What does a public relations manager do?

Thinking about going into public relations, and I'm curious about what a public relations manager does. Is it mainly about managing media relations, or do they handle internal communications as well?

Public relations managers have a variety of tasks, from handling the media and promoting their organization's image to mitigating crises and managing internal communications.

Primarily, public relations managers work to shape the public conversation around their organization. This involves creating publicity strategies, writing press releases, and organizing PR events to generate positive media coverage. They might also reach out to journalists and influencers, and sometimes act as the spokesperson for their organization in interviews or at press conferences.

Crisis management is another key part of the job. If something goes wrong – like a product recall or a negative news story – it's the public relations manager's responsibility to mitigate the damage and spin a positive narrative.

Public relations managers do indeed manage internal communications too. In larger organizations, they may work with an internal communications team to ensure that employees are kept informed about company news. This can involve writing newsletters, organizing meetings, and developing communication strategies that keep employees engaged and aligned with the company's goals and values.

In short, public relations managers play a vital role in shaping how their organization is perceived by the public, the media, and its own employees. It's a role that requires strong communication skills, strategic thinking, and a knack for managing relationships.