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Public Affairs Director Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Ryan, LLC

Director, Legislative Affairs

Irvine, CA · Hybrid

S. The Legislative Affairs Director will assist the Principals and Advocacy Services Practice with ... Maintains comprehensive database of public policy initiatives and facilitates status update ...

MGO

Director (Public Sector Consulting)

Irvine, CA · On-site +1

$175K - $230K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Public Policy, Public Affairs, Accounting or related field; Master's degree preferred. * 10+ years of experience in public sector consulting, regulatory ...

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Public Affairs Director information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$25.6K

$135.8K

$219.6K

How much do public affairs director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for public affairs director in Riverside, CA is $135,789.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $92,800.00 and $178,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a public affairs director do?

A public affairs director combines government relations with media communications to create a positive public image of their client or to spark interest. In this role, you must form relationships with various people in the public and generate new opportunities for your clients. You may oversee a public relations staff, maintaining all communication activities with the media or the public in order to control the result. Your job duties include conducting market research on public opinion, calculating budgets, and pursuing advertising campaigns with your client’s goals in mind. You also arrange interviews, write speeches, and do anything else needed to repair a client’s reputation. Qualifications for a career as a public affairs director include experience in public relations, specifically in a high position with a PR company.

What does a public affairs director do?

A Public Affairs Director is responsible for managing an organization’s relationship with the public, government agencies, and other key stakeholders. They develop and implement strategies to influence public policy, shape public opinion, and ensure the organization’s voice is represented in important conversations. Their duties often include overseeing media relations, lobbying efforts, crisis communications, and advocacy campaigns. Additionally, they monitor legislative and regulatory developments that could impact the organization and advise leadership on appropriate responses.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a public affairs director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Public Affairs Director, you need expertise in strategic communications, public policy, and stakeholder engagement, typically supported by a degree in public relations, communications, or political science. Familiarity with media monitoring tools, CRM systems, and government relations platforms is valuable, as is experience with regulatory compliance. Outstanding negotiation, crisis management, and relationship-building skills help you effectively influence public opinion and navigate complex political landscapes. These skills are crucial for shaping organizational reputation, managing external perceptions, and successfully advocating for business or organizational interests.

How does a public affairs director typically collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to advance organizational goals?

A Public Affairs Director works closely with internal teams such as communications, legal, and executive leadership to align messaging and strategies with organizational objectives. Externally, they engage with government officials, community leaders, media, and advocacy groups to build relationships, advocate for policy positions, and manage the organization's public image. Effective collaboration often involves coordinating meetings, preparing briefing materials, and facilitating open communication to ensure a unified approach to public affairs initiatives.

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

AspectPublic Affairs DirectorPublic Relations Manager
CredentialsBachelor's degree in communications, political science, or related field; often requires experience in government or policyBachelor's degree in communications, marketing, or related field; experience in media relations preferred
Work EnvironmentTypically in government agencies, non-profits, or corporations engaging with public policy and government relationsPrimarily in corporate, agency, or organizational settings focusing on media and brand image
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in government, non-profits, and large corporations for policy advocacyCommon in private companies, PR firms, and marketing departments

The Public Affairs Director focuses on government relations, policy advocacy, and stakeholder engagement, often working in government or non-profit sectors. In contrast, the Public Relations Manager concentrates on media relations, brand management, and communication strategies within organizations. While both roles require strong communication skills, their primary focus areas and industries differ.

More about Public Affairs Director jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Public Affairs jobs in Riverside, CA?

The most popular types of Public Affairs jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Public Affairs Director jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Public Affairs Director job openings:

Public Affairs Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Affairs Director job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $135,789 per year, or $65.3 per hour.

Director, Legislative Affairs

Ryan Consulting

Irvine, CA • Hybrid

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Why Ryan?

  • Hybrid Work Options

  • Award-Winning Culture

  • Generous Personal Time Off (PTO) Benefits

  • 14-Weeks of 100% Paid Leave for New Parents (Adoption Included)

  • Monthly Gym Membership Reimbursement OR Gym Equipment Reimbursement

  • Benefits Eligibility Effective Day One

  • 401K with Employer Match

  • Tuition Reimbursement After One Year of Service

  • Fertility Assistance Program

  • Four-Week Company-Paid Sabbatical Eligibility After Five Years of Service

For this role, we will consider candidates anywhere in the U.S.
The Legislative Affairs Director will assist the Principals and Advocacy Services Practice with all legislative efforts including drafting and tracking legislation, working with internal subject matter experts to develop the firm's state legislative agendas, and coordinating with external lobbyists and third-party groups. They will work to identify, improve, and drive efficiencies and fairness in the tax administration process.
This is a high-profile role offering significant room for career growth. Qualified candidates will have strong experience in tax policy, communications, and government affairs. Property Tax policy experience is required, and multi-state property tax experience is strongly preferred.
We will consider individuals who are ready for a promotion and currently at the Manager or Senior Manager level.
If this is you or someone you know, we would like to speak with you. Please submit your resume or contact us directly if you want to learn more.
Contact: Rebecca.Turton@Ryan.com or Andra.Kayem@ryan.com
Come be a part of the excitement at Ryan. We are a Great Place to Work!
Summary
The Legislative Affairs Director assists the Principal and the Advocacy Services Practice with directing, implementing, managing, coordinating, overseeing, and supervising multistate legislative efforts of the Firm, or the Firm's clients as needed. This includes, without limitation, drafting, reviewing, and tracking proposed state legislation that we support and oppose. They are the lead with internal subject matter experts developing the Firm's state legislative agendas and working through hearings, testimony, amendments, and all other legislative functions. The Director coordinates with external lobbyists, third party groups and other policy influencers and may be required to register as a lobbyist and give testimony.
The Legislative Affairs Director also assists the Practice Leader with drafting, reviewing, and implementing policies and procedures pertaining to the Advocacy Services Practice. They will lead communications both internally and externally as needed.

Duties and responsibilities:

People:

  • Leads development of legislative agendas for assigned states.
  • Coordinates with subject matter experts from Practices on content, amendments, and passage of legislation.
  • Coordinates testimony and may be called upon to testify.
  • Leads coordination with external groups and lobbyists in support of legislative efforts.
  • Provides legislative expertise to other departments where needed and may be asked to give written, PowerPoint and formal public presentations.
  • Supports Principals with political insights and tracking and policy campaign management.

Client:

  • Assists with and manages client-related state legislative efforts.
  • Develops client workplans and schedules associated project deliverables.
  • Prepares and conducts client presentations.
  • Reviews and reconciles client data and identifies tax issues to research.
  • Responds to client inquiries and requests from state agencies.
  • Researches and provides legislative insights, threats, opportunities and trends.

Value:

  • Plans and directs various aspects of the Firm's Legislative Affairs Practice.
  • Supports coordination of the Firm's multistate legislative agenda.
  • Assists in managing the Firm's relationship with its outside counsel and lobby groups.
  • Tracks and monitors tax legislation in various states.
  • Drafts and reviews proposed state tax legislation including amendments.
  • Interprets laws, rulings, and regulations for the Firm.
  • Prepares and reviews state lobby reports as needed.
  • Maintains comprehensive database of public policy initiatives and facilitates status update meetings.
  • Performs research and advises on state tax legislative matters.
  • Writes communications documents some of which are: white papers, testimony, update documents (internal and external), persuasive one pagers, and more.
  • Manages complex state and local tax projects.
  • Negotiates tax resolutions with state agencies.
  • Negotiates tax issues, ideas and policies with elected officials, agencies, thought leaders and their staff members.
  • Assists with other projects as needed.

Education and Experience: Juris Doctor Degree ("JD") from an accredited law school and at least seven years related experience in a similar environment. Understanding of State and Local Tax policies and statutes. Experience in tax policy, communications and government affairs. Specifically, property tax policy experience is required. Multi-state property tax experience is strongly preferred.

Computer Skills: To perform this job successfully, an individual must have intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Internet navigation and research.

Certificates and Licenses: Valid driver's license required. License to practice law within the United States required. Membership to the American Bar Association preferred. May be required to register as a lobbyist.

Supervisory Responsibilities: This job directly supervises employees in the Legislative Affairs Practice and carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the Firm's policies and applicable laws.

Work Environment:

  • Standard indoor working environment.
  • Occasional long periods of sitting while working at computer.
  • Position requires regular interaction with coworkers, clients and elected and appointed government officials in person, via e-mail and telephone.
  • Requires some evening and weekend hours.
  • Independent travel requirement: 30 to 50%

Equal Opportunity Employer: disability/veteran

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