Senior Public Relations & Communications Manager

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Senior Public Relations & Communications Manager

🔹 Company: Riot Games

🔹 Location: Shanghai, China

🔹 Job Type: On-site

🔹 Category: Gaming

🔹 Date Posted: June 27, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Leading all PR and communications efforts for one of Riot's core titles in China
• Developing and implementing integrated communication strategies
• Managing media and influencer relationships
• Crafting locally resonant narratives for Chinese players
• Collaborating with local and global teams, as well as local partners

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of independence and proactivity, with a strong focus on local market understanding and adaptability.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Lead all PR and communications efforts for one Riot title in China, spanning both game and esports coverage across product life cycles and tentpole moments.

✅ Independently manage the end-to-end execution of communications deliverables, including press releases, player-facing content, executive messaging, campaign launches, media outreach, and crisis response.

✅ Develop and implement long-term communications strategies tailored for Chinese players, aligned with Riot’s global narrative and regional objectives.

✅ Collaborate closely with the local publishing team and external partners to craft the most impactful experiences for Chinese players with a one-team mindset to drive aligned outcomes.

✅ Work with internal stakeholders and external vendors to ensure all communications output meets Riot’s quality standards and brand expectations.

✅ Build and maintain strong relationships with media, influencers, and content creators to help shape public narratives and extend reach across owned, earned, and social channels.

✅ Create or co-develop locally relevant campaigns and content that reflect a deep understanding of Chinese digital culture, community sentiment, and fandom dynamics.

✅ Monitor media coverage and player sentiment; analyze data to refine messaging and optimize campaign performance.

✅ Represent Riot Games China’s communications team at global esports events and media moments, including occasional international travel.

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high level of responsibility and requires strong project management skills, as well as the ability to work effectively under pressure.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field.

Experience: 5+ years of experience in public relations, communications, or brand marketing, preferably in gaming, tech, entertainment, or sports/esports industries.

Required Skills:

• Native fluency in Chinese and professional proficiency in English
• Proven ability to independently lead and execute cross-functional projects from strategy to delivery, with strong ownership and attention to detail
• Strong track record of working with media and influencers in China, with in-depth knowledge of local platform ecosystems (Weibo, Bilibili, Xiaohongshu, Douyin, etc.) and familiarity with Western media dynamics as a plus
• Self-motivated learner with a high sense of ownership, curiosity, and proactive feedback-seeking
• Comfortable being the first responder in high-stakes situations, remaining calm under pressure, and exercising good judgment
• Adaptable and level-headed in fast-paced environments, capable of making reasonable decisions with limited information

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with Riot’s games and competitive formats
• Experience working with global teams and external partners
• Knowledge of crisis communication strategies

ASSUMPTION: Given the role's focus on the Chinese market, candidates with local market knowledge and cultural understanding will have a significant advantage.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry standards for senior-level public relations roles in Shanghai, the estimated salary range for this position is ¥450,000 - ¥600,000 per year (approximately USD $65,000 - $87,000).

Benefits:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement savings plan with company match
• Generous time-off policies, including vacation, sick leave, and company holidays
• Employee stock purchase plan
• Gaming benefits, including free access to Riot games and in-game perks

Working Hours: Full-time position with standard office hours (Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM), with occasional overtime and international travel required.

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

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Riot Games is a leading global entertainment company that develops, publishes, and supports games, including the popular multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game, League of Legends. The company is known for its player-focused approach and commitment to creating high-quality, engaging gaming experiences.

Company Size: Riot Games has 1,001-5,000 employees, providing a mid-sized company environment with ample opportunities for collaboration and growth.

Founded: Riot Games was founded in 2006 by entrepreneurial gamers who believed that player-focused game development could result in great games. The company has since grown into a global leader in the gaming industry.

Company Description:

• Riot Games is committed to changing the way video games are developed, published, and supported for players
• The company has a strong focus on community engagement and growth, with a player-centric approach to game development and esports
• Riot Games offers a dynamic and inclusive work environment, with a culture that values diversity, creativity, and collaboration

Company Specialties:

• Video game development and publishing
• Esports and competitive gaming
• Brand marketing and communications
• Player engagement and community management

Company Website: www.riotgames.com

ASSUMPTION: Riot Games' focus on player engagement and community-driven development makes it an attractive employer for gaming enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is a senior-level position, offering opportunities for career growth and leadership within the communications department.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Public Relations & Communications Manager will report directly to the Head of Public Relations for Riot Games China and will work closely with local and global teams, as well as external partners.

Work Arrangement: This is an on-site position based in Shanghai, China, with occasional international travel required for global esports events and media moments.

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to take on additional responsibilities and lead teams as the company continues to grow and expand its offerings
• Opportunities to work on high-profile projects and collaborate with global teams
• Chance to develop expertise in the Chinese gaming market and build strong industry relationships

ASSUMPTION: Given Riot Games' global presence and commitment to growth, there are significant opportunities for career advancement and professional development in this role.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Riot Games' Shanghai office is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster creativity and innovation.

Office Location(s): Riot Games' Shanghai office is located in the Pudong New Area, offering easy access to public transportation and nearby amenities.

Geographic Context:

• Shanghai is a major commercial and financial hub in China, with a vibrant gaming industry and a large, engaged gaming community
• The city offers a mix of traditional Chinese culture and modern, cosmopolitan living, with numerous attractions, restaurants, and entertainment options
• Shanghai has a humid subtropical climate, with mild winters and hot, humid summers

Work Schedule: Standard office hours are Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM, with occasional overtime and international travel required.

ASSUMPTION: Shanghai's dynamic gaming industry and engaged gaming community make it an ideal location for this role, offering ample opportunities for networking and collaboration with industry professionals.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• 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 Public Relations for Riot Games China

Key Assessment Areas:

• Communication skills and ability to craft compelling narratives
• Understanding of the Chinese gaming market and local digital culture
• Project management skills and ability to work independently
• Cultural fit and alignment with Riot Games' values and mission

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Demonstrate your understanding of the Chinese gaming market and local digital culture in your application materials
• Prepare for interview questions that assess your communication skills, project management abilities, and cultural fit
• Showcase your passion for gaming and commitment to player engagement

ATS Keywords: Public Relations, Communications, Brand Marketing, Media Relations, Influencer Engagement, Crisis Management, Campaign Development, Content Creation, Data Analysis, Project Management, Chinese Digital Culture, Community Engagement, Team Collaboration, Adaptability, Bilingual Communication, Player Empathy

ASSUMPTION: Riot Games' interview process is designed to assess candidates' skills, cultural fit, and alignment with the company's mission and values.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Social media management platforms (e.g., Hootsuite, Sprout Social)
• Crisis communication software (e.g., Agility PR Solutions, Muck Rack)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)

ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies required for this role may vary depending on the candidate's background and the team's needs.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Player-focused
• Innovative
• Collaborative
• Accountable
• One team

Work Style:

• Proactive and self-motivated
• Adaptable and open to feedback
• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Data-driven and analytical

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you have a deep understanding of Chinese digital culture and community sentiment?
• Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with frequent changes and tight deadlines?
• Do you thrive in a collaborative, team-oriented work environment, and are you able to build and maintain strong relationships with media, influencers, and content creators?

ASSUMPTION: Riot Games values candidates who are passionate about gaming, committed to player engagement, and aligned with the company's mission and values.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing high-stakes communications situations and crises
• Balancing the needs and expectations of global and local teams, as well as external partners
• Adapting to a fast-paced, dynamic work environment with frequent changes and tight deadlines
• Navigating the unique cultural and digital landscape of the Chinese gaming market

ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will be able to navigate these challenges effectively, leveraging their strong communication skills, adaptability, and cultural understanding.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is similar to other senior-level public relations and communications positions in the gaming industry, but with a specific focus on the Chinese market and Riot Games' titles
• Compared to other gaming companies, Riot Games offers a strong commitment to player engagement and community-driven development
• This role offers opportunities for career growth and leadership within the communications department, as well as the potential to work on high-profile projects and collaborate with global teams

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should research other senior-level public relations and communications roles in the gaming industry to better understand the unique aspects of this position and how it compares to other opportunities.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a communications strategy for the launch of a new Riot Games title in China
• Managing a high-stakes crisis communication situation, such as a game outage or negative player feedback
• Creating locally relevant campaigns and content that resonate with Chinese players and build lasting emotional connections

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the diverse range of responsibilities and challenges that the Senior Public Relations & Communications Manager may face in this role.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the Riot Games China Public Affairs team?
• How does Riot Games approach crisis communication, and what role would I play in managing high-stakes situations?
• What opportunities are there for growth and development within the communications department, and how does Riot Games support the professional growth of its employees?
• How does Riot Games balance the needs and expectations of global and local teams, as well as external partners, in its communications strategies?
• What is the company's approach to work-life balance, and how does it support employees' well-being and personal growth?

ASSUMPTION: These interview questions are designed to assess the candidate's understanding of the role, the company, and the industry, as well as their ability to think critically and ask insightful questions.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role, emphasizing your understanding of the Chinese gaming market and local digital culture
• Prepare for interview questions that assess your communication skills, project management abilities, and cultural fit
• Showcase your passion for gaming and commitment to player engagement
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the role

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