Public Relations Lead/ Manager at Sony Honda Mobility of America

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 an experienced Public Relations Lead/Manager to play a pivotal role in the highly anticipated launch of AFEELA in 2026 and then effectively building a strong brand in the market closely aligning with sales goals. This strategic position will lead the execution of impactful Public Relations programs, drive media engagement, and shape best practices across the organization. You will be a visionary leader, orchestrating strategies to solidify SHMA's PR presence and unlock brand growth.

Job Responsibilities

• Conceptualize & Execute Engaging PR Programs

  • Organize and coordinate all aspects of PR programs, special press events, and initiatives that secure coverage and positive impressions of SHMA and AFEELA
  • Develop PR communications materials including press kits, speech writing, interview preparation and notes, question and answer sheets, and press releases.
  • Devise short and long-term communications strategy and execute in partnership with the Marketing leadership team.

  Track & Optimize PR Performance

  • Implement and oversee management of systems and processes to circulate, evaluate, value, and record media coverage.
  • Create trend analysis and monitor commentary on core subjects of interest, highlighting opportunities and issues across the SHMA organization related to the brand.
  • Organize and maintain SHMA’s media website pages, ensuring content meets the unique needs of the press.

  Build Relationships & Cultivate Success

  • Lead all PR outreach functions and manage day-to-day PR activities ensuring synergies and efficiencies within the SHMA organization.
  • Proactively generate stories, solicit coverage, communicate key messages for SHMA and AFEELA and act as PR contact for US media.
  • Coordinate opportunities utilizing the company’s fleet and other assets to maximize positive media reviews through efficient utilization, including supporting social media and influencer initiatives.

Qualifications for Position

• Bachelor’s degree (any relevant field)
• Minimum of 5 years related work experience in communications
• Expert knowledge of Public Relations landscape
• Excellent project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment while maintaining exceptional attention to detail
• Solid understanding of 
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills with the ability to translate data into compelling insights and recommendations
• Proven track record of executing and optimizing impactful communications strategies that deliver measurable business results
• PR agency experience highly preferred
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, reporting dashboards, BI tools, and related software
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills

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- $160,000.  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 [email protected], specifying the position you are applying for.