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 for a degree
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
Public relations director
Alternative titles for this job include PR director, PR account director, communications director
Public relations 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
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
- you will be expected to use a computer confidently as part of this job.
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.
Training 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: 11 September 2019
- Location: Chichester
LV 4 CIM CERTIFICATE IN PROFESSIONAL MARKETING - DIGITAL MARKETING (Evening)
- Provider: Basingstoke College of Technology
- Start date: 20 March 2019
- Location: HAMPSHIRE
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