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Communications Director Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Inland Hills Church

Communications Director

Chino, CA · On-site

The Communications Director will be a curator, creator, and champion for the brand and mission of Inland Hills Church. A strategic leader, you will inspire your team to develop and implement high ...

Inland Hills Church

Communications Director

Chino, CA · On-site

The Communications Director will be a curator, creator, and champion for the brand and mission of Inland Hills Church. A strategic leader, you will inspire your team to develop and implement high ...

CONFIRE JPA

Emergency Communications Chief

Rialto, CA · On-site

$130K - $187K/yr

Beyond its direct dispatch responsibilities, the Communications Center also serves as the San Bernardino County (XBO) Operational Area dispatch center, coordinating fire, local government, law ...

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All JobsCommunications JobsCommunications Director JobsCommunications Director Jobs in Riverside, CA

Communications Director information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$36.5K

$106.7K

$177.4K

How much do communications director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for communications director in Riverside, CA is $106,681.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,200.00 and $131,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Communications Director vs Public Relations Manager?

AspectCommunications DirectorPublic Relations Manager
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, or related field; often advanced degrees preferredBachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, or related field
Work EnvironmentStrategic leadership in organizations, overseeing internal and external messagingManaging media relations, press releases, and public image campaigns
Employer & Industry UsageCorporations, nonprofits, government agenciesPublic relations firms, corporate communications departments
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding leadership roles in communicationFocus on media relations and public image management

The Communications Director typically holds a strategic leadership role, overseeing all communication efforts within an organization, including internal and external messaging. In contrast, a Public Relations Manager primarily focuses on managing media relations and public image campaigns. While both roles require strong communication skills and relevant credentials, the Communications Director has broader responsibilities and a higher level of strategic oversight.

What does a communications director do?

A Communications Director oversees an organization's internal and external communication strategies to ensure consistent messaging and brand representation. They manage public relations, media inquiries, and often supervise a team responsible for content creation, social media, and crisis communication. Their role is crucial in shaping how the public perceives the organization and in managing its reputation. Communications Directors typically collaborate with executive leadership to align messaging with organizational goals and may also handle speechwriting, press releases, and stakeholder engagement.

Is a communications director a stressful job?

A communications director often faces high-pressure situations, tight deadlines, and the need to manage multiple stakeholders, which can contribute to stress. The role requires strong communication skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to handle crises, making it potentially demanding but also rewarding for those with resilience and organizational skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a communications director?

To thrive as a Communications Director, you need expertise in strategic communication, media relations, and brand management, often supported by a degree in communications, public relations, or a related field. Familiarity with digital marketing platforms, content management systems, and analytics tools is typically required. Outstanding written and verbal communication, leadership, and crisis management abilities help professionals excel in this role. These skills are vital for shaping public perception, ensuring consistent messaging, and effectively promoting organizational goals.

What are the most common challenges faced by a communications director in managing both internal and external messaging?

A Communications Director often faces the challenge of maintaining consistent messaging across various channels while adapting content to suit different audiences. Balancing the needs of internal stakeholders, such as executives and employees, with the expectations of external audiences, including media and the public, requires strong coordination and adaptability. Additionally, responding quickly and effectively during a crisis or unexpected event is a key responsibility, demanding preparedness and excellent judgment. Effective collaboration with marketing, public relations, and leadership teams is essential to ensure alignment and achieve organizational goals.
More about Communications Director jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Communications jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Communications jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What job categories do people searching Communications Director jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Communications Director jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Communications Director jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Communications Director job openings:
Communications Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Communications Director job openings in Riverside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,681 per year, or $51.3 per hour.

Communications Director

McKinley Children's Center

San Dimas, CA

$80K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

McKinley: Youth, Family, and Community are what we are all about! We offer a great working environment and benefits package! McKinley encourages growth so that you can Be your Best H.U.M.A.N.

At McKinley employees share a set of guiding principles: We embrace a culture that is Hopeful, Understanding, Moral, Awesome, Nurturing. - H.U.M.A.N.

The Company: McKinley is a highly respected welfare organization with a comprehensive array of programs and services – which touch nearly 1,800 lives annually – including short term residential treatment program (STRTP), Foster Care, Adoptions, Mental Health Services, and Special Education. McKinley has 5 locations throughout southern California with our main campus located in San Dimas. We embrace a culture that is H.U.M.A.N.- Hopeful, Understanding, Moral, Awesome, Nurturing. McKinley has created a Hopeful environment, in which we choose optimism in finding the motivation to achieve our greatest dreams. We are a team dedicated to Understanding individual needs and do so by listening and embracing each individual’s stories. We strongly embrace our agency’s Morals by treating everyone with kindness and respect. At McKinley, we acknowledge our team member’s and clients’ Awesome qualities by celebrating what makes each individual unique. We are dedicated to Nurturing a Trauma-Informed Integrated Care approach that has created a unique culture within the organization. We celebrate diversity by our commitment to cultivating an inclusive and affirming environment for all.

The Position: The Communications Director is a high-level strategic leader responsible for designing, directing, and executing McKinley’s overarching communications, media relations, and public relations framework. This role, serving as the organization's chief storyteller and primary editor, elevates McKinley’s public profile by securing impactful media placements, producing elite-tier written content, and protecting brand integrity across all regional and national touchpoints. The Director will leverage deep, established journalism networks to position McKinley as a premier thought leader in the sector and collaborate closely with senior leadership, the Board of Directors, and community partners.

Compensation and Benefits:

The pay range we’re offering is $80,000 - $95,000 annually depending (Based) on experience.

Our people are the heart of our organization, which is why we offer robust benefits to support your health and wellness as well as your personal and financial well-being.

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Paid Time Off
  • Sick Time
  • Paid Holidays
  • 403(b) retirement plan with company match up to 3%
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Employee Referral Bonus
  • Credit Union Membership
  • Training Opportunities to Further Personal and Professional Growth

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Journalism, Communications, or a closely related field required; Master's degree preferred.
  • 6–8+ years of progressive professional experience in public relations, journalism, or media management, with a proven track record of leadership within a mission-driven nonprofit environment.
  • Exceptional, versatile writing portfolio across multiple genres (op-eds, thought leadership, press releases, investigative narratives, and donor impact stories) with impeccable editing and proofreading skills.
  • Deep, active, and verifiable relationships with local news outlets, Southern California regional media, and major national journalism networks.
  • Proven history of successfully building and executing aggressive PR campaigns, securing high-impact earned media placements, and handling sensitive crisis communications.
  • Deep familiarity with community-centered narrative practices, ensuring storytelling preserves the dignity, privacy, and agency of the populations served.
  • Experience managing, coaching, and elevating high-performing communications, marketing, or creative teams.
  • Proficient in Google Suite and project management platforms (e.g., Monday.com).
  • Strategic mastery of Content Management Systems (CMS), email marketing software, and advanced social media analytics tools.
  • Working familiarity with creative software suites (Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro) or Canva to direct creative asset workflows.
  • Assume responsibility for assigned aspects of special events.
  • Must pass pre-employment physical exam, TB, and drug screening
  • Ability to lift at least 15 pounds for filing, boxes, and packages
  • Ability to sit for several hours performing clerical functions
  • DOJ, FBI, Child Abuse Index
  • Insurability under Corporate Automobile Insurance

Key Responsibilities:

  • PR & Media Relations
    • Architect and champion of comprehensive, public relations, and earned-media strategies to promote McKinley’s mission, programs, and community achievements.
    • Cultivate, maintain, and activate robust relationships with local reporters, regional editors, and major national news outlets to secure ongoing coverage.
    • Act as the primary media contact and official spokesperson for the organization. Write and pitch compelling press releases, orchestrate press conferences, and pitch targeted stories to key journalists.
    • Design, maintain, and execute McKinley’s crisis communication protocols to protect the organization’s reputation during sensitive developments.
  • Copywriting, Editing, & Content Oversight
    • Serve as the chief writer and principal editor for all major external and high-level communications, including executive speeches, op-ed pieces, annual reports, key donor appeals, and high-stakes organizational statements.
    • Ensure all external communications align with a standard for grammar, tone, and strategic positioning, while strictly embedding community-centered, trauma-informed storytelling principles.
    • Establish and maintain organizational brand and message guidelines, reviewing and approving critical communication assets to guarantee impeccable quality control across all internal and external channels.
  • Digital Footprint, Event Marketing, & Data-Driven Insights
    • Oversee the evolution of McKinley’s online ecosystem, ensuring the website, social platforms, and digital campaigns achieve high engagement and convert public interest into donor action.
    • Design and oversee targeted multi-channel digital marketing campaigns specifically engineered to boost registration numbers, ticket sales, and peer-to-peer fundraising metrics for major organizational events.
    • Analytical Auditing: Establish rigorous metrics to track communications campaigns, media placements, and PR value, and interpret data to adjust strategies in real time.
  • Leadership & Strategic Campaign Support
    • Design and implement a multi-year, integrated communications and marketing roadmap that aligns perfectly with McKinley’s overarching strategic vision and development initiatives.
    • Partner closely with the SVP of Development & Communications, CEO, and Department Directors to advise on public messaging, brand positioning, and public affairs alignment.
    • Architect and lead the comprehensive PR and media outreach campaigns for McKinley's premier fundraising and community milestones, including the Miles that Matter 5k, the annual Golf Tournament, and our Fall Fundraiser.
    • Leverage established journalism and media networks to pitch, negotiate, and secure local and regional media sponsorships (TV, radio, print, and digital) to maximize event visibility, drive registrations, and elevate corporate partner profiles.
  • Fiscal & Resource Management
    • Formulate and manage the annual communications department budget, maximizing strategic ROI and identifying cost-effective vendors, tech stacks, and PR partnerships.
    • Execute other related executive duties as assigned.

Why Should You Apply?

  • Our Mission- work for an organization that makes a real difference in people’s lives
  • Competitive pay
  • Several benefit options
  • Employee tuition reimbursement
  • Great training for staff

Join McKinley to Be Your Best H.U.M.A.N.

Apply