Public Relations Director
Job Description:Public relations (PR) directors manage communication campaigns and strategy for their organisation or clients.
Job Category:What you will do:
As a public relations director, you could:
- Plan and deliver communication campaigns for clients
- Raise awareness of your organisation and its aims
- Manage relationships with clients and agencies
- Report to the organisation’s board or owner
- Represent the organisation at conferences and events
- Keep up to date with media stories and trends
Skills:
You’ll need:
- Knowledge of media production and communication
- Knowledge of English language
- To be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
As well as:
Entry Requirements:
To become a Public Relations Director, you’ll typically need a combination of education, skills, and experience rather than specific GCSE subjects. However, certain GCSE subjects can help you develop skills and knowledge that will be valuable in a career in public relations and eventually in a director role, such as:
- English Language: Strong communication skills are essential in public relations. GCSE English Language can help you improve your writing, speaking, and listening skills.
- Media Studies: This subject can provide you with insights into the media landscape, including journalism, advertising, and public relations, which are closely related fields.
- Business Studies: A GCSE in Business Studies can introduce you to fundamental business concepts, which can be useful for understanding the business side of public relations.
- Mathematics: While not directly related to PR, strong math skills can be valuable for understanding budgets, financial reports, and data analysis, which are relevant to PR management.
- Sociology or Psychology: These subjects can help you understand human behavior and social dynamics, which are crucial for effective public relations strategies.
- IT or Computer Science: Proficiency in technology and digital tools is increasingly important in the field of PR, as digital media and online communication play a significant role.
- Foreign Languages: Knowledge of a second language can be valuable if you plan to work in a multinational PR firm or engage with clients and media from different regions.
It’s important to note that while these subjects can provide a good foundation, what matters most is your ability to develop key skills like communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and interpersonal skills.
Post School
You can get into this field through:
- A university course
- Working towards this role
- Applying directly
University
You can get into public relations with any degree. However, there are some specialist degrees and postgraduate qualifications recognised by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations you could take, including:
- Public Relations
- Marketing Communications with PR
- Public Relations and Corporate Communications
Work
- You could join a public relations firm as a manager and with experience, work your way up to become a company director.
Direct Application
- You could apply to become a public relations (PR) director if you’ve got several years of experience at senior management level in PR, marketing or communications.
Working Hours and Environment:
A typical week consists of 39-41 hours of work. You could be required to work between 8am and 6pm and sometime overtime depending on if there are events that need attending.
Career Path & Progression:
With experience, you could:
- Move on to a bigger public relations (PR) agency or become the chief executive or head of an organisation.
- Work as a PR consultant, helping clients with their communications strategy and policy.