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Career Profile

PR manager

Public relations managers use communication, storytelling and strategic skills to manage an organisation’s public image and reputation. They develop communication strategies, build media relationships, coordinate campaigns and manage issues and crisis communication. 
Average weekly salary
$2331
Future demand
Strong
Most common education level
Bachelor degree

What does a PR manager do?

Ever wonder, what is a PR manager and what does their job entail? As a PR manager (also known as a public relations manager ) you would help to manage the public image and reputation of an individual or organisation. Using creativity, storytelling and strategy, your role would to maintain a positive image for your client.

If you’re wondering ‘but what is PR specifically and what’s involved in a public relations career?’, well you’re in the right spot – let’s delve into the day-to-day of PR. Developing and implementing communication strategies, building rapport with journalists and other media personnel, managing crisis communication, coordinating campaigns and events, conducting market research, and copy writing all come with the territory of a PR manager. 

Is a career as PR manager right for me?

Public relations jobs call for people are interested in current affairs, innovative and able to work in a fast-paced environment. If you’re interested in becoming a PR manager, other PR manager skills beneficial for this role include:  

Communication
Clear written and verbal communication skills, supported by strong interpersonal skills.
Adaptability
An ability to manage change positively and perform effectively in changing environments.
Creativity and innovation
Creative expression, storytelling and original thinking.
Industry knowledge
A sound awareness and understanding of industry and trends.

Problem-solving and decision-making
The ability to identify issues, evaluate options, and make informed decisions.

Organisation
Effective time-management and prioritisation skills.
Professionalism
The ability to take initiative, demonstrate personal drive, and maintain a professional attitude.

How to become a PR manager

There are several ways to build a career in public relations. Relevant study can help you develop skills in communication, media relations, writing and strategy, while practical experience is valuable for building industry knowledge and preparing you to progress into management roles. 

Below is one path you could take to become a public relations manager: 

  1. Complete a degree in communication, public relations, marketing or a related field.
  2. Develop skills in writing, media relations, communication strategy and digital communication.
  3. Gain practical experience through internships or entry-level communication roles.
  4. Build your experience managing communication campaigns, media relationships and organisational reputation.
  5. Progress into public relations management roles as you develop your industry experience and leadership skills.

How long does it take to become a PR manager?

The time it takes to become a public relations manager can vary depending on your study and professional experience. A relevant bachelor’s degree in communication, public relations or marketing typically takes around three years of full-time study. 

From there, you’ll usually need to build practical experience in public relations or communication roles before progressing into a management position. 

Start your journey with UniSQ

Prepare for a career in public relations with UniSQ and build the communication, media, content creation and stakeholder engagement skills valued across a range of industries.

 

Communication degrees
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Management and Leadership degrees
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Responsibilities and work settings

Day-to-day responsibilities

Developing and implementing public relations and communication strategies to support organisational goals.

Building and maintaining relationships with media, stakeholders and key audiences.

Managing media enquiries, publicity opportunities and communication campaigns across a range of channels.

Determining publicity requirements and selecting appropriate communication approaches and presentation styles.

Preparing, reviewing and editing communication and publicity materials for publication and distribution.

Selecting the most effective media channels to maximise audience reach and engagement.

Coordinating communication activities and reviewing content for quality, accuracy and suitability.

Managing issues, crisis communications and public responses to protect organisational reputation.

Where you might work

Media, publishing and broadcasting organisations

Digital business and marketing agencies

Government agencies, departments and councils

Non-profit, charity and community organisations

Universities and higher education providers

Accounting, consulting and professional services firms

Arts and creative organisations

PR FAQs

The average PR manager salary in Australia varies based on experience, industry, and organisation size. Senior professionals or those working in high-demand sectors may earn significantly more, while entry-level roles may start at a lower range. Please view the salary information on this page for further details.

Yes, PR managers are in demand across various industries, particularly as companies prioritise brand image and communication strategies in an increasingly competitive market. Those with strong experience and specialised PR manager skills are particularly sought after in industries such as technology, healthcare, and entertainment. The demand is further enhanced by the need for crisis management expertise and digital communication strategies.

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Disclaimer: UniSQ’s Career Finder is a guide only. While reasonable care is taken to ensure accuracy, career information may change over time. Career statistics are sourced from Your Career and Jobs and Skills Australia. © Commonwealth of Australia. Licensed under CC BY 4.0. Salary figures listed on this page are in Australian Dollars (AUD).