee the communications budget, ensuring effective allocation of resources and evaluating the ROI of different initiatives.
- Team Leadership:
- Lead and mentor a proactive, strategic global and regional communications team, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment.
- Measurement and Reporting:
- Monitor and analyze communication metrics to track performance and report results to senior management.
Primary KPIs:
- Breadth of Coverage
- Active Coverage by Region and Worldwide
- Press Release Engagement
- Reach
- Quality of Coverage
- Key Message Penetration
- Sentiment
- Share of Voice
- Earned Media Traffic
Qualifications:
- Education and Experience Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, or a related field.
- 15+ years of relevant experience, preferably in media or entertainment.
- Strong relationships with journalists across technology, entertainment, lifestyle, and business sectors.
- Proven experience leading a global communications team.
- Experience working with entertainment studios and navigating the global media landscape.
- Experience working with Hollywood, Independent Studios, talent.
- Multinational expertise with proven ability to lead PR strategies across diverse global markets, leveraging fluency in multiple languages to effectively navigate cultural nuances and build strong, localized brand presence.
- Desired Skills and Characteristics:
- Excellent communication and writing skills.
- Strategic thinker with a proactive and collaborative approach to problem-solving.
- Deep understanding of internal, corporate, and crisis communications.
- Passionate about technology and entertainment, with experience building compelling narratives.
- Ability to influence across the organization and work effectively at all levels.
- Proven success in crafting and communicating cohesive messages that resonate with key audiences.
- Willingness to travel (up to 30%).
The San Francisco/Bay Area base salary range for this full-time position is $240,000 - $338,000, which can vary if outside this location, plus bonus, benefits, and some roles may also include equity. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, competencies, experience, market demands, internal parity, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range and perks and benefits for your location during the hiring process.
Dolby will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of San Francisco Police Code, Article 49, and Administrative Code, Article 12
Equal Employment Opportunity:
Dolby is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Our success depends on the combined skills and talents of all our employees. We are committed to making employment decisions without regard to race, religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, marital status, family status, medical condition, disability, military service, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions or any other classification protected by federal, state, and local laws and ordinances.
See All 59 Public Relations Specialist Jobs in California
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Find JobsPublic Relations Specialist Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Public Relations Specialist 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 specialist jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in public relations, communications, journalism, or a related field
- Three or more years of PR agency or in-house communications experience preferred
- Demonstrated ability to write press releases, pitches, and media advisories for California audiences
- Established relationships with California media contacts and journalists across relevant beats
- Proficiency with media monitoring and PR software such as Cision, Meltwater, or PR Newswire
- Experience managing social media channels and integrating digital strategy into PR campaigns
Public Relations Specialist Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a public relations specialist in California?
A bachelor's degree in public relations, communications, journalism, or marketing is the standard starting point for California employers. California does not require a state license to work as a public relations specialist, but many professionals pursue the Accreditation in Public Relations credential offered by the Public Relations Society of America to strengthen their standing. Building a portfolio through internships at California agencies, entertainment studios, or tech companies is the most direct path into a full-time role.
How much do public relations specialists make in California?
Public relations specialists 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 specialists in California?
Employers hiring public relations specialists in California right now include Highwire, VSC, and Klaviyo, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. California's concentration of entertainment studios, major technology headquarters, and large healthcare systems means demand for communications professionals is consistent throughout the year.
Which California cities have the most public relations specialist jobs?
San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego have the most public relations specialist openings in California. Los Angeles dominates because of its entertainment studios, talent agencies, and consumer brand headquarters, while San Francisco and San Jose reflect the heavy concentration of technology companies that require ongoing corporate and product communications support.
Are there remote public relations specialist jobs in California?
Yes, and more than most fields. About 79% of public relations specialist openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of October 2026, reflecting the desk-based and writing-heavy nature of most PR work. Media relations, content development, and social media management are the functions most commonly offered with flexible or fully remote arrangements.
How can I get hired as a public relations specialist in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is an internship at a California PR agency or an in-house communications team, which many entertainment companies, technology firms, and healthcare systems in Los Angeles and the Bay Area run on a structured semester or annual basis. Entry-level titles like communications assistant, media relations coordinator, or junior account executive are the roles to target first. A strong writing portfolio, even built from class projects or freelance work for local nonprofits, gives candidates a concrete edge over those without samples.
Where can I find and apply to public relations specialist jobs in California?
You can find and apply to public relations specialist jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the state. Find roles that fit your experience and location and apply directly from the listings.
See All 59 Public Relations Specialist Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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