what is it like to work as a PR manager?
A PR manager's role is to create and maintain a positive image of their employer in the public eye. They handle the company's communication with stakeholders and the general public. This includes writing press releases for the media and creating social media posts. If they work for a government agency, they also inform the public about the agency's activities and measures that affect the community.
what does a PR manager do?
As a PR manager, it's important to understand the attitudes and concerns of your clients and audience so you can build strong relationships with them, such as with journalists and corporate partners. Having the right connections helps you deliver information to the public more quickly and effectively. When publishing press releases, media relationships play a key role in spreading the message by featuring your content in print and online outlets.
As a PR manager, you may also host corporate events that help enhance the company's brand image. Social events contribute to improving the company's public recognition. A significant part of your role involves clarifying issues related to the employer: communicating the company's stance through participation in interviews and writing press releases, especially in response to negative media coverage.
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average salary of PR managers.
Our salary calculator allows you to explore pay ranges and see how much a beginner or experienced PR manager earns.
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salary calculatorhow can you earn more as a PR manager?
A PR manager's compensation package depends on several factors, with education and experience playing a significant role in determining salary. You can expect a higher salary if you have more relevant experience.
An employer also influences your potential earnings. Working for a company can often lead to higher pay compared to working as an individual contractor. However, if you're a PR manager working for a government agency or a prestigious private sector organization, you’re likely to earn a higher salary. In large corporations, the complexity of the role typically justifies a more substantial compensation package.
types of PR manager positions.
A PR manager can specialize in the following areas:
- PR professional responsible for media relations: focuses on building relationships with broadcasters, reporters, and bloggers to enhance the brand's media presence. Good relationships with the media help secure free media coverage. Additionally, a media relations specialist studies news trends and finds ways to leverage them to boost their brand’s popularity.
- A PR professional specializing in community relations: focused on building your company's reputation and connections within the local community. Maintaining strong relationships with local residents makes it easier to gain support for various projects and enhances your company's social standing.
- A crisis communication specialist is someone who specializes in managing disasters and emergency situations that could impact a company's reputation. For example, they handle issues related to faulty product recalls, environmental concerns, or negative social media content about employees.
working as a PR manager.
A PR manager plays a crucial role in the strategic communication of a business, brand, or individual. Additionally, they help establish valuable relationships for their employer. Learn about the responsibilities, work environment, and career opportunities of a PR manager.
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responsibilities of a PR manager
A PR manager's responsibilities include, among other things:
- Newsjacking / rapid response to breaking news: providing commentary on a recent story to promote your employer. It also adds unique perspectives and sparks conversations about a company's strategic moves or progress. Sharing opinions increases awareness of the information and can reach a broader audience.
- Press releases and content creation: as a PR communications professional, they utilize storytelling skills to inform the public about their employer’s latest developments. When a company needs to communicate with the public, they craft press releases for media distribution and create social media posts. They develop communication strategies and tailor content suitable for different media channels. For example, blog posts can be more in-depth compared to the shorter posts shared on social media.
- Protecting and safeguarding the company's reputation: when the employer faces a public relations crisis, it is the PR manager's responsibility to defend the company's image. They develop a crisis management plan to handle negative media coverage. Crisis management includes participating in interviews and responding to comments on social media. Additionally, they issue statements on behalf of the employer to clarify the company's position.
- Developing a PR strategy: as a PR manager, you continuously review your employer's PR strategy to ensure the brand maintains a healthy reputation. Your PR strategy integrates communication goals and sustains positive publicity. It also includes steps and detailed plans for crisis management.
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work environment
A PR manager works in an office environment, drafting press releases and responding to comments on social media. Occasionally, their work involves public and televised appearances, such as issuing press statements or participating in interviews. They also travel with their employer to ensure smooth public engagements. Remote work options are available but are infrequent.
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who does a PR manager work with?
A PR manager's colleagues include PR officers, communication managers, and communication directors. They also work closely with CEOs, marketing managers, marketing coordinators, and other professionals, such as digital marketing specialists, social media managers, SEO experts, and content writers.
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working hours schedule
A PR manager works full-time, typically 40 hours a week. Their working hours may also include evenings or weekends, especially when planning or organizing corporate events. To maintain good relationships, they also attend dinners with clients and business partners. Part-time opportunities are rare, but fixed-term contracts are available.
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development opportunities
A PR manager is considered an expert due to extensive experience in entry-level roles such as PR officer. This position can also be entered from marketing or customer service departments. There are excellent opportunities for career advancement, including moving up to a communications manager or director role. After several years of experience, some PR managers choose to become consultants.
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why it's worth applying for a PR manager position through randstad
There are several advantages to working with a Randstad consultant when searching for a PR manager position.
- a consultant well-versed in the marketing and PR sectors of the labor market supports the selection process.
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you can find a wide range of job opportunities on our website.
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whether you're looking for a fixed-term or indefinite position, we help you find the job that best fits you
required studies and skills.
studies.
To work as a PR manager, acquiring professional knowledge is essential. It’s advisable to choose one of the following training programs to get started:
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university diploma
Most employers expect degrees in public relations, business management, marketing, or communications. These programs equip you with essential communication skills and prepare you for a career in PR management.
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work experience
To become a successful PR manager, you need extensive experience in the fields of PR and communication. To develop your skills and gain practical knowledge, you can start in entry-level roles such as PR, customer service, or marketing positions.
skills.
The following skills are necessary for a PR manager to perform their job:
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timing and up-to-date information
Good timing is crucial to ensure that corporate statements are aligned with current topics. Being aware of timing and news helps anticipate your employer's communication needs, allowing you to develop a long-term PR strategy. Staying up-to-date also helps you stay trend-aware and create PR content that is relevant from a market perspective.
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relationship-building skills
Media professionals are always looking for newsworthy and credible stories. With so many news sources out there, a compelling and important story might not make it into the headlines if you don’t have a good relationship with journalists. As a PR manager, it’s essential to develop strong connections with journalists and other industry experts.
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creative writing skills
As a PR communications professional, you're expected to craft engaging stories that deliver value and connect with your audience. Developing your creative writing abilities helps you master the art of storytelling, which can be a powerful tool for building relationships with your audience.
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complex problem-solving skills
You need problem-solving abilities to analyze ideas and use logic to determine the best solutions for PR nightmares. Your problem-solving skills help you notice when something's off and identify the nature of the issue.
frequently asked questions.
We have compiled the most frequently asked questions regarding the PR manager role.
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what is the role of a PR manager?
A PR manager shapes a positive public image for the company or individuals they represent. They handle negative press and oversee the organization’s outward communication. Their responsibilities include preparing press releases and developing social media posts for their clients.
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what skills does a PR manager need?
A PR manager communicates with the media and the public. The most important skills in this role are writing, speaking, and listening. Writing skills help create social media posts and press releases that resonate with the audience, while listening skills allow understanding the expectations of the target audience.
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is a PR manager a good job?
Landing a role as a PR manager is a promising career path with numerous opportunities for growth. It’s a respected profession that helps build a positive corporate image among investors and clients. PR managers also earn competitive salaries and, over time, can advance to higher positions within the company, such as Communications Director.
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a PR manager's marketing work?
A PR manager is not a marketer. They build and shape a brand's positive reputation by creating a strong corporate image. While PR work isn't marketing, maintaining a good reputation can enhance a company's marketing efforts.
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how can I apply for a PR manager position?
Applying for a PR manager position is easy: create your profile on Randstad, and browse our job offers near you. Once you're logged in, you can apply with just one click for the opportunity that suits you best through our website!