Occupation Description
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.
Responsibilities
- Update and maintain content posted on the Web.
- Prepare or edit organizational publications, such as employee newsletters or stockholders’ reports, for internal or external audiences.
- Write press releases or other media communications to promote clients.
- Plan or conduct market or public opinion research to test products or determine potential for product success, communicating results to client or management.
- Develop plans or materials to communicate activities undertaken by organizations that are beneficial to the environment, public safety, or other important social issues.
- 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.
Key Skills
Public Relations Specialists frequently use the following skills:
- Active Listening: Giving full attention to what others are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
- 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.
- Time Management: Managing one’s own time and the time of others.
- Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions.
Common Roles for Public Relations Specialists
- Account Executive
- Communications Director
- Political Advisor
- Account Supervisor
- Marketing Communications Specialist
Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Hypertext Markup Language (HTML)
- JavaScript
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- Data entry software
- Microsoft Project
- Adobe Acrobat
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Adobe Photoshop
- Microsoft Dynamics
- Facebook
- Microsoft Publisher
- Google Docs
- FileMaker Pro
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe InDesign
Job Outlook
In 2016 there were an estimated 259,600 jobs for Public Relations Specialists in the United States, with a projected 8.9% growth rate, above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 23,000 new jobs by 2026.
Salary Range
Average yearly salaries range between $33,690 and $112,310. Highest earnings are in District of Columbia, Virginia, or New Jersey.
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