Job Details

Overview

Bastion is seeking a visionary, results-driven Managing Director to lead our PR and Social division, headquartered in Southern California. This senior executive will set the strategic direction, spearhead growth initiatives, and evolve our offering—including integration of cutting-edge technologies like AI—to ensure we remain at the forefront of modern communications. The Managing Director will champion operational excellence, drive business development, and deliver innovative, high-impact solutions in partnership with internal teams and senior-level clients. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of PR and Social at one of the industry's most dynamic and full-service independent agencies.

Why Bastion?

• Join a high-caliber team with the flexibility, autonomy, and agility of a boutique firm backed by the resources of a global collective.
• Lead a division poised for its next chapter of growth—with the freedom to shape its strategy and culture.
• Work with bold brands and decision-makers who value insight-led thinking.
• Be part of an organization that blends creativity, data, and human understanding to solve complex business challenges.

Compensation

The salary range for this role is $170,000-$200,000.

Equal Opportunity

Bastion U.S. is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment for all employees.

Key Areas of Responsibility

• Strategic Leadership
  • Set the vision and direction for the PR and Social division, aligning business objectives with company goals.
  • Drive the development of modern, integrated communications strategies across earned media, social platforms, influencer ecosystems, and crisis/reputation management.
  • Champion innovation, including the integration of AI, measurement tools, and emerging platforms.
• Client Service & Growth
  • Oversee client engagements to ensure strategic alignment, retention, and overall satisfaction.
  • Identify and pursue opportunities to grow existing accounts and expand Bastion's reputation in the marketplace.
  • Identify emerging market opportunities and drive growth through client acquisition and relationship management.
  • Lead day-to-day operations, including resource planning, team capacity management, workflow efficiency, and process optimization.
  • Own full P&L for the division including budget creation, forecasting, performance tracking against KPIs, and financial reporting.
  • Establish and maintain quality standards to ensure consistently excellent client deliverables.
  • Build and lead a high-performing, collaborative team across PR and social disciplines.
  • Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and creative excellence.
  • Mentor and grow emerging leaders within the division.

Qualifications

• Minimum 12+ years of professional experience as Public Relations and Social Media leader with a proven track record of successfully managing and scaling high-impact accounts.
• Deep, cross-functional expertise in media relations, corporate communications, crisis and reputation management, and public affairs—combined with advanced knowledge of social platforms, influencer partnerships, and content creator ecosystems—to drive impactful, integrated communications strategies.
• Proven ability to lead a team in the development of comprehensive PR strategies and original content.
• Proven track record as a growth driver for both organic and net new business opportunities.
• Exceptional communicator—both written and verbal—with the confidence and clarity to influence at all levels.
• Strong business acumen, with expertise in strategic resource allocation, project execution, fiscal management and complex problem-solving.
• Demonstrated ability to drive results with efficiency, speed, and cost-effectiveness.
• Highly organized, relentlessly results-oriented.
• BA in Public Relations, Communications or related field preferred.

Employment Type

• Full-time

Job Function & Industries

• Job function: Business Development and Sales
• Industries: Marketing Services