Position Summary:

We are seeking a strategic and experienced data-driven Director of Public Relations to lead our external communications efforts. This senior role requires a seasoned communications professional who can develop and execute comprehensive PR strategies that align with business objectives and drive measurable results, with expertise in crisis management, digital PR, data-driven campaign optimization, and traditional and podcast media relations. This role is part of the Marketing team, and as such will help enhance our brand reputation and grow brand awareness, while also helping to influence the Company’s overall marketing strategy.

State specific pay scales for this role are as follows:

$ 115,198 to $ 276,951

The expected base salary for this position will vary depending on a number of factors, including relevant experience, skills and location.

Essential Job Functions:

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement integrated public relations and communications strategies that support company goals and enhance brand positioning.

• Establish comprehensive PR measurement framework and KPI dashboards to track campaign effectiveness.

• Develop crisis communication and response plans, including real-time social media monitoring, rapid response protocols, and multi-channel crisis messaging.

• Oversee digital PR initiatives, including off-site PR, reputation management, and SEO and AEO/GEO driven content strategies.

• Collaborate with C-suite executives on strategic communications initiatives

• Utilize data analytics to optimize PR strategies, budget allocation, and campaign performance in real time.

• Manage corporate reputation and thought leadership positioning across all stakeholder groups.

Media Relations & Communications

• Develop story concepts, craft media outreach plans, and place stories with high profile content creators and publications.

• Build and maintain relationships with key media contacts, industry analysts, and influencers across traditional, digital, podcasts, and other emerging media platforms.

• Develop and execute comprehensive podcast booking strategies, including identifying target shows, managing booking pipeline, and coordinating appearance preparation.

• Manage digital media outreach, including blogger relations, online publication placement, and social media amplification.

• Coordinate executive communications, including presentations, media interviews, and podcast appearances.

• Oversee podcast content planning, including talking points creation, follow-up content repurposing, and data-driven topic development based on audience engagement and business impact metrics.

Crisis & Digital Communications

• Design and implement crisis communication protocols with emphasis on digital channels and real-time response capabilities.

• Manage digital PR campaigns that integrate ASO and SEO/AEO best practices, content marketing, and social media strategy.

Stakeholder Engagement & Measurement

• Develop communication strategies for key stakeholder groups, including consumers, customers, independent insurance agents, employees, regulatory authorities, and community partners.

• Establish a reporting framework to demonstrate how stakeholder media and content efforts connect to business objectives and organizational impact.

• Coordinate corporate social responsibility communications across all media channels.

• Collaborate with internal data scientists to implement attribution modeling to connect PR activities to business outcomes including lead generation, sales impact, and brand value.

Team Management

• Lead and develop a high-performing public relations team of 2-4 professionals with specialized skills in digital PR, media relations, and content creation.

• Provide strategic guidance and mentorship to direct reports on crisis protocols and digital communications best practices.

• Oversee budget planning and resource allocation for traditional, digital, and emerging media initiatives.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Marketing, Product Management, Underwriting, Claims, Climate Science, and Experience. 

Education:

Minimum: 

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or related field

Preferred: 

Master’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or related field

Experience:

Minimum: 

• 12+ years of progressive public relations and communications experience

• 5+ years in leadership roles managing teams and budgets

• Minimum 5+ years of digital PR experience, including online reputation management, off-site PR, and SEO-driven PR.

• Minimum 3+ years of podcast booking and planning experience with established podcast network relationships.

Preferred: 

• Insurance and/or financial services experience preferred.

Skills & Abilities:

Minimum: 

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with ability to adapt messaging for different digital platforms.

• Strong traditional media relations experience with established industry contacts.

• Strategic thinking with ability to translate business objectives into integrated communications strategies.

• Experience identifying and implementing AI-driven solutions to improve operational and process efficiencies. 

• Strong leadership and team development capabilities.

Why choose a career at Mercury?

At Mercury, we have been guided by our purpose to help people reduce risk and overcome unexpected events for more than 60 years. We are one team with a common goal to help others. Everyone needs insurance and we can’t imagine a world without it.

Our team will encourage you to grow, make time to have fun, and work together to make great things happen. We embrace the strengths and values of each team member. We believe in having diverse perspectives where everyone is included, to serve customers from all walks of life.

We care about our people, and we mean it. We reward our talented professionals with a competitive salary, bonus potential, and a variety of benefits to help our team members reach their health, retirement, and professional goals.

Learn more about us here: https://www.mercuryinsurance.com/about/careers

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We offer many great benefits, including:

• Competitive compensation
• Flexibility to work from anywhere in the United States for most positions
• Paid time off (vacation time, sick time, 9 paid Company holidays, volunteer hours)
• Incentive bonus programs (potential for holiday bonus, referral bonus, and performance-based bonus)
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and pet insurance
• 401 (k) retirement savings plan with company match
• Engaging work environment
• Promotional opportunities
• Education assistance
• Professional and personal development opportunities
• Company recognition program
• Health and wellbeing resources, including free mental wellbeing therapy/coaching sessions, child and eldercare resources, and more

Mercury Insurance is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.