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Crisis Public Relations Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Work with internal teams to manage crisis communication when required. * Strong creative writing ... Knowledge of the latest trends in PR, marketing, social media, and digital communication strategies.

VP, Communications

Irvine, CA · On-site

$170K - $175K/yr

This role oversees internal and external communications, including public relations, executive and franchise communications, and crisis management, while partnering with leadership and stakeholders ...

VP, Communications

Irvine, CA · On-site

$170K - $175K/yr

This role oversees internal and external communications, including public relations, executive and franchise communications, and crisis management, while partnering with leadership and stakeholders ...

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Crisis Public Relations information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$31.3K

$76.1K

$137.2K

How much do crisis public relations jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for crisis public relations in Riverside, CA is $76,116.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,100.00 and $93,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is crisis public relations?

Crisis public relations (crisis PR) is a specialized area of public relations focused on managing and mitigating the negative impact of unexpected events or scandals that could harm an individual’s or organization’s reputation. Crisis PR professionals develop strategies to communicate transparently with the public, stakeholders, and media during and after a crisis. Their goal is to protect the reputation of their clients by providing accurate information, addressing concerns, and facilitating recovery efforts. Effective crisis PR involves preparation, quick response, and continuous communication to restore trust and credibility.

How does a crisis public relations professional typically collaborate with other departments during a crisis situation?

Crisis Public Relations professionals work closely with various internal teams, such as legal, executive leadership, human resources, and operations, to ensure all communications are accurate and aligned with company policies. They often serve as the bridge between the organization and external audiences, coordinating messaging to protect the company's reputation. Effective collaboration is critical, as PR professionals must gather real-time information from different departments to provide timely updates and respond to media inquiries. Strong teamwork and clear communication channels are essential for successful crisis management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a crisis public relations professional, and why are they important?

To excel in Crisis Public Relations, you need a solid background in communications, public relations, or journalism, often supported by a relevant degree and experience in media relations. Familiarity with crisis management tools, social media monitoring platforms, and media tracking systems is crucial. Exceptional soft skills such as quick decision-making, composure under pressure, and persuasive communication set top professionals apart. These abilities are vital to effectively manage reputational risks, deliver timely responses, and maintain public trust during high-stakes situations.

What is the difference between Crisis Public Relations vs Public Relations Specialist?

AspectCrisis Public RelationsPublic Relations Specialist
CredentialsBachelor's in Communications, PR, or related field; experience in crisis managementBachelor's in Communications, PR, or related field; general PR experience
Work EnvironmentHigh-pressure situations, media crises, urgent communicationOngoing media relations, brand promotion, event planning
Industry UsageCorporate, government, non-profit during crisesBroadly across industries for brand building

While both roles involve communication strategies, Crisis Public Relations focuses on managing urgent, high-stakes situations to protect an organization's reputation. Public Relations Specialists handle ongoing brand promotion and media relations. The key difference lies in the scope and urgency of their responsibilities.

What job categories do people searching Crisis Public Relations jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Crisis Public Relations jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Crisis Public Relations jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Crisis Public Relations job openings:

Director, Public Relations & Communications

Ware Malcomb

Irvine, CA • On-site

$150 - $210/hr

Other

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

We’re seeking a Director, Public Relations & Communications to lead our brand reputation, strengthen our market presence and drive integrated communications that support business strategy and growth. This role is responsible for telling the story of our projects, people, innovation and community impact across industry media, local press and digital channels, while serving as a strategic advisor to executive leadership and leading a high‑performing communications team.

Your Role
  • 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 that extend the firm's reach across key markets and audiences.
  • Lead brand reputation management by establishing governance for firmwide messaging, brand standards and audience positioning to ensure consistency, differentiation and resonance across all channels and stakeholders.
  • 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.
Strategic & Leadership Responsibilities
  • Lead annual communications planning, KPI frameworks, playbooks, budgeting and team development.
  • Set governance for messaging, approvals and escalation. Steward reputation management across regions and markets.
  • Represent PR & Communications in leadership forums and cross‑firm initiatives.
  • Optimize the operating model (processes, tools and partner ecosystem) to enable scale, consistency, and measurable impact.
  • Lead, mentor and develop PR & Communications team members, fostering growth, accountability and performance.
  • Champion long‑term brand growth through a multi‑year communications roadmap aligned with business priorities and supported by strong capabilities and partnerships.
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.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft 365 tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, OneNote).
  • Experience in Architecture/Engineering, Construction, Real Estate, or professional services strongly preferred.
Skills
  • Strong leadership, collaboration and mentorship capabilities
  • Excellent communication, judgment and stakeholder‑management skills
  • Issues management, crisis communications readiness and brand reputation stewardship
  • Paid media strategy and budget management
  • Performance measurement, KPI development and data‑driven decision‑making
  • High attention to detail, discretion and accountability
  • Positive, proactive and highly collaborative working style
  • Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced and dynamic environment
  • Operational rigor across workflows, approvals, calendars and reporting
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