Employers of Public Relations majors in MD

Public Relations Managers

Public relations managers plan and direct the creation of material that will maintain or enhance the public image of their employer or client. Fundraising managers coordinate campaigns that bring in donations for their organization. They plan, direct, or coordinate activities designed to create or maintain a favorable public image or raise issue awareness for their organization or client; or if engaged in fundraising, plan, direct, or coordinate activities to solicit and maintain funds for special projects or nonprofit organizations. Public relations and fundraising managers generally work in offices during regular business hours. However, many must travel to give speeches and meet with individuals who are important to their organization. About 1 in 3 worked more than 40 hours per week in 2016. Public relations and fundraising managers need at least a bachelor’s degree, and some positions may require a master’s degree. Many years of related work experience are also necessary. The median annual wage for public relations and fundraising managers was $55,640 in May 2017. Employment of public relations and fundraising managers is projected to grow 10 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. Employment of public relations managers will be driven by the need for organizations to maintain their public image, especially with the growth of social media. The need to raise funds for nonprofit organizations will require more fundraising managers.

Public Relations Specialists

Public relations specialists create and maintain a favorable public image for the organization they represent. They craft media releases and develop social media programs to shape public perception of their organization and to increase awareness of its work and goals. Public relations specialists usually work in offices. Some attend community activities or events. Long workdays are common, as is overtime. Public relations specialists typically need a bachelor’s degree in public relations, journalism, communications, English, or business. The median annual wage for public relations specialists was $59,300 in May 2017. Employment of public relations specialists is projected to grow 9 percent from 2016 to 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations. The need for organizations to maintain their public image will continue to drive employment growth. Candidates can expect strong competition for jobs at advertising and public relations firms and organizations with large media exposure.

Fundraisers

Fundraisers organize events and campaigns to raise money and other kinds of donations for an organization. They also may design promotional materials and increase awareness of an organization’s work, goals, and financial needs. Fundraisers work primarily for nonprofit organizations, including educational institutions, religious organizations, health research foundations, social services organizations, and political campaigns. Most worked full time in 2016. Fundraisers typically need a bachelor’s degree and strong communication and organizational skills. Employers generally prefer candidates who have studied public relations, journalism, communications, English, or business. The median annual wage for fundraisers was $55,640 in May 2017. Employment of fundraisers is projected to grow 15 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. Employment growth is expected to be driven by the continued need of various types of organizations to raise money.