Manager, Media Relations & Special Projects

Manager, Media Relations & Special Projects

Providence is a full-service communications firm headquartered in Bakersfield, California. Providence specializes in developing strategic communications plans with extensive expertise in public affairs campaigns designed to produce successful project permitting. Our firm provides public relations support, website development and manages multiple social media accounts for our clients daily. Our current clients include those in the agriculture, water, oil and gas, transportation, healthcare, nonprofit, retail and telecommunications industries.

Job Description

The Manager, Media Relations & Special Projects, based in our Bakersfield office, serves as a senior-level contributor responsible for driving media visibility and leading strategic initiatives that elevate both client brands and Providences profile. This role blends advanced earned media strategy, leadership across multidisciplinary teams, and high-impact project management. The ideal candidate is a seasoned communicator and strategist with agency experience, a robust network of media contacts, and a proven ability to craft and execute high-stakes messaging and initiatives.

Essential Functions

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily, including all important aspects of the job - whether performed daily, weekly, monthly, or annually; and any duty that occurs at irregular intervals. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Manage and nurture client relationships, ensuring that media and communications initiatives align with their business objectives and strategic goals

Act as a trusted media advisor to clients, offering proactive insights that enhance visibility, reputation, and stakeholder engagement

Develop and execute strategic media relations plans that generate earned coverage across relevant local, state, and national platforms

Lead cross-functional teamsincluding creative, digital, content, and outreachto deliver integrated communications projects on time and within budget

Write and edit press releases, media pitches, executive remarks, opinion pieces, and other public-facing content

Monitor campaign performance and media KPIs, analyze results, and provide data-informed recommendations to optimize future outreach

Coordinate and lead special strategic projects and initiativessuch as major announcements, reputation management, and executive communications

Supervise and mentor junior staff, conducting quarterly check-ins and annual performance reviews while fostering professional growth

Identify upselling opportunities within existing accounts and support new business development efforts through pitch strategy and proposal development

Ensure seamless collaboration between departments by communicating priorities, resolving challenges, and aligning shared outcomes

Stay informed on industry trends, media shifts, and competitor strategies to deliver innovative, forward-thinking solutions for clients and the agency

Own and manage all media lists, email marketing and press release programs (company and client), ensuring accuracy, strategic segmentation, regular updates, staff training and effective integration into campaign efforts

Manage contractors and freelancers as needed, ensuring clarity of scope, alignment with project goals, and quality of deliverables

Other duties as assigned

Key Areas of Responsibility

Serve as the lead strategic advisor for assigned client accounts, ensuring communications and media strategies align with their evolving business goals and timelines

Own and drive project lifecyclesfrom proposal through executionby building scopes, managing deadlines, and ensuring internal accountability across departments

Lead cross-functional internal teams and external collaborators, setting clear expectations, defining deliverables, and managing workloads to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery

Foster long-term client relationships by deeply understanding their industry, key stakeholders, and organizational objectives

Provide high-level counsel on earned media, public engagement, and crisis response while guiding clients through strategic decision-making and change management

Proactively lead client meetings, present integrated strategic plans, and deliver consistent communication and follow-up that strengthens trust and transparency

Media Relations & Campaign Execution

Lead the development and execution of earned media strategies across traditional and digital platforms

Draft and edit media materials, including press releases, op-eds, talking points, and executive messaging

Oversee campaign timelines and KPIs, ensuring all deliverables meet expectations for quality, budget, and impact

Coordinate closely with internal teamscreative, digital, and outreachto deliver integrated campaigns

Own and manage all media lists, ensuring they are accurate, regularly updated, strategically segmented, and effectively integrated into campaign efforts

Supervise coordinators and interns, assigning work, providing feedback, and supporting their development

Conduct quarterly check-ins and annual performance reviews, and mentor staff on media best practices and client service

Collaborate with department leadership to define growth paths and identify internal training needs

Ensure all team members, including contractors, meet brand and client standards

Business Development & Strategic Growth

Identify new opportunities within existing accounts to expand scope or introduce new services

Contribute to new business proposals, pitch development, and strategic positioning

Leverage media insights and industry trends to inform agency offerings and generate new client opportunities

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Client Satisfaction & Retention

Maintain strong relationships with a

90%+ client satisfaction rating and high retention rates .

Campaign Effectiveness

Ensure campaigns meet or exceed

key performance metrics, including ROI, engagement, and conversion goals .

Revenue Growth Contribute to a minimum of 15% growth in existing accounts through upsell opportunities and strategic recommendations.

Project Management Success

Deliver

95% of projects on time and within budget , ensuring seamless execution.

Business Development Contribution

Support at least

two successful new business pitches annually .

30-60-90 Day Onboarding Plan

First 30 Days :

Meet with key stakeholders, including clients, internal teams, and agency leadership.

Review active accounts, past campaign performance, and client business goals.

Build relationships with account teams and gain insights into agency processes and client needs.

Assess existing campaign strategies and identify initial areas for improvement.

60 Days :

Develop and implement

account growth strategies

to enhance client satisfaction and business success.

Take full ownership of ongoing campaigns, ensuring alignment with client goals and agency standards.

Identify and propose

opportunities for additional services or strategic adjustments .

Begin contributing to

business development initiatives , including new pitches or account expansion opportunities.

90 Days : Lead

major account initiatives , showcasing your ability to drive strategic success.

Present

growth strategies and performance optimization recommendations

to senior leadership and clients.

Establish long-term plans for

client relationship management and ongoing account development .

Set personal and team goals for continued success within the agency.

Minimum Qualifications :

Bachelors degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, or a related field

8+ years of experience in public relations or marketing, preferably in an agency setting

Proven success in media outreach, campaign execution, and new business development

Strong writing, communication, and presentation skills

Strategic thinker with experience managing teams, budgets, and projects

Proficient in digital and social media strategy; Microsoft Office Suite

Comfortable working in fast-paced, high-pressure environments

Experience supervising employees, interns, or volunteers

Valid drivers license, access to a personal vehicle, and active auto insurance

Willingness to travel up to 25% within California

Flexible schedule to support occasional evening events or meetings

Fluent in spoken and written English

Availability and employer contributions (may vary based on the employees overall compensation package) as follows :

Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance

401(k) with employer match

Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays (per California law)

Profit sharing based on overall company financial performance

Cell phone and internet stipend

Weekend Headstart : Early release every other Friday to support work-life balance

Hybrid work flexibility and schedule, when appropriate for the role

Professional development support (conferences, certifications, and training)

Providence Strategic Consulting, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinance.

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