Director of Public Relations and Communications

$130,000 - $180,000/Yr

Ideo | - San Francisco, CA

Full-time - Senior

San Francisco, CA

Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations

About the position

The Director of Public Relations and Communications at IDEO is a pivotal role responsible for leading and executing the external communications strategy. This position focuses on shaping the corporate narrative, managing media relations, and overseeing crisis communication efforts. The director will collaborate with various teams to ensure alignment with IDEO's strategic objectives while amplifying the brand's voice across multiple platforms.

Responsibilities

• Develop, integrate, and implement comprehensive media relations, public relations, and external communications strategies aligned with IDEO's company strategy and global brand.
• Craft and amplify compelling narratives that secure press coverage and elevate IDEO's reputation globally.
• Lead crisis communications, preparing statements and managing real-time responses to high-pressure situations.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with media contacts, influencers, and thought leaders, securing ongoing positive coverage across national, regional, and trade outlets.
• Drive strategic brand reputation management, continuously measuring the effectiveness of communication initiatives and adjusting strategies accordingly.
• Collaborate with internal teams to develop internal and external messaging, executive speeches, and key community messages.
• Engage and manage external agencies when needed to support and execute PR plans.
• Partner with Brand and Marketing Teams to ensure PR efforts are integrated into the digital and social media strategy, maintaining consistency in brand voice.
• Stay current on cultural trends, media shifts, and competitive activities to ensure IDEO remains relevant and cutting-edge.
• Identify and pursue opportunities for external thought leadership, including award submissions in relevant categories.

Requirements

• 9+ years of experience in Public Relations, Communications, or Digital Marketing, with a proven track record of leading PR efforts in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
• Strong experience in scaling teams, launching new products, and managing high-stakes communications.
• Global experience outside of North America is ideal.
• Demonstrated success in securing high-level media coverage in news, trade, consumer, and entertainment press.
• Skilled at writing, with the ability to actively own press releases and manage freelancers or other internal resources as needed.
• Existing relationships with key media contacts and the ability to build new ones.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple projects and meet deadlines in a high-volume environment.
• Proficiency in crisis management and reputation protection.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to work across global teams and engage senior leaders and executives.
• Exceptional judgment, confidentiality, and discretion.
• A continuous improvement mindset with a proactive, solutions-driven approach to challenges.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in a media relations agency background.
• Familiarity with digital marketing strategies and tools.

Benefits

• Health Benefits: Vision, Dental, Healthcare
• 401K matching
• Parental Leave
• Adoption Assistance
• Fertility Assistance
• Transgender Medical Assistance
• Breastmilk shipment
• Back-up/Dependent Care
• Pet Insurance
• Flexible Work
• Flexible Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Annual Education Stipend
• Home Office Stipend