How To Become A Public Relations Supervisor: What It Is and Career Path

What is a public relations supervisor and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Quoted experts

Michael Mercer,

Jody McBrien

The public relations supervisor is a senior member of the public relations department who manages and oversees the daily implementation of public relations plans and projects. He/She works with the client to provide project updates, understand the client's direction, develop strategies, and manage their budgets. He/She assists in identifying new business opportunities and supports new business development. Also, he/she develops and conducts media training for clients and team members. Additionally, he/she enforces the company's policies and adheres to the hiring procedures.

To become a public relations supervisor, you need at least a bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or any related degree with a minimum of seven years of experience in the public relations, marketing, or communications field. This role pays $72,551 on average yearly, with a range varying from $53,000 to $87,000. You must possess creativity, attention to detail, strategic thinking, and communication skills. You must be proficient in relevant computer programs.

What general advice would you give to a public relations supervisor?

Michael Mercer

Senior Instructor and Newspaper Adviser, University of the Incarnate Word

I hope the graduate has done at least one internship that's journalism-related or at least called on the graduate to show their journalism skills, especially writing. Not just any writing but writing aimed at conveying information in its simplest form. If the graduate has not done a previous internship, be prepared to do one, even as a freelance writer or unpaid volunteer to show how determined and skillful you are just to get your foot in the door.

ScorePublic Relations SupervisorUS Average

Salary

5.9

Avg. Salary $75,368

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

8.7

Growth rate 8%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

4.5

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.42%

Asian 5.12%

Black or African American 5.98%

Hispanic or Latino 9.13%

Unknown 4.66%

White 74.68%

Gender

female 59.02%

male 40.98%

Age - 41

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 41

Stress level

8.7

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

9.4

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance

3.8

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a public relations supervisor

Explore public relations supervisor education requirements

Most common public relations supervisor degrees

Bachelor's

67.3 %

Associate

12.5 %

Master's

8.7 %

Start to develop specific public relations supervisor skills

Skills	Percentages
Press Releases	9.88%
Account Management	8.33%
Integrated Marketing	5.94%
Direct Reports	5.21%
Guest Service	4.50%

Complete relevant public relations supervisor training and internships

Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New public relations supervisors 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 supervisor based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real public relations supervisor resumes.

Research public relations supervisor duties and responsibilities

Manage public affairs and media efforts including writing and placing op-eds and mobilizing editorial campaigns.
Administer corporate oversight of customer expectations and appropriate services to ensure alignment between customer practices and core customer service values.
Direct strategic planning and execution for entertainment partnership platform to include B2C communications and marketing.

Prepare your public relations supervisor resume

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