Public relations roles and responsibilities

Public relations (PR) managers and specialists are responsible for maintaining a positive image for organizations by managing communications with the public, journalists, and stakeholders. Key duties include writing press releases, drafting speeches, arranging interviews, and responding to media inquiries. Professionals in this field also manage social media content, organize press conferences, and handle crisis communications to counter negative publicity.

In the United States, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 314,500 public relations specialists in 2025, with a median wage of $74,750. According to the Department of Labor's O*NET database, the most critical tasks for these specialists involve responding to media requests, planning programs to maintain favorable public perceptions, and managing digital content.