📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Communications Manager
🔹 Company: Esri
🔹 Location: Redlands, California, United States
🔹 Job Type: On-site
🔹 Category: Software Development
🔹 Date Posted: May 20, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Leading Esri's in-house media relations team to build and maintain strong relationships with editors, reporters, and industry publications.
- Developing and implementing Esri’s media relations and external communications strategy in collaboration with the Head of Influence Marketing.
- Serving as the main point of contact for all public relations inquiries and activities, both inside and outside of Esri.
- Overseeing the creation and management of communication plans for events, campaigns, and initiatives across the global Esri organization.
- Coaching, mentoring, and leading the media relations team to foster a positive and trusting environment that supports innovation and employee engagement.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic and innovative thinker with a strong background in media relations and team management to drive Esri's media success and navigate the ever-evolving media landscape.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Serve as the main point of contact for all public relations inquiries and activities, both inside and outside of Esri.
✅ Oversee the writing of press releases and other communication documents through your team.
✅ Represent PR at Esri events and in various strategic initiatives.
✅ Coach, mentor, and lead the media relations team to foster a positive and trusting environment that supports innovation and employee engagement.
✅ Identify and manage opportunities for press interviews at Esri and during events.
✅ Use strong networking skills to identify subject matter experts and interview subjects within Esri and the GIS user community.
✅ Build relationships and partner with the most senior executive business leaders across Esri to implement communication strategies and tactics.
✅ Maintain relationships with key media, bloggers, and influencers.
✅ Leverage expertise to communicate with press to elevate Esri brand.
✅ Work with the Influence Marketing leadership team to create a business plan identifying annual opportunities, objectives, budgets, and goals.
✅ Analyze results and implement workflow improvements.
✅ Be aware of industry trends and integrate them into strategic planning efforts.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of autonomy and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with tight deadlines.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s in communications, marketing, journalism, English, or related field
Experience: 8+ years of experience working in media relations, with 5+ years of experience coaching and managing a team working with executive-level stakeholders
Required Skills:
- Proven success in securing media placements and working with executive-level stakeholders
- Innovative approach to communications strategy for technology companies
- Journalist style writing and storytelling
- Ability to work on and oversee multiple projects at a time with tight deadlines
- Availability to travel 10-20% of the time to serve in official capacity as lead of PR for Esri
Preferred Skills:
- PR agency and in-house (B2B) experience for technology companies
- Experience overseeing vendor contracts
- Understanding of GIS, mapping, and location analytics
- Understanding of Esri’s technology, products, and services
- Master’s in communications, marketing, journalism, English, or related field
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a strong background in media relations and team management, along with a proven track record of securing media placements, are strongly encouraged to apply.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $91,520 - $156,000 USD (Estimated based on industry standards for the role, experience level, and location)
Benefits:
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- Life Insurance
- 401(k)
- Profit-sharing
- Minimum accrual of 80 hours of vacation leave
- Twelve paid holidays throughout the calendar year
- Opportunities for personal and professional growth
Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week
ASSUMPTION: The provided salary range is an estimate based on industry standards for the role, experience level, and location. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as skills, experience, and business needs.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Software Development, specifically focused on Geographic Information System (GIS) software, location intelligence, and mapping
Company Size: 5,001-10,000 employees (Large enterprise)
Founded: 1969
Company Description:
- Esri is the global market leader in geographic information system (GIS) software, location intelligence, and mapping.
- Since 1969, Esri has supported customers with geographic science and geospatial analytics, what they call “The Science of Where.”
- Esri takes a geographic approach to problem-solving, brought to life by modern GIS technology.
Company Specialties:
- GIS
- Geographic information systems
- Software
- Geospatial analysis
- Geography
- Web mapping
- Place
- Location analytics
- Demographics
- 3D
- Site selection
- Government
- IoT
- Training
- Location intelligence
- Smart cities
- Geodesign
- And Mapping
Company Website: www.esri.com
ASSUMPTION: Esri is a well-established company with a strong focus on innovation and problem-solving through GIS technology.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Experienced professional with a focus on strategic communications and team leadership
Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Head of Influence Marketing
Work Arrangement: On-site, with up to 20% travel required
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to grow within the Influence Marketing department or explore other opportunities within Esri
- Chance to work on high-impact projects and initiatives that drive Esri's brand and reputation
- Opportunities for professional development and training
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with the opportunity to make a substantial impact on Esri's communications strategy.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Corporate headquarters with a collaborative and innovative work environment
Office Location(s): 380 New York St., Redlands, CA 92373, US
Geographic Context:
- Redlands, California, is located in the Inland Empire region of Southern California, approximately 60 miles east of Los Angeles
- The area offers a mix of urban and suburban living, with a variety of cultural, recreational, and educational opportunities
- Esri's headquarters is situated in a modern, campus-like setting with amenities such as a fitness center, cafeteria, and outdoor spaces
Work Schedule: Full-time, with the expectation of working occasional evenings and weekends as needed to support events and initiatives
ASSUMPTION: The work environment at Esri's headquarters is designed to foster collaboration, creativity, and innovation, with a focus on supporting employees' well-being and work-life balance.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
- In-depth interview with the hiring manager and other team members
- Final interview with the Head of Influence Marketing
Key Assessment Areas:
- Media relations experience and success stories
- Team management and leadership skills
- Communication and presentation skills
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities
Application Tips:
- Highlight your relevant media relations experience and achievements in your resume
- Tailor your cover letter to demonstrate your understanding of Esri's business and the role's requirements
- Prepare examples of your writing and communication skills to showcase during the interview
- Research Esri's company culture and values to show your fit for the organization
ATS Keywords: Media relations, team leadership, public relations, communication strategy, networking, storytelling, event management, GIS knowledge, diversity and inclusion, strategic planning, mentoring, collaboration, press relations, performance management, innovation, budget management
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is designed to assess candidates' media relations experience, team management skills, and strategic thinking abilities, as well as their cultural fit with Esri.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Media databases and platforms (e.g., Muck Rack, Agility PR Solutions, Cision)
- Content management systems (e.g., WordPress, Adobe Experience Manager)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project)
- Communication and collaboration platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack)
ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies required for this role may vary depending on Esri's internal systems and processes.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Innovation
- Collaboration
- Integrity
- Service
- Balance
Work Style:
- Fast-paced and dynamic environment
- Strong focus on teamwork and collaboration
- Opportunities for professional growth and development
- Flexible work arrangements to support work-life balance
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How have you successfully navigated the new media landscape in previous roles?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you had to manage multiple projects with tight deadlines, and how did you ensure the quality of your work?
- How do you approach mentoring and coaching team members to help them grow professionally?
ASSUMPTION: Esri values candidates who are innovative, collaborative, and committed to delivering high-quality work in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing a team remotely and ensuring their engagement and productivity
- Balancing the demands of multiple projects and tight deadlines
- Adapting to the evolving media landscape and adjusting communication strategies accordingly
- Travel requirements for events and initiatives
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be mitigated through strong leadership, effective communication, and a focus on prioritization and time management.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other communications manager roles, this position offers a unique opportunity to work for a global leader in GIS software and location intelligence
- Esri's large size and global presence provide extensive resources and opportunities for growth and development
- This role focuses on media relations and external communications, while similar roles in other organizations may have a broader scope or different priorities
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of strategic communications, team leadership, and the opportunity to work for a well-established and innovative organization in the GIS industry.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a comprehensive media relations strategy for Esri's annual user conference, Esri User Conference (Esri UC)
- Managing a crisis communication plan in response to a data breach or other sensitive issue
- Creating and implementing a thought leadership campaign to position Esri's executives as industry experts and influencers
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the strategic and tactical nature of the communications manager role at Esri, requiring a balance of creativity, innovation, and strong execution skills.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the Influence Marketing department?
- How does Esri support the professional growth and development of its employees?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
- How does Esri approach diversity, equity, and inclusion in its communications and overall business strategy?
- What are the most rewarding aspects of working in this role, according to current team members?
ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions will help you better understand the role, the team, and the company culture, enabling you to make an informed decision about your fit for the position.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume to highlight your relevant media relations experience and achievements
- Write a cover letter that demonstrates your understanding of Esri's business and the role's requirements
- Prepare examples of your writing and communication skills to showcase during the interview
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your interest and reiterate your qualifications
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
