Description

About the Role:
The CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (C.A.R.) is seeking a dynamic, media-savvy Public Relations/Media Relations Manager to help shape and share the Association’s voice on key housing, policy, and industry issues. Reporting to the Public Relations Director, this position plays a central role in advancing C.A.R.’s mission to champion homeownership and real estate professionalism by developing, executing and managing strategic communications that reach influential media, policymakers, and the public. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, brings strong writing and storytelling skills, and has a proven ability to secure earned media that drives impact.

Job Title: Media Relations Manager
Reports To: Public Relations Director
Group: Communications and Marketing
Compensation Range: $130,000 to $140,000 annually
FLSA Status: Exempt
Benefits: Competitive benefits package including health, dental, vision, retirement plan, PTO, and more!

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop, execute and manage communication strategies that advance C.A.R.’s mission and initiatives, including preparing press releases, op-eds, speeches, fact sheets, talking points, and other materials as needed.
• Secure earned media coverage for C.A.R.’s key initiatives and identify emerging opportunities to elevate the Association’s visibility with external audiences.
• Monitor and analyze news coverage for stories impacting the real estate industry or referencing C.A.R. and produce monthly media reports and analysis.
• Manage media inquiries, prepare spokespersons, and develop key messaging as needed.
• Collaborate with internal teams to secure media coverage for C.A.R. initiatives, advocacy efforts, products, and services.
• React and respond quickly to breaking news or industry developments with timely statements, commentaries, or opinion pieces as appropriate.
• Provide PR and media support for the Association’s Thought Leadership program, including drafting and pitching stories to journalists and media outlets.
• Cultivate, maintain and manage strong relationships with media contacts across traditional, digital, podcast, and emerging platforms.
• Stay informed on media trends and emerging topics to proactively position C.A.R. within the evolving news cycle.
   

Key Requirements:

• Experience: 5+ years in public relations, media relations, journalism, or a related communications role.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Public Affairs, or a related field.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional writer and communicator with the ability to develop compelling stories and deliver clear, consistent messaging across multiple platforms.
• Media Relations Expertise: Proven ability to secure positive earned media coverage and maintain strong press relationships.
• Project Management: Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to handle multiple projects and deadlines.
• Collaboration: Team-oriented, creative, and resourceful communicator who works well across departments and with leadership.
• Technical Proficiency: Skilled in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook) and familiar with media monitoring and PR tools.
   

Preferred Qualifications:

• Industry Knowledge: Background or interest in real estate, housing policy, political advocacy, or financial services is a plus. 
   

Travel:

• Occasional travel required.
   

About THE CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®:
The CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® offers a collaborative environment that will allow you the opportunity to work on impactful projects that make a difference. What we love the most about working here are the autonomy, collaborative team environment and commitment to a positive work/life integration. And we like so much more, but we’ll tell you about that later.

The CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® is a statewide trade association dedicated to the advancement of professionalism in real estate. The Association develops and promotes programs and services for its nearly 200,000 members and keeps the public informed about real estate in California.
Company Description
Apply today to take the next step in your career with one of California’s most influential professional organizations.

Leading the Way...TM isn’t just a slogan at the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (C.A.R.). As one of the largest state trade organizations in the United States, C.A.R. provides members with tools to help complete transactions, information to keep them nimble in the marketplace and a strong clear voice on the government steps in Sacramento. How do we do it? We start by hiring friendly, talented people committed to working toward those common goals.

Headquartered in Sacramento, C.A.R. offers flexible remote/hybrid work arrangements, business casual wear, a health and wellness program including lunch and learns with guest speakers, and collaborative working areas.

What else? (*The following pertains to employees who regularly work at least 30 hours per week.)

*Medical, dental, vision, vitamin reimbursement, 401(k) retirement plan, 12 paid holidays, and more.

C.A.R. staff stand by a set of core values that make us the best in the business. Take a look for yourself and see what we are all about www.car.org.

C.A.R. and/or its subsidiaries and agents will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance

Sorry! Due to the heavy volume of resumes we receive, only candidates being considered will be contacted directly. We appreciate your interest in employment opportunities with the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.

Requirements

• Experience: 5+ years in public relations, media relations, journalism, or a related communications role.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Public Affairs, or a related field.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional writer and communicator with the ability to develop compelling stories and deliver clear, consistent messaging across multiple platforms.
• Media Relations Expertise: Proven ability to secure positive earned media coverage and maintain strong press relationships.
• Project Management: Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to handle multiple projects and deadlines.
• Collaboration: Team-oriented, creative, and resourceful communicator who works well across departments and with leadership.
• Technical Proficiency: Skilled in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook) and familiar with media monitoring and PR tools.