Sr Public Relations Specialist

Reporting to the Director of Strategic Communications, the Senior Public Relations Specialist designs and executes integrated public relations initiatives for the enterprise. This role translates complex information into clear, compelling narratives tailored to diverse audiences and serves as a key connector between internal and external communications functions, ensuring alignment across messaging platforms and audiences.

This role is responsible for proactively identifying storytelling opportunities that elevate the organization’s reputation, while also serving as a critical responder during times of crisis or reputational risk. This position requires a strategic thinker with strong media relations skills, a deep understanding of stakeholder dynamics, and the ability to navigate complex, high-stakes communication environments with clarity and confidence.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Develops and implements actions for public relations campaigns and activations that support organizational priorities, enhance brand reputation and engages key audiences across earned media channels, ensuring all content aligns with brand voice and messaging goals.

2. Create compelling content and produce high-quality written materials including communications plans; press releases; media alerts, talking points and executive briefing materials tailored to diverse audiences and platforms.

3. Collaborates cross-functionally with marketing teams, operational stakeholders, Tribal Government operations, and external partners to ensure alignment and consistency in messaging and outreach efforts.

4. Serves as primary media liaison, cultivating relationships with journalists, influencers, and media outlets to secure positive coverage and manage inquiries.

5. Supports crisis communication efforts, including rapid response messaging, media monitoring, and coordination with internal stakeholders during reputational risk scenarios.

6. Performs other duties as assigned to support the efficient operation of the department.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, or a related field required
• Minimum four (4) years of progressive experience in public relations within a corporate, agency, or centralized communications environment required.
• Related, relevant, and/or direct experience may be considered in lieu of minimum educational requirements indicated above.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSA)

• Proven success in developing and executing media strategies, including proactive pitching and relationship-building with local, regional, and national media outlets.
• Demonstrated experience planning, presenting, and executing integrated media campaigns that align with broader marketing and organizational goals.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills with the ability to craft clear, compelling, and brand-aligned messaging with minimal revisions.
• Strong understanding of media monitoring tools, analytics platforms, and industry best practices.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure, manage multiple priorities, and respond quickly in high-stakes or crisis situations.
• Experience working in a highly collaborative environment with cross-functional teams and external partners.
• Expert of Microsoft Office suite.
• Excellent verbal communication skills and presentation experience.
• Strong project management and self-directed organizational skills.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and manage projects independently with minimal supervision.
• Previous casino communications experience highly preferred.
• Exceptional presentation and written communications skills; aptitude test required to advance in the interview screening process.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking and problem-solving skills are required.
• Must be a strong collaborator with proven ability to bridge challenges and drive decision-making across cross-functional teams.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS AND REGISTRATIONS

• At the discretion of the San Manuel Tribal Gaming Commission, you may be required to obtain and maintain a gaming license.
• Driving Responsibilities: Role requires regular commuting between locations. A valid driver's license and vehicle insurance with minimum liability limits is required. Role will not operate or drive Tribe-owned vehicles or patron vehicles.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/ WORKING CONDITIONS – ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands and working environment described here are representative of those that an employee encounters and must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Primary work environment is in a climate-controlled office setting.
• Work requires travel to attend meetings, trade shows, and conferences.
• Incumbents may be required to work evening, weekend and holiday shifts.
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced, high-demand environment.
• Strength sufficient to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects and/or move up to 40 pounds occasionally.
• Sedentary work: involves sitting most of the time. Constantly operates a computer and other
• office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer.
• Physical activities that apply to the essential functions of the position are balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.
• Hearing sufficient to hear conversational levels in person, via videoconference and over the telephone.
• Speech sufficient to make oneself heard and understood in person, in front of groups, in meetings,
• via videoconference and over the telephone.
• Visual acuity that meets the requirements of the position: The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; expansive reading and visual inspection of employees, visitors or facility.
• Mobility sufficient to safely move in an office environment, walk, stoop, bend and kneel, and enter, exit and operate a motor vehicle in the course of travel to promotional events, meetings, conferences, trade shows and San Manuel properties.
• Endurance sufficient to sit, walk and stand for extended periods, and maintain efficiency throughout the entire work shift and during extended work hours.
• The employee may be exposed to fumes or airborne particles including secondhand smoke.

Reasonable accommodation will be made in compliance with all applicable law.

As one of the largest private employers in the Inland Empire, San Manuel deeply cares about the future, growth and well-being of its employees. Join our team today!