Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
Job outlook for media relations managers in the United States
Media relations manager job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected media relations manager job growth rate is 8% from 2018-2028.
About 6,300 new jobs for media relations managers are projected over the next decade.
Media relations manager salaries have increased 14% for media relations managers in the last 5 years.
There are over 5,641 media relations managers currently employed in the United States.
There are 31,281 active media relations manager job openings in the US.
The average media relations manager salary is $86,031.
Are media relations manager jobs in demand?
Media relations manager job and salary trends over time
Media relations manager jobs over time
Media relations manager job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 5,641 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 5,510 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 5,377 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 4,922 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 4,572 | 0.00% |
Average media relations manager salary over time
Media relations manager salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $86,031 | $41.36 | +4.1% |
| 2024 | $82,663 | $39.74 | +2.1% |
| 2023 | $80,983 | $38.93 | +3.2% |
| 2022 | $78,499 | $37.74 | +3.7% |
| 2021 | $75,706 | $36.40 | +3.1% |
Media relations manager jobs by state
Most common states for media relations managers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 301 | 43% |
| 2 | Delaware | 961,939 | 103 | 11% |
| 3 | Vermont | 623,657 | 65 | 10% |
| 4 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 98 | 9% |
| 5 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 572 | 8% |
| 6 | New York | 19,849,399 | 1,315 | 7% |
| 7 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 570 | 7% |
| 8 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 425 | 7% |
| 9 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 308 | 7% |
| 10 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 224 | 7% |
| 11 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 58 | 7% |
| 12 | Alaska | 739,795 | 49 | 7% |
| 13 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 42 | 7% |
| 14 | California | 39,536,653 | 2,276 | 6% |
| 15 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 742 | 6% |
| 16 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 215 | 6% |
| 17 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 95 | 6% |
| 18 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 86 | 6% |
| 19 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 83 | 6% |
| 20 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 48 | 6% |
Most common cities for media relations managers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Burlington | 1 | 4% | $89,740 |
| 2 | Hallandale Beach | 1 | 3% | $72,591 |
| 3 | Newark | 1 | 3% | $105,227 |
| 4 | Dublin | 1 | 2% | $105,000 |
| 5 | Peabody | 1 | 2% | $89,563 |
| 6 | Tampa | 2 | 1% | $74,111 |
| 7 | Cambridge | 1 | 1% | $89,993 |
| 8 | Hartford | 1 | 1% | $103,240 |
| 9 | Boston | 2 | 0% | $90,055 |
| 10 | Phoenix | 2 | 0% | $89,805 |
| 11 | Washington | 2 | 0% | $95,975 |
| 12 | Atlanta | 1 | 0% | $69,650 |
| 13 | Birmingham | 1 | 0% | $74,108 |
| 14 | Houston | 1 | 0% | $85,890 |
| 15 | Indianapolis | 1 | 0% | $84,570 |
| 16 | Jacksonville | 1 | 0% | $73,798 |
| 17 | Los Angeles | 1 | 0% | $98,478 |
| 18 | Memphis | 1 | 0% | $77,106 |
| 19 | Miami | 1 | 0% | $72,476 |
| 20 | Orlando | 1 | 0% | $73,592 |
Media Relations Manager job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of media relations manager experts
Elon University
American University
Loyola University New Orleans
University of Akron
University of Cincinnati
Albion College
San Jose State University
Maryville University of Saint Louis
Methodist University
Husson University
University of Akron
Columbus State University
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Indiana University Kokomo
What will help Media Relations Managers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Joy Daggs: I have quite a bit of advice:
1. Get as much experience as an undergraduate as possible. Many programs require internships, but even if they don't, seek opportunities to get experience. Take leadership roles in student organizations. Even if it's not specifically a 'public relations' entitled position, anything where you practice your skills is helpful. Even if you need to work a job in retail or service, those jobs still provide important benefits other than a paycheck. Don't discount your experiences!
2. Don't pass up opportunities to meet professionals. Many schools and departments bring their alumni on campus or do virtual events so that you can meet and chat with professionals. Even if it's not required for class, GO. You never know when a casual conversation may lead to an internship or an important professional connection.
3. Use your LinkedIn profile to your advantage. Make sure you have a professional picture that shows you in your best light. Follow organizations that you want to work for and other professional organizations related to your interests. I know of people getting interviews based off of LinkedIn interactions. Check your other social media accounts to make sure that you are not presenting yourself poorly. Most likely, organizations will Google you or look up your personal social media. There are reports of students losing opportunities because of poor social media choices.
What general advice would you give to a Media Relations Manager?
Kenn Gaither Ph.D.: Adopt a growth mindset and keep learning. The skills from college are still valuable and useful, but so too is the ability to stay at the forefront of relevant trends. Public relations practitioners are strategic communicators, requiring disciplinary expertise, knowledge of cultural and technological trends and news, and a broad skill set. Continuing to invest in these areas will give a new graduate both a competitive edge and pathway for upward mobility.
Jason Mollica
Professorial LecturerAmerican University
Public Relations, Advertising, And Applied Communication
What Media Relations Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jason Mollica: It’s safe to say understanding artificial intelligence is a skill that pros in the PR/strategic communication field should be learning now. According to Muck Rack’s State of AI in PR survey, more than twice as many pros were using generative AI at the end of 2023 as opposed to the beginning. This is where networking can be helpful. If you are a part of a professional organization, like the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), or subscribe to one of the social intelligence platforms like Meltwater, look for webinars or conferences where there are opportunities to gain insight and, yes, an advantage where you may be working. While it has always been important, understanding the news media is a skill that requires consistent adaptation. What are the local media outlets and who the key reporters are for traditional and digital? As newsrooms continue to consolidate, knowing the media landscape can be a skill that pays dividends.
Jeffrey Ory
President & CEO, il Stratega Marketing & Public Relations, Adjunct ProfessorLoyola University New Orleans
Public Relations, Advertising, And Applied Communication
What general advice would you give to a Media Relations Manager?
Jeffrey Ory: As the public relations industry continues to evolve rapidly, professionals within the field must adapt and refine their skill sets to stay ahead. Over the next three to five years, several key areas are expected to become even more crucial for those in PR. Digital literacy is set to take center stage as digital media remains a dominant force in how information is consumed and disseminated. Skills in digital marketing, search engine optimization (SEO), and social media analytics will be indispensable. PR professionals who can navigate the digital landscape skillfully, optimizing content for various platforms and understanding the metrics behind digital campaigns, will find themselves in high demand. Alongside digital expertise, data analysis capabilities will grow in importance. With the vast amounts of data available today, the ability to interpret and effectively use this data will be crucial for designing targeted PR campaigns and evaluating their success. PR specialists who can draw actionable insights from data will be able to tailor their strategies more precisely and demonstrate tangible results to clients. In our fast-paced, always-connected world, crisis management skills will become increasingly valuable. The ability to handle crises swiftly and effectively can preserve or even enhance a client's reputation when managed correctly. PR practitioners skilled in navigating crises, from initial response to resolution, will be critical assets to any organization. Content creation is another area poised for growth. As audiences become more segmented and the mediums through which they consume content diversify, skills in video production, podcasting, and content marketing will be essential. PR professionals who can create engaging, high-quality content across a range of formats will help brands capture and retain the attention of their target demographics. Finally, adaptability to new technologies will serve as a competitive advantage. The introduction of advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence tools for content creation and analysis, is reshaping the landscape of public relations. Professionals who are not only familiar with these technologies but also adept at leveraging them in creative and effective ways will stand out in the field.
What will help Media Relations Managers increase their earning potential?
Jeffrey Ory: Starting a career in public relations can be an exhilarating journey, filled with opportunities to shape perceptions and craft compelling narratives. As you embark on this path, there are a few foundational strategies that can enhance your success in the dynamic field of PR. First and foremost, cultivating a robust network is essential. The heart of public relations lies in forging strong connections. Engage actively with colleagues, journalists, and industry professionals. This can be achieved by attending industry events, participating in relevant organizations, and maintaining a vibrant presence on professional social media platforms like LinkedIn. These relationships will not only provide valuable insights and opportunities but also support your growth in the field. Equally important is honing your communication skills. In public relations, your ability to articulate ideas clearly and persuasively is paramount. Dedicate time to refining your writing and speaking abilities, ensuring you can deliver clear, concise, and compelling messages tailored to various audiences and media formats. This skill set is your toolkit, enabling you to convey your clients' messages effectively and resonate with your target audience. Staying informed cannot be overlooked. The landscape of public relations is constantly influenced by shifting industry trends, breaking news, and technological advancements. By keeping abreast of these changes, you can better anticipate and meet the needs of your clients and the media, thus solidifying your role as a knowledgeable and indispensable asset. Practical experience is another cornerstone of a successful PR career. Seek out internships or entry-level positions within PR agencies or in-house teams. These opportunities are invaluable for understanding the industry's dynamics from the inside out, providing a real-world context to the theories and strategies learned in academic settings. Lastly, embracing a proactive and creative mindset is crucial. Public relations thrive on innovation and initiative. Be ready to propose new ideas, tackle challenges with creative solutions, and manage crises with agility and poise. Your ability to think outside the box and act decisively in high-pressure situations will set you apart in the fast-paced world of public relations.
What Media Relations Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Elizabeth Foster Ph.D.: Social media strategy and analytics will continue to boom. There is an adage 'AI won't replace your job- but the person who knows how to use it might'; young professionals would be wise to learn how to engage AI strategically and effectively. Experiential public relations is an area in high demand; students should learn data-driven storytelling as well.
What Media Relations Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Andrea Meluch Ph.D.: Make sure that you are a stand out candidate when applying for entry-level positions. To accomplish this, showcase your skills on your resume, cover letter, and through your relevant work and educational experience.
What will help Media Relations Managers increase their earning potential?
Andrea Meluch Ph.D.: Research your career field and understand the qualifications employers are looking for and make sure you have them through education and experience.
What Media Relations Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Suzanne Boys PhD., APR: I encourage students to create a portfolio of work samples, including writing, research, and creative pieces. They can use this portfolio to show skills, potential, and the value they will add to a company. I also encourage students to pursue continued education and practical certifications after graduation (e.g., Google and LinkedIn offer free and low cost certifications). Adding those certifications to a resume can show skills, relevance, and work ethic. Joining professional associations (e.g., Public Relations Society of America, American Marketing Association, Together Digital) is also key. Many of those associations offer mentorship, professional development, and networking opportunities. Finally, it is important to put yourself forward for opportunities. Employees who take on projects and are unafraid of challenges create leverage for themselves in salary negotiations.
What will help Media Relations Managers increase their earning potential?
Suzanne Boys PhD., APR: My advice to graduating Communication students is to think outside of the box about ways to build experience. For example, post graduate internships are a great way to gain experience. Another non-traditional post graduate option is to volunteer for local non-profit organizations. Students can use these volunteer experiences to continue building their portfolios and networks, even while they job search. I also advise recent graduates not to pressure themselves to find 'the job.' Their first couple of jobs after graduating will allow them to grow their skills and networks. They can finesse their job search after they have finessed their skills and started to built a career network.
What general advice would you give to a Media Relations Manager?
Dr. Phillip Arceneaux: It can be a hectic job with responsibilities continually expanding. Some enjoy the challenges and the opportunity to develop new skills, while others may find the pace overwhelming. The variety of industries open to PR professionals allows them to work in sectors they are passionate about, making their work fulfilling.
What Media Relations Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Phillip Arceneaux: Every company needs to tell its story, making PR essential. New technologies like digital media and AI offer innovative ways to engage. PR professionals play a crucial role in assessing risks, managing crises, and repairing reputations. The diversity of sectors where PR can be applied makes the profession fulfilling and meaningful.
What will help Media Relations Managers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Phillip Arceneaux: On a daily basis, PR practitioners are implementing various earned media strategies to build two-way mutually beneficial relationships with consumers. PR is more about building meaningful, long-term relationships between consumers and a brand by telling meaningful stories and communicating information about the brand. Tasks can range from curating content on social media, pitching stories to journalists, event planning, updating website information, drafting newsletters and press releases, designing graphics, conducting market performance and consumer attitude analysis, and more.
What general advice would you give to a Media Relations Manager?
Megan Hill: The best way to maximize your salary potential when starting your career is to have built-in experience through internships and/or other practical experience to illustrate the value you're able to bring to an employer on day one.
What will help Media Relations Managers increase their earning potential?
Megan Hill: Don't rest on your laurels; this field is highly demanding and undergoing constant change, so be prepared to engage in life-long learning - from your own experiences, peers, mentors, professional organizations, etc. - and don't lose sight of what's at the heart of public relations work - building relationships with people.
What general advice would you give to a Media Relations Manager?
Dr. Mathew Cabot APR: PR offers the satisfaction of seeing tangible results from one's efforts, whether it's securing positive media coverage, managing a successful campaign, or effectively navigating a crisis. PR professionals appreciate the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on their organization's reputation and success. Conversely, PR often involves long hours and tight deadlines, particularly when coordinating events, responding to media inquiries, or managing crisis situations. Practitioners may find it difficult to maintain a healthy work-life balance amidst the demands of the job.
What Media Relations Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Mathew Cabot APR: Public relations offers a dynamic, fulfilling, and rewarding career path for individuals who are passionate about communication, storytelling, relationship-building, and making a positive impact in today's interconnected world.
What will help Media Relations Managers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Mathew Cabot APR: A PR practitioner's day-to-day responsibilities can widely vary depending on the practitioner's role, including media relations, social media management, content creation, crisis and reputation management, research and data analytics, and employee communication. Regardless of the specific role, all public relations practitioners help organizations behave and communicate in ways that build trust between the organizations they represent and the stakeholders on whom their success or failure depends. A beginning practitioner could be involved in a variety of tasks, including media monitoring, social media management, research, writing, content creation, and event planning and support.
What general advice would you give to a Media Relations Manager?
Dr. Dustin York: As customers are becoming more and more reluctant to traditional advertising, PR is breaking through the noise. Businesses crave a good online reputation that attracts loyal customers, so PR skills are in high demand. Plus, it's a blend of writing, creativity, and tech-savviness - a hot commodity these days.
What Media Relations Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Dustin York: PR is dynamic, fast-paced, and a field in which you can make a real impact. But it's also stressful, with unpredictable hours and behind-the-scenes work that is not so Instagram-worthy.
What will help Media Relations Managers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Dustin York: A PR pro's day is a juggling act of pitching stories to media, crafting content, planning events, and maybe even communicating an issue or crisis, but all their work comes down to some sort of storytelling. Newbies assist senior folks with projects, but some common tasks for entry-level pros include media listening and auditing.
Dr. Leslie Rasmussen
Associate ProfessorWhat general advice would you give to a Media Relations Manager?
Dr. Leslie Rasmussen: PR is not monotonous; it's generally fast-paced and can be very fun and exciting. There's a lot of creativity that goes into PR, and for the right person, it can very rewarding. Others may not enjoy the fast-paced, ever-changing landscape
What Media Relations Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Leslie Rasmussen: Public relations focuses on building relationships between organizations and audiences. Nowadays, audiences are inundated with options, and we must focus on connection, building community, and making people feel something. We get to think outside of the box and build strategy to make those connections for a variety of reasons and industries. Organizations, big and small, use PR to cut through the clutter and set themselves apart from the competition. The need spans across industries and organization size, so it's a perfect time to enter PR and find your fit.
What will help Media Relations Managers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Leslie Rasmussen: The exciting thing about working in PR is that it's never the same. You might be planning an event, writing news releases, developing social media strategies and content, managing campaigns, or working with the media, depending on the day. PR is also versatile - you can work in the auto industry, healthcare, politics, beauty, sports, entertainment... the possibilities are endless. No matter which path you take, the core skills we utilize in PR are writing, research, public speaking, organization, and creativity. How we use those skills will vary from day-to-day.
What general advice would you give to a Media Relations Manager?
Michelle Maresh-Fuehrer Ph.D.: -Responsibly and ethically using AI as a tool for generating content ideas. -Research, especially vetting appropriate sources to combat misinformation. -Relationship management - with peer coworkers in largely hybrid work environments, and with clients/company stakeholders.
What will help Media Relations Managers increase their earning potential?
Michelle Maresh-Fuehrer Ph.D.: It is never too early to start thinking about your 5- and 10-year plan. Browse job advertisements for those mid-career positions and look at the qualifications and experience needed to obtain them. Find ways to gain that experience during your entry-level work. That may mean asking your supervisor if you can shadow them or volunteering to participate in a project to gain experience with a specific skill set. It could also mean doing pro bono or low-cost work for a non-profit or other community organization on the side to build your portfolio.
What general advice would you give to a Media Relations Manager?
Dr. MinJi Kim: Public Relations (PR) is an integral part of our daily lives. The moment we wake up and check our phones, we encounter messages from various sources in the form of texts, photos, sounds, and videos. Consumers are continuously immersed in PR, targeted for attention and managed both knowingly and unknowingly. This necessitates that marketers and PR professionals consistently work to enhance the public's awareness of their clients and nurture relationships continuously. As a result, PR professionals are dedicated to a continuous cycle of monitoring, listening, and responding to customer feedback across diverse media channels, not only during specific seasonal events but also throughout everyday interactions. PR professional's daily responsibilities cover various tasks, such as investigating trends in society, conducting environmental scanning to collect data on the industry and competition, and utilizing social media for monitoring and listening to meet and anticipate consumer demands. Through the process, PR pros manage public queries, craft news stories to keep the public informed about the client's brand, pitch organizational news stories to journalists and reporters, and send out market research reports to stakeholders and investors. At times, duties may also include examining changes in policies and regulations that may affect the business, ensuring proactive preparation for upcoming challenges and opportunities.
What Media Relations Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. MinJi Kim: In recent years, we've transitioned into an era that might be called the age of self-PR, where not only corporations but also individuals focus on promoting their own brand value, making themselves known, and building relationships. The journey started with accessible media serving as a bridge, connecting individuals and offering a platform for the continuous distribution, exchange, and recreation of information. Although the realms of PR have long been viewed as attractive careers for strategically boosting a noticeable presence of brands and building loyal relationships, the significance of PR has escalated to unprecedented levels in today's era, characterized by the full exploitation of media potential at all times.
What will help Media Relations Managers increase their earning potential?
Dr. MinJi Kim: The essence of PR is managing the relationship between clients and their audiences, which can make it challenging to satisfy both groups simultaneously. Particularly during a crisis, it becomes difficult to protect the organization's reputation while timely addressing and mitigating the audience's complaints. Additionally, many PR professionals face concerns about the societal stereotype that views PR and marketing primarily as profit-driven endeavors. Nevertheless, pursuing a career in public relations (PR) is perfect for those eager to understand people's thoughts and leverage influence by staying updated with the latest industry news. It offers a unique chance to shape public opinion and establish trends in a dynamic society. Crafting universally accessible content and representing clients to engage with the public poses a distinctive challenge. The responsibility and impact of a PR representative with their specific role and skills showcase the power of this profession.
Sara Erlichman Ph.D.
Visiting Assistant Professor of Communication and MediaMethodist University
Public Relations, Advertising, And Applied Communication
What Media Relations Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Sara Erlichman Ph.D.: One of the top advice I see is that you document your successes with KPIs. Keep a Word file in your personal cloud documenting any and all positive feedback from colleagues and hard data that demonstrate successful results. Only you know exactly how you've impacted the company through your work, and no one is going to advocate for you as well as you can for yourself!
What will help Media Relations Managers increase their earning potential?
Sara Erlichman Ph.D.: Overall, it is important that anyone pursuing a career in PR to have a combination of investigative, planning, management, and social media experience and skills. Additionally, advance proficiency in Excel will set you apart from candidates.
Regarding the future, I think data analysis and synthesis is extremely important. Majority of metrics are assessed via third-party data, so it is important to be able to look at descriptive statistics and synthesize recommendations for clients.
Ms. Nancy Roberts APR, MBA
Assistant ProfessorHusson University
Public Relations, Advertising, And Applied Communication
What will help Media Relations Managers increase their earning potential?
Ms. Nancy Roberts APR, MBA: People appreciate the creativity and variety in tasks that come with being a Communications Specialist. They enjoy the opportunity to shape public perception and tell compelling stories. However, the fast-paced nature of the job and the pressure to always be on top of trends and crises can be challenging for some.
What Media Relations Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Ms. Nancy Roberts APR, MBA: Communications Specialist is a good profession to enter now because effective communication is crucial in today's fast-paced digital world. With the rise of social media and online platforms, businesses and organizations need skilled professionals to navigate and manage their public image effectively.
What will help Media Relations Managers increase their earning potential?
McKenna Vietmeier: When it comes to Public Relations, there are some fundamental skills that we will see persist: writing and strategic thinking. Excellent writing skills and the ability to strategize/problem solve continue to be the most requested qualifications we get from employers and many of our recent grads point to our PR Writing and PR Strategic Campaigns courses as the ones that best prepared them for their careers. However, in the next 3-5 years, PR students will also need to diversify their skillsets. Many employers now expect their PR person to be a one-stop shop for expertise in social media, graphic design, media relations, multimedia, SEO, marketing, and more. It will become increasingly important for students to think outside of the parameters of standard curriculum and seek out coursework that will help them become the well-rounded, adaptable professional that employers are looking for.
What will help Media Relations Managers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Tiffany McBride: As a new communications graduate, students must establish versatility, showcase the schooling and skills they have learned, and leverage any internships or industry-related employment, business, and community relations experience. Communications, specifically public relations and strategic communication, require strong written and vocal communication abilities; highlighting what you have accomplished both inside and outside the classroom will make you stand out from other applicants. It is also a good rule of thumb to keep up with industry trends and standards by networking with industry-related professionals and researching and studying the industry. One piece of advice I give my public relations students and any student taking my courses is to start early by creating an online portfolio of your communication projects and using professional networking sites, such as LinkedIn. Creating a professional or more industry-focused social media presence tells employers and those in the industry that you have researched what it takes to get into the field and are serious about your profession. Also, if the portfolio is comprehensive and created well, it offers a more holistic approach to what you, as a graduate, know how to do, not just what you learned from a textbook but real-life application. Although they may not be your dream job coming out of college, get internships or entry-level jobs to gain experience and network to open doors and gain insights for the future.
Marisa Peacock
LecturerUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Communication And Media Studies
What general advice would you give to a Media Relations Manager?
Marisa Peacock: Curiosity, multi-tasking, boundary setting, and the ability to write well will never fall out of favor!
PR requires a lot of on-going work, most of it behind the scenes. Knowing how to stay organized in chaos will help. Also, knowing how you need to handle stressful situations will help prevent burnout. When things get to be too much - figuring out what helps (going for a walk outside, putting down your devices for a few hours, working out, having coffee with a friend) will benefit your mental health in the long run. Emerging technologies will also be a factor, so be curious, adapt and find ways to evolve your brand/company's presence online.
What Media Relations Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Marisa Peacock: Everything is public relations. The traditional approach to PR doesn't always apply. Because of the expansive and pervasive nature of how information is shared on and offline, if you're trying to educate, promote or persuade a public, that's public relations. As such, your job title might not reflect it, so when applying for jobs, focus more on the job responsibilities than the job title.
Good public relations specialists are curious. They love learning about how things work, the people who are involved, and about how the public engages - ask questions, attend events, meet the people at your company - this will all make your job easier, because you'll have a more holistic view about the brand, its products, and services.
What will help Media Relations Managers increase their earning potential?
Marisa Peacock: It's important to figure out how much it costs to keep you alive. Before job hunting, do the math. How much is rent, car, food, etc? Do you need a Starbucks coffee every morning or can you brew your own? Do you need health insurance (recent grads can stay on their parent's insurance until 26 in most cases)? Figure out that number and then add in buffer room so you can have some wiggle room or opportunities to save. That's your base salary. If you go below, you'll have to make concessions - some reasonable, some not. Use cost of living calculators to determine what salaries look like in other places. Remote and hybrid work is still available, so it's important to factor that in, especially if you're going to live in different locations than where you work.
When looking for jobs, don't underestimate your experience. Even if you haven't had PR-related internships, chances are you've demonstrated public relations skills that can translate well. If you worked in retail, for example, that's a lot of customer relations. If you worked front of house at a restaurant, you know how to engage a public. If you worked as a barista, you know how to meet deadlines, work in chaotic situations, and communicate with others.
Look for the skills that make you better at PR and then highlight those experiences on resumes, cover letters, and in interviews. These skills from different experiences may set you apart and make you eligible for more than just entry-level positions.
What will help Media Relations Managers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Erin Doss: Networking is a huge way to jumpstart a career in most fields, including communication. Reaching out to individuals in a company you want to work for and developing a relationship with them can provide access to jobs a new graduate would never have otherwise. A contact within an organization can also help a job applicant navigate salary negotiations and provide information on reasonable salary expectations.