Public Relations Specialists

Engage in promoting or creating an intended public image for individuals, groups, or organizations. May write or select material for release to various communications media.

Median Annual Wage: $55,680

Education: Bachelor's degree (92%); Master's degree (8%)

Projected Growth: Average (8% to 14%)

Related Job Titles: Account Executive; Communications Specialist; Public Affairs Specialist; Public Relations Specialist (PR Specialist); Public Information Officer; Communications Director; Public Information Specialist; Public Relations Coordinator; Corporate Communications Specialist; Media Relations Specialist

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Source: O*NET OnLine information for Public Relations Specialists.

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  • Write press releases or other media communications to promote clients.
  • Establish or maintain cooperative relationships with representatives of community, consumer, employee, or public interest groups.
  • Plan or direct development or communication of programs to maintain favorable public or stockholder perceptions of an organization's accomplishments, agenda, or environmental responsibility.
  • Study the objectives, promotional policies, or needs of organizations to develop public relations strategies that will influence public opinion or promote ideas, products, or services.
  • Coach client representatives in effective communication with the public or with employees.
  • Update and maintain content posted on the Web.
  • Confer with other managers to identify trends or key group interests or concerns or to provide advice on business decisions.
  • Prepare or edit organizational publications, such as employee newsletters or stockholders' reports, for internal or external audiences.
  • Coordinate public responses to environmental management incidents or conflicts.
  • Arrange public appearances, lectures, contests, or exhibits for clients to increase product or service awareness or to promote goodwill.
  • Develop plans or materials to communicate activities undertaken by organizations that are beneficial to the environment, public safety, or other important social issues.
  • Prepare or deliver speeches to further public relations objectives.
  • Confer with production or support personnel to produce or coordinate production of advertisements or promotions.
  • Consult with advertising agencies or staff to arrange promotional campaigns in all types of media for products, organizations, or individuals.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Public Relations Specialists.

  • Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
  • Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
  • Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
  • Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
  • Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Persuasion - Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
  • Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Public Relations Specialists.

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