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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 communication 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

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become Public relations director

You can get into this job 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

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

More information

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

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

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

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

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

Working environment

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

You may need to wear smart business clothes.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

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, helping clients with their communications strategy and policy.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

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 Digital Marketing

  • Provider: FARNBOROUGH COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY
  • Start date: 08 September 2025
  • Location: Farnborough

Professional Marketing and Digital Business Development Extended Diploma Level 3

  • Provider: The Manchester College
  • Start date: 08 September 2025
  • Location: Manchester
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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