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Public relations director

Alternative titles for this job include PR director, PR account director, communications director

Public relations (PR) directors manage communications campaigns and strategy for their organisation or clients.

Average salary (a year)

£40,000 Starter

to

£80,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

39 to 41 a week

You could work

between 8am and 6pm attending events or appointments

How to become a public relations director

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly

University

You could do a degree or postgraduate qualification in public relations, communications or marketing before joining an agency.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More information

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' experience at senior management level in PR, marketing or communications.

More information

Further information

You can find out more about a career in public relations from the Public Relations & Communications Association and the Chartered Institute of Public Relations.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of media production and communication
  • customer service skills
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • knowledge of English language
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • persistence and determination
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

Your day-to-day duties may include:

  • planning and delivering communications campaigns for clients
  • raising awareness of your organisation and its aims
  • communicating messages through online, print and broadcast media
  • managing relationships with clients and sub-contracted agencies
  • reporting to the organisation’s board or owner
  • representing the organisation at conferences, events and in the media
  • keeping up to date with media stories and trends
  • managing budgets

Working environment

You could work in an office or at a client's business.

You may need to wear smart business dress.

Career path and progression

You could move on to a bigger public relations (PR) agency or become the chief executive or head of an organisation.

You could also work as a PR consultant, advising corporate clients on communications strategy and policy.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a public relations director right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

CIM Level 4 Certificate in Professional Marketing: Marketing Module

  • Provider: Chichester College Group
  • Start date: 09 September 2020
  • Location: Chichester

Marketing Foundation Certificate level 3

  • Provider: LEICESTER COLLEGE
  • Start date: 30 January 2021
  • Location: Leicester
Find courses near you

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