Manager, Media Relations

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Manager, Media Relations

🔹 Company: Esri

🔹 Location: Redlands, California, United States

🔹 Job Type: On-site

🔹 Category: Media Relations, Public Relations

🔹 Date Posted: April 3, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site (with occasional travel)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Leading Esri's in-house media relations team to build and maintain strong relationships with editors and reporters.
• Developing and implementing Esri’s media relations strategy in partnership with the Head of Influence Marketing.
• Overseeing the creation and management of communication plans for events, campaigns, and initiatives across the global Esri organization.
• Securing media placements and representing Esri PR at events and strategic initiatives.
• Coaching, mentoring, and leading the media relations team to foster a positive and innovative environment.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong leader with a proven track record in media relations to take Esri's media successes to the next level.

📋 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 the media relations team.

✅ Represent Esri PR at events and various strategic initiatives.

✅ Drive results by identifying and managing opportunities for press interviews at Esri and during events, using strong networking skills to identify subject matter experts and interview subjects within Esri and the GIS user community.

✅ Lead the media relations team by coaching, mentoring, and fostering a positive and trusting environment that supports innovation and employee engagement.

✅ Build relationships with senior and executive business leaders in corporate marketing and across Esri to implement communication strategies and tactics.

✅ Maintain relationships with key media, bloggers, and influencers to elevate Esri's 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.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of organization, energy, and detail-orientation to manage multiple projects and 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
• Strong existing media relationships
• Journalist-style writing and storytelling skills
• Ability to work on and oversee multiple projects simultaneously with tight deadlines
• Strong initiative-taking and problem-solving skills
• Highly organized, energetic, and detail-oriented
• 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: While a master's degree is preferred, a bachelor's degree with relevant experience is also acceptable for this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $91,520 - $156,000 USD (based on experience and qualifications)

Benefits:

• Industry-leading health and welfare benefits: medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance for employees (and their families)
• 401(k) and profit-sharing programs
• 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, with occasional travel (10-20% of the time)

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate and may vary based on the candidate's qualifications and experience.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Software Development, specifically Geographic Information System (GIS) software and location intelligence

Company Size: Esri is a mid-sized company with 5,001-10,000 employees, providing a large organization with ample opportunities for growth and collaboration

Founded: 1969, with a rich history in GIS technology and a commitment to creating positive global change

Company Description:

• Esri is the global market leader in geographic information system (GIS) software, location intelligence, and mapping
• They take a geographic approach to problem-solving, brought to life by modern GIS technology
• Esri's technology helps people solve some of the world’s most difficult problems

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: https://www.esri.com

ASSUMPTION: Esri's focus on GIS technology and location intelligence makes it an ideal fit for candidates interested in spatial analysis, mapping, and related fields.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is suitable for experienced professionals seeking a leadership position in media relations and public relations

Reporting Structure: The Manager, Media Relations will report directly to the Head of Influence Marketing and oversee the media relations team

Work Arrangement: This is an on-site position with occasional travel (10-20% of the time) to serve in official capacity as the lead of PR for Esri

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to grow within the media relations team or explore other leadership opportunities within Esri's marketing organization
• Chance to work on high-impact projects and initiatives, driving Esri's brand and reputation
• Opportunities for professional development and skill-building through Esri's training programs

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to make a tangible impact on Esri's brand and reputation.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Esri's headquarters is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster innovation and creativity

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 attractions, outdoor recreation, and educational opportunities
• Redlands has a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and hot, dry summers

Work Schedule: Full-time, with occasional travel (10-20% of the time) to serve in official capacity as the lead of PR for Esri

ASSUMPTION: While this role is based in Redlands, California, Esri's global presence may offer opportunities for remote work or flexible arrangements for the right candidate.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application and resume screening
• Phone or video screening with the hiring manager
• In-depth interview with the hiring manager and team members
• Final interview with the Head of Influence Marketing
• Background check and offer extension

Key Assessment Areas:

• Media relations experience and success stories
• Leadership and team management skills
• Communication and storytelling abilities
• Industry knowledge and GIS familiarity
• Cultural fit and alignment with Esri's values

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your media relations experience, leadership skills, and relevant industry knowledge
• Prepare examples of successful media placements and campaigns you've led or contributed to
• Demonstrate your understanding of Esri's technology, products, and services, and how your skills and experience align with the role's requirements
• Showcase your ability to work collaboratively and lead a team in a dynamic, fast-paced environment

ATS Keywords: Media Relations, Public Relations, Team Leadership, Communication Strategy, Networking, Press Releases, Event Management, Storytelling, Project Management, Problem Solving, Organizational Skills, Diversity and Inclusion, Mentoring, Strategic Planning, GIS Knowledge, Journalism

ASSUMPTION: Esri uses an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to manage job applications, so including relevant keywords in your resume and cover letter can help your application stand out.

🛠️ 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)
• Social media platforms (e.g., Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook)
• Email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact)

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with industry-standard tools and technologies is essential for success in this role.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Innovation
• Collaboration
• Integrity
• Balance
• Respect
• Excellence

Work Style:

• Dynamic and fast-paced environment
• Collaborative and team-oriented culture
• Focus on continuous learning and improvement
• Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Opportunities for professional growth and development

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you have a proven track record of securing media placements and working with executive-level stakeholders?
• Are you comfortable working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and managing multiple projects simultaneously?
• Do you thrive in a collaborative, team-oriented culture and enjoy mentoring and developing team members?
• Are you passionate about GIS technology, location intelligence, and Esri's mission to create positive global change?

ASSUMPTION: Esri values candidates who are passionate about their mission, committed to their values, and eager to contribute to a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative work environment.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing a team with varying levels of experience and expertise
• Balancing multiple projects and tight deadlines
• Adapting to a dynamic and fast-paced work environment
• Working with executive-level stakeholders and managing their expectations
• Keeping up with industry trends and integrating them into strategic planning efforts

ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong leadership, effective communication, and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to other media relations roles, this position offers a unique opportunity to lead a team and drive strategic initiatives for a global technology company
• Esri's focus on GIS technology and location intelligence sets it apart from other companies in the software development industry
• This role provides significant growth potential and the chance to make a tangible impact on Esri's brand and reputation

ASSUMPTION: While this role shares similarities with other media relations positions, its unique focus on GIS technology and location intelligence makes it an attractive opportunity for candidates interested in these fields.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a comprehensive media relations strategy for Esri's annual user conference, Esri User Conference (Esri UC)
• Securing high-profile media placements for Esri's CEO and other executive team members
• Managing the media relations team's response to breaking news and crisis communications
• Collaborating with Esri's marketing team to create targeted media campaigns for specific products or initiatives

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the diverse range of responsibilities and opportunities available in this role.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• What are the biggest challenges facing the media relations team currently, and how can this role help address them?
• How does this role collaborate with other teams within Esri, such as marketing, product management, and executive leadership?
• What opportunities are there for professional growth and development within this role and Esri as a whole?
• How does Esri support work-life balance for its employees, particularly for those in leadership positions?
• What is Esri's approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and how does this role contribute to those efforts?

ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, insightful questions demonstrates your interest in the role and commitment to Esri's success.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your media relations experience, leadership skills, and relevant industry knowledge
• Prepare examples of successful media placements and campaigns you've led or contributed to
• Demonstrate your understanding of Esri's technology, products, and services, and how your skills and experience align with the role's requirements
• Showcase your ability to work collaboratively and lead a team in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
• Follow up with Esri's HR team one week after submitting your application to inquire about your application status

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.