Senior Media Relations Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Senior Media Relations Specialist

$85,000 - $95,000 | Remote (Southern California-Based)

Join the Communications and Marketing team at the California Association of REALTORS® (C.A.R.) and help shape the public conversation around housing, real estate, and homeownership in California.

We're seeking a talented communicator who can transform complex policy, housing, and industry issues into compelling stories that inform, educate, and engage. This is an opportunity to join a collaborative, experienced team where you'll work directly with media, support thought leadership initiatives, and help elevate the voice and visibility of one of the nation's largest trade associations.

The ideal candidate is a strong writer, storyteller, and relationship-builder who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment, can respond quickly to evolving news cycles, and thrives on identifying opportunities to generate meaningful media coverage and public engagement.

Reports To: Public Relations Director
Department: Communications and Marketing
Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Location: Remote (Southern California-based applicants only)

Why This Role May Be a Great Fit

This role is ideal for a communications professional who enjoys blending media relations, writing, public affairs, and strategic storytelling. You'll have the opportunity to work on a wide range of housing, economic, legislative, and industry topics while helping position C.A.R. as a trusted and influential voice in the real estate industry. You'll collaborate closely with leadership, policy experts, economists, and subject matter experts while building relationships with journalists and media outlets throughout California and beyond.

What You'll Be Doing

Communications Strategy & Content Development

• Contribute to the development and execution of public relations and media relations strategies that advance C.A.R.’s mission, initiatives, and priorities.
• Research, develop, and coordinate press releases, media statements, op-eds, speeches, fact sheets, talking points, briefing materials, and other communications content.
• Develop and deliver executive communications that translate C.A.R.’s policy initiatives, legislative successes, organizational priorities, leadership updates, and market insights into clear and engaging communications for members and external audiences.

Media Relations & Thought Leadership

• Identify and pursue relevant media opportunities and support efforts to secure earned media coverage for C.A.R.’s key initiatives, advocacy efforts, programs, and areas of expertise.
• Advance the Association’s Thought Leadership program by researching story opportunities, developing content, and pitching relevant topics to journalists and media outlets.
• Cultivate and maintain professional relationships with media contacts across traditional, digital, podcast, and emerging media platforms.
• Respond to media inquiries and coordinate appropriate responses, messaging, and spokesperson preparation.
• Support communications efforts related to breaking news, emerging industry developments, legislative activity, and other time-sensitive issues.

Media Monitoring, Analysis & Reporting

• Monitor, evaluate, and analyze news coverage related to C.A.R., the real estate industry, housing, public policy, and other issues relevant to the Association.
• Develop regular media monitoring reports and provide insights regarding coverage, trends, opportunities, and potential reputational issues.
• Monitor and evaluate media outreach, pitches, coverage, and related communications activities to evaluate effectiveness and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Maintain awareness of current events, housing and real estate issues, media trends, and developments that may affect C.A.R.’s communications priorities.

Cross-Functional Communications Support

• Partner with internal departments and subject-matter experts to gather information and develop accurate, timely, and compelling communications.

Required Qualifications:

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Public Affairs, or related field.

Experience

• 3–6 years of professional experience in public relations, media relations, journalism, communications, public affairs, or related field.
• Demonstrated experience developing communications materials and supporting media relations initiatives.

Skills & Qualifications

• Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication.
• Strong storytelling abilities with the ability to translate complex information into clear, compelling messaging.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, shifting deadlines, and evolving objectives in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong project management, organizational, and follow-through skills.
• Team-oriented, collaborative, and resourceful approach to working across departments and with organizational leadership.
• Sound news judgment and an understanding of how journalists evaluate and develop stories.
• Familiarity with media monitoring, public relations, and communications tools.
• Intermediate to advanced level in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) and familiarity with media monitoring and PR tools.
• Interest in or knowledge of housing, real estate, public policy, legislative affairs, or financial services is a plus.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience securing earned media coverage or working directly with journalists and media outlets.
• Industry Knowledge: Background or interest in real estate, housing policy, political advocacy, or financial services

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation: $85,000 to $95,000 annually

Benefits include:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) retirement plan with generous company profit-sharing contribution, historically 10-15% per year
• Paid time off, starts at 80 hours per year and increases with tenure
• Professional development and education reimbursement opportunities
• 12 paid holidays
• Life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employer-assisted housing program
• Health and wellness programs
• Corrective eye surgery reimbursement
• Vitamin reimbursement
• And more

Benefits eligibility is subject to plan requirements.

Work Arrangement & Travel

This position is currently remote for employees residing in Southern California.

Travel may include:

• Attendance at business meetings up to three times per year
• Occasional additional travel to association events as required

Apply Today
If you're a creative storyteller who enjoys developing engaging digital content, translating complex information into clear and compelling communications, and exploring new ways to connect with audiences, we'd love to hear from you.

Submit your resume and cover letter to be considered for this opportunity with the California Association of REALTORS®. While we may not be able to contact every applicant directly, each application will receive careful consideration.

About the California Association of REALTORS®

The California Association of REALTORS® (C.A.R.) is a statewide trade association dedicated to advancing professionalism in real estate. The Association develops and promotes programs and services for its nearly 200,000 members and helps keep the public informed about real estate throughout California.  

As one of the largest state trade organizations in the United States, C.A.R. provides members with tools, education, information, and advocacy to help them succeed in an evolving marketplace.  

Headquartered in Sacramento, C.A.R. offers flexible work arrangements, business casual culture, and a commitment to health, wellness, professional development, and work-life integration.  

Here at C.A.R., we believe in the power of relationships. We foster innovation, collaboration, and meaningful opportunities for growth while supporting a mission that impacts communities throughout California.  

Why Join Us?  

What many employees appreciate most about working at C.A.R. is the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while working alongside talented, collaborative colleagues. We offer the autonomy to take ownership of your work, the support to grow professionally, and the chance to contribute to one of California's most respected professional organizations.  

Equal Employment Opportunity  

C.A.R. and/or its subsidiaries and agents will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Company Description

About the California Association of REALTORS® \n\nThe California Association of REALTORS® (C.A.R.) is a statewide trade association dedicated to advancing professionalism in real estate. The Association develops and promotes programs and services for its nearly 200,000 members and helps keep the public informed about real estate throughout California.   \n\nAs one of the largest state trade organizations in the United States, C.A.R. provides members with tools, education, information, and advocacy to help them succeed in an evolving marketplace.   \n\nHeadquartered in Sacramento, C.A.R. offers flexible work arrangements, business casual culture, and a commitment to health, wellness, professional development, and work-life integration.   \n\nHere at C.A.R., we believe in the power of relationships. We foster innovation, collaboration, and meaningful opportunities for growth while supporting a mission that impacts communities throughout California.   \n\nWhy Join Us?   \n\nWhat many employees appreciate most about working at C.A.R. is the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while working alongside talented, collaborative colleagues. We offer the autonomy to take ownership of your work, the support to grow professionally, and the chance to contribute to one of California's most respected professional organizations.   \n\nEqual Employment Opportunity   \n\nC.A.R. and/or its subsidiaries and agents will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws.