Head of Public Relations & Strategic Communications

Ware Malcomb; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Ware Malcomb seeks a Director of Public Relations & Communications to lead brand reputation, strengthen market presence and drive integrated communications aligned with business strategy. You will tell our stories across industry media, local press and digital channels while advising executives and guiding a high-performing team.

You will develop PR plans, oversee media relations, campaigns and speaking opportunities; expand visibility with new relationships and thought leadership; and manage

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 10–15+ years of experience in public relations and communications, including strategic leadership, crisis management and team leadership.
• Demonstrated experience leading firmwide public relations and communications programs.
• Strong media relations background with a track record of securing high-impact coverage.
• Experience partnering with senior and executive leaders and multidisciplinary teams.
• Proven ability to manage high-visibility communications initiatives and work effectively with agencies and vendors.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts into clear, engaging narratives.
• Strong project management skills, including prioritization across competing deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute integrated PR and communications plans aligned with firmwide strategy, brand positioning and business objectives.
• Oversee external communications, including media relations, press strategy, social media, email marketing, awards and speaking opportunities.
• Lead PR campaigns and initiatives tied to strategic priorities; track editorial calendars and identify proactive visibility opportunities.
• Expand market visibility by identifying and cultivating new media relationships, sponsorships, speaking platforms and thought leadership channels.
• Lead brand reputation management by establishing governance for firmwide messaging, brand standards and audience positioning.
• Lead the firm's crisis communications framework by developing protocols, playbooks and response materials; overseeing escalation and approval processes; and training spokespeople to ensure timely, confident and effective messaging under pressure.
• Serve as executive communications counsel as a trusted strategic advisor to senior and executive leadership on high-visibility, complex or sensitive initiatives, including messaging strategy, positioning and stakeholder communication.
• Provide strategic oversight of agencies and external partners (PR firms, writers, photographers, freelancers), including scope development, budgets, performance measurement and success criteria.
• Oversee paid media and budget planning, including strategy development, vendor management and ROI evaluation for paid placements, sponsored content and media amplification efforts.
• Support firmwide storytelling through press materials, thought leadership content, awards submissions and digital channels.
• Prepare spokespeople for interviews and media engagement; support leadership with messaging, talking points, Q&A and presentations.
• Collaborate closely with Visual Brand, Marketing Leadership and cross-functional partners on website strategy, SEO alignment, planning and budgeting.
• Establish KPI frameworks, benchmarking performance and producing regular reporting that translates communications data into actionable insights and continuous optimization.
• Contribute hands-on execution when needed to ensure quality, consistency and deadlines are met.

Skills

Leadership

Media relations

Strategic thinking

Crisis communications

Writing & editing

Project management

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Communications/PR/Journalism/Marketing

Tools

Microsoft 365

Job description

Ware Malcomb seeks a Director of Public Relations & Communications to lead brand reputation, strengthen market presence and drive integrated communications aligned with business strategy. You will tell our stories across industry media, local press and digital channels while advising executives and guiding a high-performing team.

You will develop PR plans, oversee media relations, campaigns and speaking opportunities; expand visibility with new relationships and thought leadership; and manage