Director, PR & Integrated CommunicationsLocation: Costa Mesa, CA (Hybrid: in-office Tue-Thu)
Team: Integrated Communications
About the RoleIdea Hall is seeking a hands-on Director of Public Relations and Integrated Communications to lead client programs and help grow our agency. You'll guide integrated PR and communications work for a select portfolio-pairing strategic counsel with day-to-day execution-while mentoring a talented team across managers, associates and coordinators. You'll also contribute to new business through prospecting, pitching and showing up at industry and client events.
Where You'll Make an ImpactYou'll primarily partner with organizations in the
AEC (architecture/engineering/construction),
nonprofit and public agency spaces. This work calls for steady, proactive leadership, excellent storytelling and measurable results-plus the judgment and calm needed to manage
issues and crises when they arise.
What You'll DoClient leadership & strategy- Own the PR/integrated communications strategy and implementation for your accounts-setting clear objectives, building plans, and ensuring quality delivery across media relations, content, digital and stakeholder communications.
- Build trust with senior client partners by understanding their goals, surfacing insights, and proactively recommending new, strategically aligned program opportunities that drive results.
- Establish measurement frameworks, review performance regularly, and "re-merchandise" wins to show ROI-optimizing throughout the year.
Crisis & issues management- Lead readiness and response: risk scans, scenario planning, holding statements, media Q&As, escalation protocols and executive coaching.
- Serve as a steady counselor during fast-moving moments; coordinate with legal/HR/operations as needed to align facts, messaging and channels.
Team leadership- Lead and develop a team of managers, associates and coordinators, providing clear direction, constructive feedback, and growth opportunities; model our One Team culture and coach with empathy.
- Maintain high standards for writing, client communications and deliverables (e.g., bylines, press materials, messaging, strategic plans, recap reports).
Operations & growth- Practice diligent financial stewardship-scoping smartly, forecasting accurately and managing budgets to plan.
- Help identify and pitch new business; nurture referrals; represent Idea Hall at networking and client events (some evenings).
- Champion Idea Hall's people-centered culture and core values: One Team, Relationships, Leadership, Hustle & Grit, Growth Mindset, Make an Impact.
What You'll Bring- Agency experience (required) leading PR/integrated communications programs and managing client relationships.
- Demonstrated crisis communications experience (issues planning, rapid response, executive counsel, media handling).
- Proven ability to develop integrated strategies and translate them into compelling work that earns coverage, moves stakeholders and meets KPIs.
- Excellent writing across formats-bylines, press materials, messaging, Q&As, op-eds and recap decks-with sharp attention to detail.
- Strong collaborator who elevates cross-disciplinary work with creative, digital and marketing partners; solutions-oriented and calm under pressure.
- Comfort with proposals, budgets, scopes of work and presentations.
- Nice to have: APR or other relevant certifications; familiarity with EOS.
Work Style, Schedule & Travel- We work together in our Costa Mesa office on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, with occasional local client visits and events (some evenings).
