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What Is a Public Relations Manager and How to Become One

Public Relations Manager

What Does a Public Relations Manager Do?

A public relations (PR) manager maintains the public image of an organization or client. Their duties may include managing a creative team, writing press releases, working with advertising, answering questions for the media, and organizing fundraisers. A public relations fundraising manager works on particular fundraising campaigns. Someone in this job should be able to use social trends to promote company relations with the public.

How to Become a Public Relations Manager

To become a public relations (PR) manager, you need a bachelor’s or master’s degree in public relations, advertising, communications, or a related field. Qualifications for this career are marketing, public speaking, and people skills. Work experience in advertising, media relations, and fundraising will help you be successful in this career. There are also voluntary certifications available.

Public Relations Manager Job Description Sample

With this Public Relations Manager job description sample, you can get a good idea of what employers are looking for when hiring for this position. Remember, every employer is different and each will have unique qualifications when they hire for a Public Relations Manager role.

Job Summary

We are seeking a creative Public Relations Manager to oversee our communications and media relations. In this role, you will develop communication strategies to engage customers, increase brand trust, and cultivate and maintain positive relationships with media contacts. When negative press issues arise, you must identify the source and create responses to reduce or eliminate the unfavorable publicity. You will primarily work on strategies in house, but we occasionally collaborate with outside public relations firms on large-scale media campaigns.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Develop public relations strategies for current and existing products, launches, and promotions
  • Manage content team to produce relevant, compelling social media updates with links to products or promotions
  • Develop and produce high-quality, informative, and interesting press releases, press kits, and related materials
  • Maintain excellent relationships with media
  • Analyze media coverage; develop responses when needed
  • Organize promotional events, press conferences, tours, visits, and exhibitions
  • Create and manage PR budgets, deadlines, objectives, and schedules
  • Develop weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual media activity reports

Requirements and Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in marketing, journalism, business, or related field
  • 5+ years of experience in PR or a related field
  • Experience with technologies and best practices for media campaigns across multiple platforms
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
  • Outstanding communication skills
  • Available to work nights or weekends when needed