Government & Public Affairs Manager

Position Summary

The Government & Public Affairs Manager is a mid- to senior-level contributor responsible for developing and executing integrated public affairs, public relations, and digital media strategies that build visibility, influence public policy, and protect reputations. This role requires fluency in government processes, stakeholder engagement, earned media, and content development across platforms. The ideal candidate is a persuasive communicator and strategic thinker who thrives in high-stakes environments and builds meaningful relationships with decision-makers, community leaders, and media professionals.

This role is ideally based in our Bakersfield office; however, candidates located in Fresno or the surrounding region may be considered, depending on experience and business needs. General business hours are preferably 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The position also requires flexibility to attend evening and weekend meetings or events based on client and project needs.

Essential Job Functions 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily, including all important aspects of the job - whether performed daily, weekly, monthly, or annually; and any duty that occurs at irregular intervals. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Manage assigned client accounts by executing daily public affairs, public relations, and digital deliverables in alignment with strategy
• Draft, edit, and distribute public-facing materials including press releases, talking points, newsletters, and social content
• Coordinate logistics and provide briefings for public meetings, stakeholder engagements, and media opportunities
• Track project timelines, deliverables, and budgets using Providence systems and ensure team accountability
• Use public affairs and PR tools (e.g., Quorum, media monitoring platforms) to monitor developments and generate actionable insights
• Assign and review work for Project Coordinators and interns; provide feedback, support, and resource guidance
• Communicate updates clearly to clients and internal teams, ensuring alignment across departments
• Attend internal check-ins and client meetings, take notes, and follow up on action items
• Respond to rapid-turn needs for messaging, media outreach, or stakeholder support in fast-moving campaigns
• Support business development tasks such as background research, drafting scopes, and preparing pitch content
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, or a related field
• Minimum 7–10 years of progressively responsible experience in public affairs, government relations, media relations, or strategic communications
• Demonstrated experience working with or around government entities, elected officials, regulatory agencies, and public policy issues
• Proven success in developing and executing earned media strategies and integrated public affairs campaigns
• Excellent writing, editing, and messaging skills, with the ability to translate complex topics into clear, compelling content
• Experience managing client accounts, supervising team members, and overseeing project timelines and budgets
• Strong strategic thinking, organizational, and interpersonal skills; able to guide clients and internal teams effectively
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, media and stakeholder databases (e.g., Critical Mention, Quorum, VoterVoice), and digital content platforms
• Comfortable operating in fast-paced, high-pressure environments with competing deadlines
• Valid driver’s license, access to a personal vehicle, and proof of auto insurance
• Willingness to travel occasionally (within California) and attend evening or weekend meetings/events as needed
• Fluent in spoken and written English

Benefits

(Availability and employer contributions may vary based on the employee’s overall compensation package)

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• 401(k) with employer match 
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Profit sharing based on overall company financial performance
• Cell phone and internet stipend

Perks

• Weekend Headstart: Early release every other Friday to support work-life balance
• Hybrid work flexibility and schedule, when appropriate for the role
• Professional development support (conferences, certifications, and training)

Pay: $82,000 - $100,000 a year - Full-time