What does a Public Relations Account Manager do?
Public Relations Account Managers provide consultations and lead media campaigns at public relations firms or at large corporations that have a dedicated PR department. They assess public opinion of their clients and create an action plan for generating positive attention and aligning media buzz with their client’s goals. Informing the public about new initiatives, responding to criticisms and concerns, highlighting community outreach and building industry relationships are all key purposes of a Public Relations Account Manager. Public Relations Account Managers are essential to an organization because they help shape a brand’s identity, reputation and profile.
Public Relations Account Manager skills and qualifications
The position of a Public Relations Account Manager is crucial in building a good rapport with the general public, so candidates need to have a number of skills to excel in the job, including:
- Excellent digital and traditional communication skills
- Knowledge of public relations and client service
- Relationship building and networking skills
- Emotional and interpersonal intelligence
- In-depth understanding of and experience with news media and social media
- Creative, strategic and innovative
- Excellent writing and editing skills
- Analytical and business-oriented
Public Relations Account Manager education and training requirements
In most cases, employers look for a minimum of a bachelor’s or associate degree from Public Relations Account Manager candidates. The top degrees to look out for include journalism, mass communication and public relations. Candidates who have high school diplomas and prior experience in public relations may also be considered. You might also look for candidates with certifications from professional organizations like the Public Relations Society of America or applicants who took extra courses to build skills in areas like marketing and social media.
Public Relations Account Manager experience requirements
To become a Public Relations Account Manager, candidates should have prior experience in a PR agency, public relations office or any fast-paced media field. The amount of experience required varies depending on the size of your organization and a candidate’s education. For smaller companies, candidates may only need a few years of experience, but larger companies may prefer candidates who have around 10 years of experience working in a marketing or communications position, including some managerial experience.
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