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What is a public relations account executive and how to become one
Companies hire service providers for needs outside of their business as usual. These may include business requirements that are only needed during specific periods, such as product launches, publishing write-ups, or even award ceremonies. For such types of activities, companies hire public relations firms to handle the publicity requirements, and those public relations firms assign public relations account executives to handle specific clients.
Public relations account executives are assigned specific clients based on their experience or area of expertise. They craft public relations write-ups, coordinate with media, and create and implement the communication plan. They are also in charge of briefing involved suppliers. Public relations account executives also conduct regular meetings with their clients. This helps them ensure that they are on the same page as their clients. It also helps them assess the feasibility of the client's vision and gives them the opportunity to discuss action plans.
If you enjoy public relations and client management, working as an account executive is right up your alley. Should you pursue this career, you will need to build credibility with your clients and you will need to create a good reputation.
What general advice would you give to a public relations account executive?
Stefanie Leiter
Assistant Professor of Public Relations, Anderson University
Avg. Salary $53,485
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 8%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.59%
Asian 5.30%
Black or African American 10.08%
Hispanic or Latino 11.97%
Unknown 5.09%
White 66.97%
Genderfemale 70.70%
male 29.30%
Age - 40American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 40Stress level is high
7.1 - high
Complexity level is advanced
7 - challenging
Work life balance is poor
6.4 - fair
Public relations account executive career paths
Key steps to become a public relations account executive
Explore public relations account executive education requirements
Start to develop specific public relations account executive skills
Skills Percentages Press Releases 17.85% Digital Marketing 7.30% Fact Sheets 5.38% Biographies 4.53% Client Accounts 3.94% Complete relevant public relations account executive training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New public relations account executives learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a public relations account executive based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real public relations account executive resumes.Research public relations account executive duties and responsibilities
- Manage LinkedIn communications with former PRSSA members.
- Create and effectively manage department and store/corporate events, which includes conceptual design and ROI.
- Manage Facebook account promoting events to students across campus
- Manage public affairs and media efforts including writing and placing op-eds and mobilizing editorial campaigns.
Prepare your public relations account executive resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your public relations account executive resume.
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Apply for public relations account executive jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a public relations account executive job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
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Average public relations account executive salary
The average public relations account executive salary in the United States is $53,485 per year or $26 per hour. Public relations account executive salaries range between $36,000 and $79,000 per year.
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Updated January 8, 2025
