Manager/ Sr. Manager of Public Relations

About the Job Sony Honda Mobility of America Inc, based in Culver City, CA, is a subsidiary of Sony Honda Mobility Inc headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. As a 50/50 joint venture between Sony and Honda, SHM was established in Japan on September 28th, 2022, with over 200 employees in Tokyo. Sony Honda Mobility of America, situated in Culver City, California, was established in March 2023, where our dedicated team is working on introducing the electric vehicle, AFEELA, to the market. AFEELA embodies the essence of "FEEL," central to the mobility experience, fostering an interactive relationship where people "FEEL" mobility as an intelligent entity, and mobility reciprocates by "FEELing" people and society through sensing and network IT technologies. Our mission is to move people through innovative solutions inspired by diversity. Position Summary SHMA is seeking a dynamic and experienced Manager/ Sr. Manager of Public Relations to lead the PR strategy for the highly anticipated launch of AFEELA in 2026, an electric vehicle (EV) that merges cutting-edge technology with mobility and entertainment. This senior-level position calls for a superstar PR professional who possesses deep knowledge of the automotive, entertainment and tech sectors. The ideal candidate will be uniquely skilled in promoting a vehicle that combines mobility with entertainment-driven experiences, leveraging connections across Hollywood, tech, and media to build an innovative and forward-thinking brand. The successful candidate will bring a bold vision and strategic leadership to develop and execute PR programs that don't just promote the vehicle itself but sell the vision of AFEELA as the future of mobility and entertainment. You will be responsible for shaping the public perception of AFEELA and driving brand growth through powerful storytelling that emphasizes AFEELA's revolutionary integration of technology, entertainment, and mobility. Job Responsibilities Conceptualize & Execute Engaging PR Programs Organize and coordinate all aspects of PR programs, special press events, and initiatives, securing maximum coverage and building buzz in the automotive, entertainment, and tech industries. Develop PR materials that highlight AFEELA's fusion of automotive innovation with Sony's entertainment technologies, crafting narratives that differentiate AFEELA from other EVs in the market. Design and implement long-term PR strategies in partnership with marketing leadership, focusing on cross-industry storytelling that connects with both tech-savvy and entertainment-driven consumers. Track & Optimize PR Performance Establish systems to monitor and assess the impact of PR campaigns, linking media coverage directly to brand visibility and sales performance in both the automotive and entertainment sectors. Maintain a keen focus on trends in both entertainment and tech, ensuring that SHMA stays at the forefront of media conversations that drive consumer interest in AFEELA. Manage the media site for SHMA, making sure content is optimized for journalists and press outlets from diverse industry backgrounds, from automotive to entertainment. Build Relationships & Cultivate Success Lead PR outreach, building strong relationships with key media players across automotive, entertainment, and technology sectors, ensuring AFEELA is featured in high-profile publications and across top-tier entertainment outlets. Champion AFEELA's story as a game-changing EV that's as much about the future of entertainment experiences as it is about sustainability and mobility, positioning SHMA as an innovator that blends mobility with lifestyle. Collaborate with Sony's entertainment assets and leverage tech partnerships to create PR campaigns that resonate with both traditional auto media and entertainment influencers, enhancing brand reach. Drive Sales Through Strategic PR Initiatives Utilize your deep understanding of both the automotive and entertainment industries to craft PR campaigns that highlight how AFEELA will redefine not just the EV market but also the role of cars in entertainment experiences. Develop and execute high-impact media and influencer campaigns that drive sales by emphasizing AFEELA's unique technology features, entertainment integration, and innovative mobility solutions. Work closely with the executive team to align PR efforts with SHMA's sales objectives, ensuring that all campaigns contribute to increasing consumer demand and building AFEELA's market presence as a premium entertainment vehicle. Shape the Future of Entertainment & Mobility Be the voice of AFEELA to the world, driving conversations around how entertainment, technology, and mobility converge to create a new frontier in the electric vehicle space. Position AFEELA not just as a vehicle, but as a cultural statement, with the power to redefine how people interact with mobility as an extension of their entertainment and tech-driven lifestyles. Qualifications for Position Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communications, Marketing, Journalism, or a related field. An MBA or relevant advanced degree is a plus. 10+ years of experience in public relations, with at least 5 years in a senior PR leadership role, preferably within the automotive, entertainment, or technology industries. Proven success in launching high-profile products, particularly in EVs, entertainment, or tech, and leading cross-industry PR campaigns that drive brand visibility and sales growth. Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong relationships with top-tier media outlets, influencers, and stakeholders across automotive, entertainment, and tech sectors. Experience working with entertainment-driven technologies, ideally with a deep understanding of how technology and mobility can intersect to create immersive consumer experiences. Strong strategic thinking and leadership skills, with the ability to develop, manage, and execute complex PR campaigns that resonate with diverse audiences. Knowledge of current automotive trends, with a clear understanding of electric vehicles, sustainability, and mobility solutions. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with proven ability to craft compelling narratives that can translate complex technological concepts into clear, consumer-friendly stories. Strong connections within the entertainment, technology, and automotive media landscapes, with a robust network of press contacts in these industries. Experience in crisis management and the ability to navigate public relations challenges with poise and strategic thinking. Ability to work cross-functionally, collaborating with marketing, product, and executive teams to ensure that PR strategies align with overall business objectives and sales goals. Knowledge of digital and social media platforms and their role in modern public relations, with experience in coordinating social media influencers and leveraging digital channels for maximum impact. Passion for innovation and storytelling, with a deep understanding of the EV market's potential to redefine both mobility and consumer interaction with technology and entertainment. Benefits Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits Flexible Working Policy Paid parental leave 401K Program "Take What You Need" time off policy, with a minimum of 15 days off per year, and holiday breaks. Yearly bonuses (subject to eligibility) Company phone (subject to eligibility) Company swag A brand-new laptop and monitor A wide variety of employee business resource groups (EBRGs) Special discounts on Sony products Learning and Development quarterly stipend More to come! The anticipated annual base salary for this position is $110,000-$150,000. This range does not include any other compensation components or other benefits that an individual may be eligible for. The actual base salary offered depends on a variety of factors, which may include as applicable, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job. Sony Honda Mobility of America is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, sex (including pregnancy), gender, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, military status, status as a veteran or disabled veteran, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or family status, genetic information, medical condition, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local law, ordinance, or regulation. Disability Accommodation for Applicants Sony Honda Mobility of America is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applicants of all backgrounds to apply. We consider qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans for accommodation in the job application process. For accommodation requests, please contact us at , specifying the position you are applying for.

Created: 2024-11-05