Public Relations Manager

California Strawberry Commission; Watsonville (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life Insurance

Long-Term Disability Insurance

Retirement/Profit Sharing Plan

Vacation & Sick Pay

457 Plan

Holiday Pay

Section 125 Plan

Job summary

An agricultural organization based in Watsonville is seeking a Public Relations Manager to lead issues management and serve as spokesperson. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree and at least 5 years of experience in media or crisis communications. Fluency in English and Spanish is required. This position offers a full-time opportunity with benefits and some travel within California's strawberry growing regions.

Qualifications

• 5+ years’ experience in media and/or crisis communications.
• Comfort under pressure and skilled in public communication.
• Ability to perform essential in‑person activities.

Responsibilities

• Lead issues management and crisis response.
• Serve as spokesperson for the Commission.
• Monitor trends and address issues impacting the industry.

Skills

Exceptional communicator

Fluent in English and Spanish

Critical thinking

Problem-solving skills

Tech-savvy

Education

Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, public relations, or related field

Job description

Biliterate in English and Spanish languages (spoken and written) is required.

About this position

The Public Relations Manager leads issues management, crisis response, media relations, and serves as the official 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 speaking on behalf of the Commission President 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 8 am to 5 pm, 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.

Required Qualifications

• Optimist who gets along well with others.
• Exceptional communicator, both written and spoken.
• Fluent (able to speak and write) in English and Spanish.
• 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

• Demonstrated success as a high performer in issues, crisis and media communications.
• 10+ years’ related experience.
• Familiarity with agricultural operations.

About the California Strawberry Commission (CSC)

The California Strawberry Commission is an established leader among agricultural organizations. We have the foundation of a 64‑year‑old organization, combined with the excitement and energy of a startup. We represent more than 400 strawberry farmers, shippers, and processors, proudly working together to advance strawberry farming for the future of our land and people. Commission programs create opportunities for success through groundbreaking programs focused on workforce training, strawberry production research, and nutrition research. Through science‑based information and education, we deliver the good news about sustainable farming practices that benefit the health of people, farms, and communities.

Why Join Us?

You’ll be part of a mission‑driven team dedicated to supporting California strawberry growers, shippers, and processors. In this role, you’ll help strengthen Commission programs, share timely insights, and promote continuous improvement across the industry while building meaningful relationships and making a statewide impact.

What We Offer

• Life Insurance
• Long‑Term Disability Insurance
• Retirement/Profit Sharing Plan
• Vacation & Sick Pay
• 457 Plan
• Holiday Pay
• Section 125 Plan

Application Submission

Submit your resume, cover letter and a sample or link of a writing or video example that best showcases your work as it relates to this position to Terry Feinberg, with "Public Relations Manager" in the subject line.

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.

Seniority level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Marketing, Public Relations, and Writing/Editing

Industries

Government Administration