Management
Public Relations Managers
Also called: Communications Director, Communications Manager, Community Relations Director, PR Director (Public Relations Director)
US median pay
$146,910
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+5.7%
faster than average
Openings a year (US)
6,100
80,800 employed
Typical entry education
Bachelor's degree
Preparation 4/5 · Considerable preparation
What this job is
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities designed to create or maintain a favorable public image or raise issue awareness for their organization or client.
What they do day to day
- 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.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Social Perceptiveness4.0/5
- Persuasion3.9/5
- Complex Problem Solving3.9/5
- Coordination3.8/5
- Time Management3.6/5
- Service Orientation3.6/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.6/5
- Negotiation3.5/5
Knowledge
- Communications and Media4.9/5
- English Language4.7/5
- Administration and Management4.0/5
- Sales and Marketing3.8/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.8/5
- Administrative3.2/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 4 of 5 — Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree and several years of related experience.
Typical entry education (BLS): Bachelor's degree, plus 5 years or more of related work experience.
Who this job suits
Mostly Enterprising
Leading, persuading and starting things
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Social
Helping, teaching and caring for people
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.