Career Lander

Archive for the ‘Public Relations’ Category

A public relations manager is responsible for maintaining a positive public image for a company or organization through distributing news releases, holding news conferences and fulfilling speaking engagements.

With his expertise, a public relations manger builds a strong rapport with the media, company employees and the public.

Job Titles

Public relations managers are also called PR managers, media relations managers and public affairs managers.

Staff and Policies

A public relations manager oversees the staff members of a public relations department. He develops and enforces policies and procedures for a company’s public relations department.

News Releases

A news release is a written statement that is prepared and distributed to newspaper, radio and television reporters. The public relations manager ensures that all news releases contain appropriate information and are issued in a timely manner.

Additionally, she creates fact sheets, handouts and promotional videos to be used by the media. Questions from the media are directed to the public relations manager and answered by her or a member of her staff.

News Conferences

The public relations manager must organize news conferences for the company executives or representatives. Often he is on hand during the news conference to help field questions.

Speaking Engagements

When a company is asked to attend a special function, such as an industry conference or award ceremony, the public relations manager may be asked to prepare a speech to be given by an executive or herself. Read the rest of this entry »

A public relations professional builds awareness and interest, serves as a spokesperson and manages the flow of information to the public for a person, product or company. He is an effective communicator in print, person and on the phone.

A successful campaign presents a client in the best possible light. Traditionally, this is accomplished by sending press releases to journalists and placing stories in print and broadcast media and on the Internet.

A press release conveys a message, resembles a news story in format and is usually sent through email.

Advertising vs. Public Relations

Public relations is not the same as advertising, where an ad space or time is purchased. A public relations pro focuses on getting free media exposure.

Job Titles

Typically, account coordinator is the entry-level position at a PR agency, and you can work your way up to account director in five years and a PR manager within seven years.

In a corporate setting, public relations duties may fall under titles such as media specialist, community relations director, public information officer, and internal and external communication specialists.

Skills

You must be an adept writer and excellent verbal communicator–shy people need not apply. PR pros should have a nose for news, be well-versed in pop culture and possess skills in time management, research, event planning, budgeting, cold-calling and public speaking.

Salary

According to an April 2009 salary survey report on PayScale.com, the median salary in the United States for an account coordinator is $31,987; the median salary for a PR manager is $65,959. Factors such as company size, city, experience, skills and degree can affect salary. Read the rest of this entry »