Senior Publicist

About Scatena Daniels Communications;

Scatena Daniels is a fast-paced SoCal agency that specializes in strategic, PR and integrated communications for the following industries: education, healthcare, and nonprofit organizations in Southern California and across the U.S. Several industry-leading organizations and media outlets recognize our campaigns and individual accomplishments, including San Diego Business Journal, PRSA San Diego/Imperial Counties, PRSA Los Angeles, PRSA Orange County, North County Philanthropy Council, and Health Care Communicators of Southern California to name a few. Scatena Daniels is a women-owned and minority-owned business.

This position is hybrid, but we would require your travel to San Diego to our home office one day each month. 

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive compensation – Annual salary: $75,000-84,000
• 37.5 hour work weeks
• Medical benefit stipend
• 5 paid sick days
• 11 paid holidays and 1 floating holiday annually
• Summer Fridays
• Company-wide paid holiday flex closure from December 26-31, typically 5 (+/- based on calendar) days of additional time off.
• Parking/transit/internet/phone stipend
• Generous PTO
• Paid professional development
• A loyal, fun and collaborative team environment.
• A strong roster of clients who just happen to be local- and national-renowned brands and organizations.
• A management team that understands there are other things in your life outside of your job.
• Access to a beautiful co-working space in Downtown San Diego, which provides breakfast, snacks, and weekly happy hours.

Location:

This role is primarily remote, but we prefer candidates residing in Orange or Los Angeles counties who can serve clients in those areas. Once a month, the candidate will be required to travel to our downtown San Diego office.

Position Summary:

The Senior Publicist will work within our agency to lead media relations efforts for our clients, ensuring effective coverage across various platforms. As a valued member of a respected PR team, the Senior Publicist will lead public relations and communications campaigns—actively pitching to reporters, editors, and producers to secure media opportunities throughout California, as well as nationally. 

The ideal candidate will have a creative flair for writing precise and engaging news releases, media advisories, blog articles, social media posts, and other essential content to highlight our clients’ impactful stories and perspectives. They will also be equipped to manage crisis communications effectively, ensuring the timely and strategic delivery of information to safeguard our clients’ reputation. Additionally, they will monitor and analyze media coverage to measure campaign success, with the flexibility to adjust strategies as needed to meet campaign objectives and client expectations.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Execute PR campaigns for clients, including identifying key media opportunities, developing story ideas, and pitching media outlets.
• Apply an advocacy-driven approach to the client work you support, while leveraging your expertise in crisis-communications strategies as needed.
• Manage media relations opportunities, including cultivating relationships with journalists and editors, responding to media inquiries, and arranging interviews and media appearances for clients – virtually and on-site.
• Write news releases, media advisories, media pitches, and other communications materials to support client campaigns.
• Possesses experience in selecting photos and videos to accompany media outreach materials. Recording high-quality videos and photos for publicity materials is a plus.
• Monitor and analyze media coverage of clients to measure the success of public relations campaigns and adjust strategies as needed.
  Participate in client meetings and provide regular updates to client contacts and leadership on media relations activities and campaign results.
• Lead and provide media training to clients and select spokespersons.
  Provide counsel to clients on integrated communications practices and strategies, often in alignment with the current earned media campaign.
• Offer strategy and support of best-practice communications and marketing policies, standards, and guidelines and collaborate with our clients to ensure compliance and accuracy.
• Be good stewards of client resources and ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget.
• Participate in networking events and professional development activities on behalf of Scatena Daniels.

Background Profile:

• Proven track record of securing media coverage for clients, across Southern California, as well as national media placements.
• Current media connections and relationships required – and have a “hustler” mentality to bring opportunities to fruition.
• Knowledge and understanding of the healthcare human services sector with hands-on experience in public relations and strategic communications.
• Experience in client/account management, and communicating effectively with senior leadership.
• Experience supporting and/or creating the strategy of the marketing and communication elements of major events and announcements such as galas, fundraising campaigns, groundbreaking and opening events, etc.
• Ability to identify and communicate human interest stories in an authentic and respectful manner.
• Excited to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a professional attitude.
• A proactive multi-tasker, with the ability to prioritize and meet numerous deadlines.
• Ability to integrate and execute social media into public relations campaigns.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in public relations, preferably within an agency setting.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to deliver high-quality work under tight deadlines.
• Knowledge of current media outreach trends, digital strategies, and PESO tactics.
• Willing to process constructive feedback and quickly integrate it into daily workflow and client management.
• Bilingual proficiency is a plus. 

The position is available immediately. Please send the following to info@scatenadaniels.com:

• Cover letter – Tell us about yourself and how you’ll make a difference for the clients and communities we serve.
• Resume or Link to your LinkedIn profile.
• Link to an Online Portfolio (optional).

The description above is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee assigned to this classification. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.

Equal Opportunity: Scatena Daniels provides equal employment opportunity and does not discriminate against an employee or applicant because of age, race, color, religion, gender, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, or other legally protected class status.

Diversity and Inclusion: Scatena Daniels values a diverse and inclusive workforce and is committed to creating a workplace where everyone thrives. We promote an atmosphere in which diversity of people and ideas are welcomed and valued. Diversity includes differences in race, religion, gender identity or expression, age, lifestyle, ethnic background, and sexual orientation, as well as differences in experiences and ideas.