What do public relations managers do?
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities designed to create or maintain a favorable public image or raise issue awareness for their organization or client.
This describes a U.S. occupation, not a live vacancy. Individual employers may use different titles and requirements.
Job titles to recognize in your search
O*NET reports these titles for this occupation. Compare the responsibilities in each posting before treating titles as equivalent.
- Communications Director
- Communications Manager
- Community Relations Director
- PR Director (Public Relations Director)
- Public Affairs Director
Core tasks to compare with a job posting
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, government officials, and media representatives and use these relationships to develop new business opportunities.
- Assign, supervise, and review the activities of public relations staff.
- Identify main client groups and audiences, determine the best way to communicate publicity information to them, and develop and implement a communication plan.
- Develop, implement, or maintain crisis communication plans.
- Write interesting and effective press releases, prepare information for media kits, and develop and maintain company internet or intranet web pages.
- Manage communications budgets.
- Develop and maintain the company's corporate image and identity, which includes the use of logos and signage.
- Facilitate consumer relations or the relationship between parts of the company, such as the managers and employees, or different branch offices.
- Observe and report on social, economic, and political trends that might affect employers.
- Draft speeches for company executives and arrange interviews and other forms of contact for them.
Prepare an application for this occupation
- Check the employer’s requirements, location, schedule and any licenses against your situation.
- Choose two or three tasks above that match the posting and your actual experience.
- Build a resume evidence worksheet using the skills and software relevant to that employer.
- Practice explaining your contribution, decisions and results before an interview.
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