JSA+Partners, a tight-knit, fast-paced boutique public relations firm, is looking for a PR Director to spearhead strategy, client growth, and campaign execution across AI, consumer tech, digital entertainment, sports, and gaming industries. This includes actively leading and managing clients, executing media relations and thought leadership strategies, counseling C-suite executives and founders, and driving account retention… but you’re also ready and willing to roll up your sleeves and get the little things done, too.
As a senior leader at JSA+Partners, you would also be responsible for driving firm innovation, sourcing new business opportunities, and mentoring junior and mid-level talent.
This is a great chance to join a small team and make a big impact. The role is ideally based in San Francisco (fully remote) or Los Angeles. If LA-based, this person would be expected to come into our Santa Monica office 3-4 days per week.
Principal Responsibilities:
- Oversee accounts across AI, consumer tech, digital entertainment, sports and gaming, including providing day-to-day strategic counsel across multiple clients, leading client meetings, managing team workflows, and preempting client needs.
- Develop and execute communications plans that elevate executive visibility, drive brand affinity, and support business objectives.
- Engage in proactive, creative idea generation and trendjacking opportunities on behalf of clients.
- Secure high-impact interviews, profile pieces, and relationship-building meet-and-greets in advertising, entertainment, sports, business, and technology outlets.
- Oversee thought leadership for clients, including identifying and applying for high-value conferences, awards, and other valuable thought leadership opportunities.
- Maintain, develop, and grow strong media relationships, pitch thoughtful story ideas, and draft creative written materials that reflect a deep understanding of our clients’ businesses.
- Keep a pulse on developments across AI, entertainment, sports, and gaming to insert clients into trending conversations.
- Provide thoughtful communications guidance for issues management, including developing rapid-response messaging for sensitive topics and hot-button issues.
- Advise clients on LinkedIn and social media strategy, as needed.
- Build relationships/network with decision-makers to source and acquire new business opportunities.
- Manage, mentor, and develop junior and mid-level team members, providing daily structure, clear delegation, and guidance to support their professional growth.
- Partner closely with agency leadership to help shape the strategic vision, offerings, and culture of JSA+Partners.
- Drive firm-wide growth and innovation by identifying, testing, and implementing modern communications workflows, emerging media intelligence platforms, and AI-enabled tools.
You Should Apply If You:
- Have at least 8-10+ years of experience in public relations and communications (agency or in-house).
- Have exceptional media relations skills and established reporter relationships in business, technology, advertising, entertainment, sports, and other key verticals.
- Can thrive in a fast-paced environment, prioritizing and context-switching seamlessly.
- Have a proven track record of building and securing thought leadership opportunities for executives and key company spokespeople.
- Have excellent relationship-building skills and sound judgment.
- Are able to work both collaboratively and independently.
- Are a strategic thinker, intellectually curious, a problem solver, and enjoy bringing new ideas to the table.
- Are incredibly organized, detail-oriented, and can manage multiple accounts simultaneously.
- Are able to lead teams – managing both direct and indirect reports with empathy, high standards, and clarity.
- Are a self-starter and self-confident, but also enjoy having fun.
- Are focused on working during the day so you can enjoy your life.
- Have a hunger and desire to grow as a PR professional.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or related field.
- A comprehensive understanding of the consumer technology, digital media, and gaming landscape.
- Strong relationships across business, technology, entertainment, and consumer media as well as conference organizers.
- Exceptional communication, writing, editing, and organizational skills.
Perks:
- PTO that increases with tenure, plus holidays and flexible remote days
- Paid office closure for the last week of the year to rest and recharge
- Medical, dental and vision coverage
- Flexible Fridays year-round and Summer Fridays
- Monthly access to a professional coach
- Learning and development opportunities throughout the year
- 401K with matching after one year
- Compensation for new business referrals that become JSA+Partners clients
About JSA+Partners
JSA+Partners is a Santa Monica-based strategic communications agency. We develop tailored communications programs, including earned and owned media for clients ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies – delivering big-agency results without the overhead.
Founded in 2009 by former Yahoo VP of Corporate Communications Jennifer Stephens Acree, JSA was built to disrupt the traditional public relations agency model. We’re not a PR vendor – we’re an invaluable extension of our clients’ teams. Whether a startup is in stealth mode, gearing up for launch, an established brand planning a new product launch, or a company working through a crisis, we have provided comprehensive communications services and strategic counsel for 18+ years.
We offer a comprehensive suite of services, including strategic counsel, messaging and positioning, media relations, thought leadership, crisis communications, proprietary data analysis, and more. We build a custom approach for each client, constantly offering ideas, identifying trendjacking opportunities, and finding new ways to support our clients’ business objectives. By staying on top of trends, we’ve become experts across the consumer tech, media, creator economy, gaming, AI, sports, and more within our practice areas.
Our Commitment
At JSA, we respect and encourage everyone to be their unique selves. We are committed to fostering an environment where everyone has an equal opportunity to reach their full potential, to have an excellent career experience, and be a valued member of the team. Come join us, and come as you are.