Public relations specialist Jobs in Costa Mesa, CA

ABOUT BASTION

Bastion is a dynamic, growing force in modern marketing-built to position brands and businesses for lasting strength. As part of our integrated, full-service platform, Bastion Communications is a powerful PR and Social division delivering best-in-class strategies that drive trust, brand loyalty, and measurable growth. We craft content with purpose, shape narratives that resonate, and lead with media relations, corporate communications, and crisis management rooted in credibility and connection. From reputation to results, we build powerful relationships that fuel transformative campaigns in today's dynamic media landscape.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Bastion is seeking a visionary, results-driven Managing Director to lead our PR and Social division, headquartered in Southern California. This senior executive will set the strategic direction, spearhead growth initiatives, and evolve our offering-including integration of cutting-edge technologies like AI-to ensure we remain at the forefront of modern communications. The Managing Director will champion operational excellence, drive business development, and deliver innovative, high-impact solutions in partnership with internal teams and senior-level clients. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of PR at one of the industry's most dynamic, full-service independent agencies.

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Strategic Leadership

Sets the vision and direction for the PR and Social, aligning business objectives with Company goals.

Drive the development of modern, integrated communications strategies across earned media, social platforms, influencer ecosystems, and crisis / reputation management.

Champion innovation, including the integration of AI, measurement tools, and emerging platforms.

Client Service & Growth

Oversee client engagements to ensure strategic alignment, retention, and overall satisfaction.

Identify and pursue opportunities to grow existing accounts and expand Bastion's reputation in the marketplace.

Identify emerging market opportunities and drive growth through client acquisition and relationship management.

Operational & Financial Oversight

Lead day-to-day operations, including resource planning, team capacity management, workflow efficiency, and process optimization.

Own full P&L for the division including budget creation, forecasting, performance tracking against KPIs, and financial reporting.

Establish and maintain quality standards to ensure consistently excellent client deliverables.

Team Leadership & Development

Build and lead a high-performing, collaborative team across PR and social disciplines.

Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and creative excellence.

Mentor and grow emerging leaders within the division.

QUALIFICATIONS

Must have minimum 12+ years professional experience in Public Relations, including some in agency environment, with a proven track record of successfully managing and scaling high-impact accounts.

Deep, cross-functional expertise in media relations, corporate communications, crisis and reputation management, and public affairs-combined with advanced knowledge of social platforms, influencer partnerships, and content creator ecosystems-to drive impactful, integrated communications strategies.

Proven ability to lead a team in the development of comprehensive PR strategies and original content.

Proven track record as a growth driver for both organic and net new business opportunities

Exceptional communicator-both written and verbal-with the confidence and clarity to influence at all levels.

Strong business acumen, with expertise in strategic resource allocation, project execution, fiscal management and complex problem-solving.

Demonstrated ability to drive results with efficiency, speed, and cost-effectiveness.

Highly organized, relentlessly results-oriented.

BA in Public Relations, Communications or related field preferred.

COMPENSATION

The salary range for this role is $170,000-$200,000.

WHY BASTION?

Join a high-caliber team with the flexibility, autonomy, and agility of a boutique firm backed by the resources of a global collective.

Lead a division poised for its next chapter of growth-with the freedom to shape its strategy and culture.

Work with bold brands and decision-makers who value insight-led thinking.

Be part of an organization that blends creativity, data, and human understanding to solve complex business challenges.

Bastion U.S. is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment for all employees.