Public Relations Project Manager

Providence is a full-service communications firm headquartered in Bakersfield, California. Providence specializes in developing strategic communications plans with extensive expertise in public affairs campaigns designed to produce successful project permitting. Our firm provides public relations support, website development and manages multiple social media accounts for our clients daily. Our current clients include those in the agriculture, water, oil and gas, transportation, healthcare, nonprofit, retail and telecommunications industries. POSITION SUMMARY: The Public Relations Project Manager, based in our Bakersfield office, plays a crucial role in driving our agency's public affairs, public relations and marketing campaigns within Kern, Fresno, and adjacent counties. This position demands a skilled communicator and strategist capable of developing comprehensive communication plans, effectively managing client portfolios, and leading our team in executing high-impact activities. The ideal candidate will excel in building strong media relationships, crafting compelling content, and steering digital and design projects to meet client goals. Beyond project execution, this role involves significant managerial responsibilities, including team mentorship, budget oversight, and business development, all while upholding the highest standards of professionalism and ethical practice. Working hours are generally from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, with the flexibility to accommodate evening and weekend work to meet client needs. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily, including all important aspects of the job - whether performed daily, weekly, monthly, or annually; and any duty that occurs at irregular intervals. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Develop strategic communications plans and branding/message frameworks Lead execution of PR and marketing/communications activities Mentor and manage workloads of account team members Communicate with clients to provide counsel, deliver results, foster a positive relationship and manage expectations Understand client opportunities, including paid, earned, owned and shared channels Build consensus and foster collaboration for client initiatives Craft and edit original content including public relations plans, press releases, pitches, collateral material, video scripts, social media content and more Deliver on clients’ design and digital needs with company’s in-house experts by developing creative briefs and overseeing client feedback on creative and digital projects Establish and nurture relationships with media and key social media influencers Oversee influencer communications and scheduling Pitch news and trend stories with confidence Strategize and secure partnerships with influential organizations Oversee account budgets, managing projects and company efforts within budget Manage outside vendors and contractors Identify and secure new business, including development of appropriate strategies for presentations and written proposals Engage in company promotion, professional development and team building Maintain a utilization metric of 75-80% Provide assistance to employees and help in manage them effectively Complete other duties as assigned MANAGERIAL RESPONSIBILITIES: Hire, train, develop, and maintain employees to help the organization achieve its goals Perform duties ethically and consistently according to organizational policies, procedures, and legal statutes Create a positive work environment Act as a legal agent for the organization Clearly communicate performance standards and expectations Provide regular, balanced, and candid feedback Listen to employees Involve others in departmental improvements Maintain professional demeanor in and out of work Support organizational policies and managerial decisions, refraining from disagreeing in front of employees ("walk the talk") MARGINAL FUNCTIONS (IF ANY): None MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s degree in Public Affairs, Public Relations or a related field Minimum of five (5) years of experience in public relations, with agency experience as a plus Experience in managing budgets, with strong financial oversight and planning abilities Excellent writing, communication, and presentation skills Strategic thinker with the ability to understand and contribute to the broader vision Proven experience in pursuing and pitching new business opportunities Demonstrated track record of securing media coverage Ability to manage stress and thrive in high-pressure environments Strong understanding of social media and digital strategy Experience in managing employees, volunteers, and projects Valid California driver’s license, reliable vehicle, and auto insurance Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite Fluent in English, both written and spoken Flexible schedule to accommodate occasional evening meetings and events Willingness to travel up to 25% within California PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Speak, read and write in Spanish Job Type: Full-time Schedule: 8 hour shift Monday to Friday Weekends as needed Work Location: In person, Bakersfield, CA.