Public Relations Manager

California Strawberry Commission; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The California Strawberry Commission is seeking a Public Relations Manager to lead issues management, crisis response, media relations, and serve as a media spokesperson. This role monitors emerging trends and swiftly addresses key issues that impact the California strawberry industry, translating complex topics into clear messaging for diverse audiences.

Based in the Watsonville office with up to 20% travel within California, the role reports to the Public Relations Director and supports the

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, public relations, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in media and/or crisis communications.
• Strong writing and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work cross-functionally and manage high‑pressure media scenarios.
• Proven ability to translate complex topics into clear, actionable messaging.

Responsibilities

• Lead media relations with emphasis on Sacramento region and California strawberry industry.
• Write and distribute press releases aligned with priorities.
• Respond proactively to crisis incidents as they arise.
• Develop messaging frameworks and talking points for various audiences.
• Coordinate media interviews and press events to ensure consistent messaging.
• Monitor media coverage and public sentiment to guide response strategies.
• Other duties as directed by Supervisor.

Skills

Excellent communication

Team player

Tech-savvy

Critical thinking

Media crisis experience

Public speaking

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications/PR/marketing

Job description

Job Title: Public Relations Manager Reports to: Public Relations Director

Annual Salary: $90,000-$120,000

About the Position

The Public Relations Manager leads issues management, crisis response, media relations, and serves as a media spokesperson for the California Strawberry Commission. This role is critical in monitoring emerging trends and swiftly addressing key issues that impact the California strawberry industry. Through timely and effective communication, the Public Relations Manager maintains the Commission’s credibility, stakeholder trust, and industry reputation.

This leader is responsible for representing the Commission with media, stakeholders, and the public on a wide spectrum of complex and high-impact issues that affect the California strawberry industry. With a strong grasp of agricultural policy, environmental regulations, and industry dynamics, the Public Relations Manager translates technical and often contentious topics into clear, accurate, and compelling messaging for diverse audiences.

A strategic thinker and skilled communicator, the Public Relations Manager is a core member of the Commission’s communications team working closely with the Public Relations Director and broader team, including consultants. They work cross-functionally to ensure message alignment with the Commission’s brand and long-term goals. They combine strategic insight with strong tactical execution—leading media responses, developing messaging frameworks, and ensuring timely delivery of communication across platforms.

While comfortable under pressure and highly experienced in public communication, the ideal candidate also brings a practical understanding of the agricultural and community context in which the industry operates.

The position is located in the Watsonville Office. Up to 20% travel within California’s strawberry growing regions can be expected. The Public Relations Manager is an exempt full-time, in-person position with a 40-hour per week schedule, which includes benefits. The normal schedule is Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm, but additional hours may be required to respond to crisis situations or media inquiries.

This position requires the ability to perform essential in-person activities, with the appropriate safeguards, including a vaccination(s) in accordance with Title VI, the ADA, EEOC guidance, and FEHA.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Manage media relations with an emphasis on media in Sacramento and the local strawberry growing regions to support organizational goals and reputation.
• Write and distribute press releases in alignment with messaging priorities.
• Proactively respond to crisis incidents as they arise.
• Identify and plan opportunities for positive and proactive media engagement.
• Develop and maintain issues-specific messaging and talking points
• Coordinate media interviews and press events, ensuring message alignment.
• Manage successful communication projects and initiatives.
• Monitor media coverage and public sentiment to inform real-time response strategies.
• Other duties as directed by Supervisor.

Required Qualifications

• Optimist who gets along well with others.
• Exceptional communicator, both written and spoken.
• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, public relations, or a related field.
• Minimum 5-years’ experience in media and/or crisis communications.
• Tech-savvy and quick to adapt to new digital platforms and trends.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Ability to calculate basic math functions including, addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States.
• Valid CA Driver’s License.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree
• Demonstrated success as a high performer in issues, crisis and media communications
• 10+ years’ related experience
• Familiarity with agricultural operations
• Bilingual (able to speak and write) in English and Spanish

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

The California Strawberry Commission is an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination and harassment (including sexual harassment) against any person because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation, and related medical conditions), national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), domestic violence, veteran or military status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law. We will not tolerate any unlawful discrimination or harassment by any employee, including supervisors and co-workers. Our commitment to equal opportunity employment applies to all persons involved in our operations and all areas of employment including, but not limited to hiring, recruitment, promotion, termination, compensation, benefits, and training. Reasonable accommodations will be made for disabled applicants and employees as well as pregnant employees upon request

• ***The CSC is an E-Verify Employer**