Public Relations Specialists
(SOC 27-3031)

Print Version

Engage in promoting or creating an intended public image for individuals, groups, or organizations. May write or select material for release to various communications media.

Sample of reported job titles: Account Executive, Public Affairs Specialist, Public Relations Specialist (PR Specialist), Public Information Officer, Communications Director, Communications Specialist, Public Information Specialist, Public Relations Coordinator, Corporate Communications Specialist, Media Relations Specialist

Job Responsibilities

• Respond to requests for information from the media or designate an appropriate spokesperson or information source.
• Study the objectives, promotional policies, or needs of organizations to develop public relations strategies that will influence public opinion or promote ideas, products, or services.
• Plan or direct development or communication of informational programs to maintain favorable public or stockholder perceptions of an organization's accomplishments or agenda.
• Establish or maintain cooperative relationships with representatives of community, consumer, employee, or public interest groups.
• Prepare or edit organizational publications for internal and external audiences, including employee newsletters and stockholders' reports.
• Coach client representatives in effective communication with the public or with employees.
• Confer with production or support personnel to produce or coordinate production of advertisements or promotions.
• Confer with other managers to identify trends or key group interests or concerns or to provide advice on business decisions.
• Arrange public appearances, lectures, contests, or exhibits for clients to increase product or service awareness or to promote goodwill.
• Consult with advertising agencies or staff to arrange promotional campaigns in all types of media for products, organizations, or individuals.

New Hampshire Outlook

• Average Hourly Wage*: $29.58
• Estimated Employment 2010: 930
• Projected Employment 2020: 1,124
• Expected 10-Year Growth: 20.9%
• Projected Average Annual Openings: 44

Top industries in NH for this occupation:

• Membership Organizations and Associations
• Colleges and Universities
• Elementary and Secondary Schools
• Computer Systems Design and Related Services
• Hospitals
• Advertising and Related Services

Education and Training
Public Relations Specialists usually must have at least a four-year college degree. Most will require up to twelve months of on-the-job training, usually working with a more experienced person on the staff.

There is no license or certification required for this occupation in New Hampshire, unless the Public Relations Specialist is employed as a political lobbyist. Lobbyists are regulated by the New Hampshire Secretary of State, and must register annually.

Interests (Holland Code): EAS

• Enterprising - Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
• Artistic - Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
• Social - Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.

Career Cluster: Business, Management and Administration

Work Environment
Public relations managers and specialists work in high-stress environments, often for long hours. Most work full time.

Additional Information Sources**
The Public Relations Society of America
<www.prsa.org>

International Association of Business Communicators
<www.iabc.com>

Public Relations Society of America
<www.prsa.org>

To Find a Job
Contact the nearest NH Employment Security office or go online to www.nhes.nh.gov

* New Hampshire Occupational Employment and Wages, September 2012. Wage estimates based on surveys through May 2011, adjusted to June 2012.
** Inclusion of this information is intended to provide a convenient resource for research, but in no way constitutes an endorsement for any organization; nor is the list all-inclusive.

Source:
NH Employment Projections, base year 2010 to projected year 2020
Occupational Outlook Handbook 2010, Bureau of Labor Statistics

For more information:
Economic and Labor Market Information Bureau
(603) 228-4124
elmi@nhes.nh.gov