Public Relations Manager

WD is building the infrastructure behind the AI-driven data economy. As AI scales, so does data. Every interaction, every model, every system generates data that must be stored, managed, and made accessible over time. That’s where we come in. We combine deep engineering expertise with global-scale manufacturing to deliver the storage systems that make AI possible, powering hyperscale data centers, cloud platforms, and enterprise infrastructure worldwide. This isn’t theoretical work. It’s real systems, at real scale, people solving some of the hardest challenges in technology today. We’re looking for people who want to build, solve, and operate at that level. Join us and let’s shape the future of data. In this Individual Contributor role, you will serve as the connective tissue across WD's PR and Analyst Relations team —you will surface the right stories at the right moment, ensuring programs move forward with clarity and momentum. You will also own the team’s communications calendar and be the person who keeps priorities coordinated across the organization, translating that visibility into proactive communications thinking that keeps pace with a fast-moving business. That strategic vantage point also positions you to play a central role in day-to-day media relations across North America. This means proactively developing and pitching stories, responding to media inquiries with speed and precision, and building genuine, lasting relationships with the journalists and outlets that matter most to our business. The ideal candidate is a skilled storyteller who understands the B2B and enterprise technology media landscape — someone who can take WD's business and technology priorities and shape them into compelling narratives, sharp press materials, and story angles that earn high-impact coverage and build lasting brand presence. You will also play an important supporting role in keeping the program's operational foundation running smoothly. This includes contributing to budget tracking and vendor management, helping ensure spend stays aligned with priorities and nothing falls through the cracks. Day to day, you will also monitor the news cycle — tracking coverage of WD, our competitors, and the broader storage and data infrastructure landscape — and flagging developments that warrant a response, an opportunity, or a shift in strategy. This role is based at either our San Jose or Irvine offices. Responsibilities Help manage day-to-day media relations in North America, including proactive pitching, reactive inquiries, and ongoing journalist relationship development Develop compelling story angles, pitches, press releases, and Q&As that translate WD's business and technology priorities into media coverage that drives impact Work with agency partners and subject matter experts to develop narratives and communications plans and assets that boost engagement with target audiences Track and report on program status, milestones, and communications activity across the PR and Analyst Relations team on a regular cadence Support C-suite visibility program including speaking submissions, awards, contributed content, and media briefings Help build and execute creative campaigns for momentum media activity outside the main news cycle Track, measure, and report on coverage and program performance; translate data into actionable insights and recommendations Maintain communications calendar that maps upcoming campaigns, product launches, events, and announcements to identify alignment and storytelling opportunities Proactively identify gaps, conflicts, and white space in the communications schedule; surface opportunities and risks to stakeholders early Partner with content, social, and digital teams to ensure PR narratives are amplified across owned and paid channels for consistency and reach 5–8+ years of communications experience (including project management experience) within a global tech company or agency A strong background of B2B / enterprise technology experience; knowledge of data storage, cloud infrastructure, or AI landscape is a plus Demonstrated experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder programs with multiple concurrent workstreams and deadlines Experience creating and managing multi-channel communications campaigns across earned, owned, and paid channels Proven media relations skills; established network of technology and business journalists and editors in North America is a plus Metrics-based approach with experience using tools such as Meltwater to measure and report on PR performance Experience managing external PR agencies and holding partners accountable to agreed KPIs Ability to interface with stakeholders at all levels, across departments and geographies, and act as a strategic advisor to the comms leadership team Exceptional communications, writing, and presentation skills Outstanding judgement and creative problem-solving skills Curious, flexible and the ability to think creatively Effective team player, while also being able to work independently Enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, self-motivated, and can thrive under pressure Someone who has a sense of humor Experience at a leading brand a plus Bachelor's degree in communications, or a related field; advanced degree a plus WD is committed to providing equal opportunities to all applicants and employees and will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on their race, color, ancestry, religion (including religious dress and grooming standards), sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), gender (including a person’s gender identity, gender expression, and gender-related appearance and behavior, whether or not stereotypically associated with the person’s assigned sex at birth), age, national origin, sexual orientation, medical condition, marital status (including domestic partnership status), physical disab