Lead Public Relations Manager

About Nexon

Nexon America is a branch of Nexon Co., Ltd., a global video game publisher and leading developer of online virtual worlds for PCs, consoles, and mobile devices. Nexon proudly offers celebrated franchises like MapleStory and Mabinogi that have been enjoyed by millions of players for over two decades. When we founded our Nexon America branch in 2006, we made it our goal to bring those unique games to western players using a player-first approach. We achieve that goal by applying our team’s outstanding free-to-play expertise and live game support to every decision, every day.

But we’re committed to more than our games! Here at Nexon America, we’re all about open communication, diversity, mutual respect, and collaboration, so we can bring out the best in each other. Nexies find support, friendship, and career growth all in one place! And because we know a healthy work-life balance is the key to happiness, Nexies also enjoy flexible hours, a hybrid work model, and extra perks like food trucks, happy hours, and team events. It’s why we’ve earned the Great Place to Work certification for 5 years running!

We’re looking to expand our team with passionate individuals who want to learn, play, and grow with us. Ready for a new challenge?

Summary of Position

The Public Relations Lead is responsible for leading Nexon America’s communications strategy across earned and owned channels in the Western market. This includes full ownership of press relations, product PR communication, and messaging for both launch and live-service campaigns.

This role is critical for leading product launches, and the ideal candidate has experience managing press strategies for full-cycle game launches, including narrative development, review logistics, embargo coordination, and driving coverage that drives broad awareness not only with endemic media but at a global scale.

The ideal candidate is a proactive, strategic communicator who can manage complex campaigns with minimal oversight. They must be experienced in both media engagement and collaborate effectively with Brand Marketing, Product Teams, Community, and Creative partners.

We are looking for someone who brings strong fundamentals in public-facing communications but is also comfortable navigating ambiguity, learning new tools or platforms, and growing into areas of responsibility that may be newer to them. A solutions-first mindset and the ability to self-teach and adapt will be critical to long-term success in this PR role.

We are currently working in the office 2-3x a week in a hybrid work model.

Job Responsibilities

• Develop and execute integrated communications plans—including Public Relations (PR) to drive visibility, engagement, and brand affinity across Western markets.
• Lead PR planning for game launches and major updates, including narrative framing, media targeting, review program logistics, and embargo coordination to support critical reception goals (e.g., review score aggregate sites and endemic media).
• Own the development of media-facing messaging, press materials, spokesperson prep, and executive communications.
• Manage relationships with press, influencers (for earned/organic coverage), and industry partners; conduct outreach, pitching, and briefings.
• Oversee and direct external PR agencies; define scope, approve plans, and hold partners accountable to Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), timelines, and budgets.
• Lead PR-related event planning and execution, including trade shows, media previews, and press tours.

Work Experience

• 7+ years in Public Relations, communications roles within gaming, tech, or entertainment
• 2+ years managing external vendors or internal staff
• Direct experience launching games and managing review programs and press strategies for high-profile titles
• Familiarity with earned media, and its role in go-to-market planning
• Experience collaborating cross-functionally and interfacing with product and executive stakeholders

Education, Professional Training, Technical Training or Certification

• Bachelor’s degree in related field preferred
• Stellar professional reputation and credibility with the press and PR community

Knowledge/Skills

• Excellent writing and communication skills, including media messaging and platform copy
• Strong project and time management abilities across concurrent campaigns
• Proven experience developing press narratives and handling embargoed content
• Understanding of media review workflows, press code distribution, and how to impact Metacritic
• Data literacy and understanding of social/PR KPIs (e.g. coverage value, reach, share of voice)
• Ability to work autonomously, meet deadlines, and provide clear stakeholder updates
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel (for budget tracking) and PowerPoint (for internal/executive reporting)
• Demonstrated experience managing campaign budgets, agency retainers, and event-related expenses
• Open to learning new systems or tasks outside their prior scope, with a proactive, resourceful approach to upskilling when

Management has the right to add or change duties and job requirements at any time.

Nexon’s Benefits and Perks

We offer medical, dental and vision plans for you, your spouse or domestic partner and your children. Employees who enroll in the high deductible health plan receive an annual employer contribution to a health savings account and company paid hospital indemnity benefits. We also provide company paid life, AD&D, short-term and long-term disability benefits as well as access to voluntary life and AD&D for yourself and your dependents, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) savings plan with a company match, and pet insurance. Nexies are encouraged to take advantage of our monthly wellness credit, participate in lunchtime yoga, and enroll in language classes. We host bi-monthly catered lunches, monthly happy hours, and maintain a well-stocked snack bar. To help you maintain a good work life balance, we offer paid time off, sick days, company holidays, and a year-end break.

Nexon is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable law and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

Compensation Description for Pay Transparency (annually)

The base salary range for this position in El Segundo, CA is $120,000 - $145,000 annually.

Our salary ranges are determined by market data based on position and level. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum salaries for that position. An individual’s pay is determined by factors including, but not limited to, a candidate’s qualifications, skills, experiences, relevant education or training, and location.

Base pay is one part of the Total Rewards package that is provided to compensate and recognize employees for their work. This role may be eligible for additional discretionary bonuses/incentives, however the salary range listed in this job posting reflects the base salary only.

Beware of Recruitment Scams

We have been made aware of fraudulent recruitment activities by individuals falsely claiming to represent Nexon America. Our recruiters will only contact you from official company email addresses ending in @nexon.com and will follow a formal interview process. We will never request for payment or personal financial information such as photos of government-issued identification during the recruitment process or offer a job without a formal interview process. If you receive suspicious email, we advise you to mark the email as junk or spam, so your email provider will block future messages from the sender.