Career Profile: Public Relations Manager

Why Is Public Relations Management a Job of Tomorrow?
Public relations managers are needed to maintain the integrity of business brands in the eyes of the public. Employment opportunities for public relations managers are expected to increase 17 percent, according to CNN Money. Public relations managers earn an average salary of $82,180 annually.

What Does a Public Relations Manager Do?
Public relations managers oversee the actions of public relations specialists. They work to build the integrity and brand name of the company for which they work. Public relations managers may work in a specific area, such as crisis management, or in a specific industry, such as health care. They keep track of political, scientific and economic factors that could affect the company and work on ways to prepare the firm for any impact. They also look for market and consumer trends that may indicate what stockholders or consumers desire and incorporate that data into future plans for the company's public relations department. Many public relations managers handle communications within an organization, such as employee newsletters and company events. They may help executives draft speeches and press releases and function in a similar way as directors of communication in representating the company during interviews and other media contacts.

What Kind of Training Do I Need to Become a Public Relations Manager?
Public relations managers must have a bachelor's or master's degree in public relations or journalism. A bachelor's degree takes four years to complete, and a master's degree takes an additional two to three years after first obtaining a bachelor's degree. Courses will usually cover advertising and public speaking. Although it is not required, public relations managers may seek certification to increase their marketability, which is especially important given the competitive nature of this field.