Vice President, Public Affairs
Our client is one of California’s leading public affairs and public relations firms, with more than 20 years of experience helping clients succeed in one of the nation’s most complex regulatory environments.
They deliver integrated communications, public affairs, media relations, corporate positioning and crisis communications programs.
Their mission is to improve communities by aligning client goals with sound public policy - advancing infrastructure, economic growth, environmental stewardship, and civic engagement across California.
The firm combines deep regional insight, strategic expertise, and a tenacious approach to help clients navigate local, state, and federal challenges. They serve diverse industries, including education, energy and utilities, healthcare, gaming, land use and entitlement, local government, transportation and tribal affairs.
As Vice President, Public Affairs, you will play a senior leadership role in shaping and executing high-impact public affairs strategies for clients while helping grow the firm’s practice and mentoring the next generation of public affairs professionals.
You will serve as a trusted advisor to clients, an agency leader and a visible advocate for issues that matter across California. This position reports to the Founder/Owner. You will be a crucial member of the senior leadership team.
Responsibilities:
Provide strategic leadership and ongoing counsel to clients.
Oversee a client portfolio of $1M-$2M in net revenue.
Develop and execute comprehensive public affairs strategies aligned with client objectives.
Represent clients in media interviews, stakeholder meetings, and public forums.
Monitor and analyze legislative, regulatory, and political developments to inform client strategies.
Lead advocacy campaigns, coalition building, and grassroots engagement efforts.
Integrate communications and media strategies to amplify public affairs initiatives.
Team & Project Management:
Serve as senior client lead, providing strategic counsel and acting as the primary point of contact.
Manage and mentor internal teams, including account leads and junior professionals.
Oversee project delivery, ensuring high-quality, on-budget, and on-time performance.
Supervise consultants, vendors, and coalition partners.
Manage budgets, financial forecasts, and account profitability.
Business Development and Growth:
Contribute to business development efforts through proposals, pitches, and presentations.
Cultivate long-term client relationships and identify opportunities for growth.
Represent the public affairs firm through thought leadership, speaking engagements, and industry participation.
Reputation, Risk & Crisis Management:
Advise clients on reputation, stakeholder engagement, and issues management.
Lead or support crisis response, providing calm, strategic guidance under pressure.
Ensure strategies reflect OPR’s commitment to community benefits and responsible policy alignment.
Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Communications, Political Science, Public Policy, Journalism, or related field (advanced degree preferred).
8–12 years of experience in public affairs, government relations, or corporate strategic communications - ideally with a public affairs firm, PR agency or consultancy environment. Additionally, please note corporate public affairs or state/local government communications experience.
Strong understanding of California’s political and regulatory landscape.
Proven leadership managing client accounts, teams, and complex projects.
Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills.
Demonstrated success in media relations and advocacy campaign execution.
Analytical thinker with the ability to distill complex policy issues into actionable strategies.
Experience with budgeting, forecasting, and financial oversight.
Entrepreneurial mindset and a track record of contributing to new business development.
Collaborative leader with integrity, diplomacy, and sound judgment.
Ideally, maintain full-time presence in either of the agency's offices in Riverside or San Diego, California. However, superior candidates preferring a hybrid work experience will also be considered.
Compensation and Benefits:
Above-market base salaries
Generous performance-focused bonus plans
Health, life, dental and vision benefits
Paid vacation and personal days
Hybrid remote/office work schedule
401(k) plan
Meaningful, mission-driven client work shaping California’s future
Opportunities for professional development and career growth
Summary:
As Vice President, you will play a senior role in driving client success and contributing to the growth and development of our client firm. If you are passionate about creating impactful communication strategies and are dedicated to driving meaningful results for clients, we encourage you to apply for the position of Vice President. Join this winning public affairs firm in guiding clients through the complexities of California public policy and shaping their narrative for success.
