Public Relations Manager Resume examples & templates

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Copyable Public Relations Manager Resume examples

At 7:30 AM, Sam's phone buzzes with a client crisis alert. The CEO's controversial comment went viral overnight, and now three journalists need statements before noon. Between sips of coffee, Sam drafts talking points, texts the leadership team, and reschedules the day's meetings. By 9 AM, she's in the office, coaching the CEO through potential interview questions while simultaneously editing the quarterly stakeholder report due tomorrow. This juggling act—crisis management, strategic messaging, relationship building—forms the backbone of a PR manager's daily reality. One moment you're crafting a pitch that lands your client in The Wall Street Journal (after 16 rejections elsewhere), the next you're transforming complex data into a story that resonates with both investors and consumers.

The PR landscape has shifted dramatically with social media democratizing influence. According to the USC Annenberg Center, 73% of PR professionals now report that managing "digital crises" consumes more of their

time than traditional media relations—a complete reversal from just five years ago. While automation tools handle some monitoring tasks, the human elements of relationship building and narrative development remain irreplaceable. As digital channels continue fragmenting audiences, tomorrow's PR managers will likely become hybrid specialists—part data analyst, part storyteller, and part strategic advisor.

Junior Public Relations Manager Resume Example

Jordan Reyes

Chicago, IL | (312) 555-8746 | j.reyes@email.com | linkedin.com/in/jordanreyes

PR PROFESSIONAL WITH AGENCY & IN-HOUSE EXPERIENCE
Detail-oriented public relations coordinator with hands-on experience managing media relationships and social media campaigns. Skilled in creating compelling press materials and tracking analytics to measure campaign effectiveness. Completed PR internships while earning my degree, giving me a solid foundation in both agency and corporate environments.

EXPERIENCE

Public Relations Coordinator | Brightwave Communications | Chicago, IL | June 2022 – Present

  • Support PR campaigns for 4 B2B tech clients, coordinating media outreach that resulted in 17 placements in industry publications in Q1 2023
  • Draft press releases, media advisories, and pitch emails with 72% response rate (up from team average of 58%)
  • Manage social media content calendar for client accounts, increasing engagement by 23% across platforms
  • Coordinate interview prep sessions between clients and media, including briefing materials and talking points
  • Track media coverage and compile monthly reports using Meltwater and Google Analytics

PR & Communications Intern | Midway Medical Center | Chicago, IL | January 2022 – May 2022

  • Assisted with internal communications during COVID-19 policy updates, creating weekly staff newsletters
  • Drafted press materials for community health initiatives, securing coverage in 2 local news outlets
  • Photographed hospital events for use in marketing materials and social media
  • Tracked media mentions and helped maintain media contact database (Cision)

Public Relations Intern | Vertex PR Agency | Chicago, IL | June 2021 – December 2021

  • Supported account team for 3 consumer brand clients by monitoring media coverage and social media
  • Created media lists using Cision and helped prepare press kits for product launches
  • Participated in brainstorming sessions for campaign ideas and angles
  • Helped coordinate a successful product launch event with 28 media attendees

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Arts in Communication, Public Relations Concentration | May 2021
DePaul University, Chicago, IL
• 3.7 GPA, Dean’s List (5 quarters)
• Vice President, Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) chapter
• Study abroad: Strategic Communication in London (Spring 2020)

CERTIFICATIONS

Hootsuite Social Marketing Certification (2022)
Google Analytics Individual Qualification (2022)

SKILLS

  • Media Relations & Pitching
  • Press Release Writing
  • Social Media Management
  • Crisis Communications (basic)
  • Event Planning & Coordination
  • Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign)
  • Cision & Meltwater
  • Content Creation
  • SEO Fundamentals
  • Photography & Basic Video Editing

ADDITIONAL

• Volunteer, Chicago Public Relations Society monthly events (2021-present)
• Fluent in Spanish (conversational)
• Maintain personal blog covering Chicago arts & culture scene

Mid-level Public Relations Manager Resume Example

Melanie Winters

Chicago, IL | (312) 555-7648 | melanie.winters@email.com | linkedin.com/in/melaniewinters

Professional Summary

Results-driven Public Relations Manager with 5+ years of experience creating and executing PR campaigns that boost brand visibility and reputation. Proven track record of increasing media coverage by 42% for clients in tech and healthcare sectors. Known for building strong media relationships, managing crisis communications, and developing engaging content that resonates with target audiences.

Experience

Public Relations Manager
Horizon Communications | Chicago, IL | June 2020 – Present

  • Lead PR strategy for 7 tech and healthcare clients with combined annual budgets of $1.2M
  • Secured 78 media placements in top-tier publications including Forbes, TechCrunch, and Healthcare Weekly, representing a 42% increase from previous years
  • Managed crisis communications during a client’s data breach, creating response strategy that maintained 89% of customer trust (measured via post-crisis survey)
  • Supervise team of 3 PR specialists, providing mentorship and professional development opportunities
  • Transformed client quarterly reports with enhanced metrics tracking, which helped renew 5 accounts that were previously at risk

PR Specialist
GreenLeaf Agency | Chicago, IL | March 2018 – May 2020

  • Drafted and distributed 4-6 press releases monthly for clients in consumer goods and non-profit sectors
  • Built relationships with 35+ journalists, resulting in 24 earned media placements worth approx. $167K in equivalent advertising value
  • Coordinated successful product launch event for Brightway Home Goods that attracted 13 media attendees and generated coverage in 4 local TV stations
  • Collaborated with social media team to align messaging across platforms, increasing engagement by 27%

PR Coordinator
Midwest Media Relations | Milwaukee, WI | August 2016 – February 2018

  • Assisted with media monitoring and created daily coverage reports for account managers
  • Maintained media lists and databases for 12 clients across diverse industries
  • Helped organize 3 press conferences that received local TV coverage
  • Wrote 2-3 blog posts weekly for agency website (my post on “PR Ethics in the Digital Age” became the most-shared content that quarter)

Education

Bachelor of Arts in Communications – Minor in Business
University of Wisconsin – Madison | Graduated May 2016

Certificate in Crisis Communications Management
Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) | Completed December 2019

Skills

  • Media Relations & Pitching
  • Crisis Communications
  • Press Release Writing
  • Event Planning & Management
  • Social Media Strategy
  • Cision & Meltwater
  • Adobe Creative Suite
  • Google Analytics
  • Content Development
  • Team Leadership
  • Budget Management

Professional Affiliations

Member, Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), 2017-Present
Member, Chicago Women in Communications, 2019-Present

Senior / Experienced Public Relations Manager Resume Example

Rebecca Donovan

Boston, MA | (617) 555-8291 | r.donovan@emailpro.com | linkedin.com/in/rebeccadonovan

Strategic public relations leader with 9+ years guiding communications for global brands and managing complex PR campaigns. Proven track record of leading crisis communications, generating 42% increase in positive media coverage, and building relationships with top-tier journalists. Known for translating technical subjects into compelling stories and developing PR strategies that drive business outcomes.

Experience

Director of Public Relations | Highmark Communications | Boston, MA | July 2020 – Present

  • Lead PR strategy for 7 enterprise technology clients with combined annual revenue of $3.2B, managing a team of 6 PR specialists and $850K budget
  • Orchestrated crisis response during client data breach that maintained 89% customer retention and secured favorable coverage in WSJ and TechCrunch
  • Redesigned media pitching process resulting in 42% increase in secured placements and 68% improvement in message pull-through
  • Spearheaded executive visibility program placing client leadership in 11 tier-1 speaking opportunities including SXSW and Fortune Brainstorm Tech
  • Cut content production costs by 23% while increasing output by implementing streamlined editorial calendar and approval workflows

PR Manager | Vantage Partners | Chicago, IL | March 2017 – June 2020

  • Managed PR campaigns for healthcare and finance clients, increasing earned media placements by 36% year-over-year
  • Developed and executed social media strategy that grew client engagement by 78% across platforms in 18 months
  • Created measurement framework linking PR activities to business outcomes, helping secure $180K budget increase
  • Led 3-person team handling daily media monitoring, content creation, and reporter relationship management
  • Trained 12 client executives on media interview techniques and crisis communications protocols

PR Specialist | Bluefin Agency | Chicago, IL | August 2014 – February 2017

  • Secured 140+ media placements for B2B technology clients in publications including Forbes, Fast Company, and industry verticals
  • Drafted press releases, bylined articles, and executive talking points for 5 clients in the SaaS and cybersecurity sectors
  • Assisted senior team members with campaign planning and execution for product launches and corporate announcements
  • Managed agency social media channels, growing follower base by 62% and engagement by 41%

Education

Boston University | Master of Science in Public Relations | 2014

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | Bachelor of Arts in Communications | 2012

Certifications

Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) | Public Relations Society of America | 2019
Crisis Communications Management | Institute for Crisis Management | 2018
HubSpot Content Marketing Certification | 2021

Skills

  • Strategic Communications Planning
  • Crisis Management & Response
  • Media Relations & Pitching
  • Executive Visibility Programs
  • Press Release Development
  • Social Media Strategy
  • PR Measurement & Analytics
  • Team Leadership & Mentoring
  • Cision, Meltwater, TrendKite
  • Budget Management

Professional Memberships

Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), Member since 2014
Boston Women in Communications, Board Member since 2021

How to Write a Public Relations Manager Resume

Introduction

Creating a standout PR Manager resume isn't just about listing your job history—it's about crafting a compelling narrative that showcases your communication expertise. Your resume is essentially your first PR campaign... and you're the client! I've reviewed thousands of PR resumes over my career, and the ones that land interviews consistently demonstrate strategic thinking, measurable results, and industry knowledge. Let's break down exactly what makes hiring managers take notice in this competitive field.

Resume Structure and Format

Keep your resume clean and scannable—PR professionals understand the value of presentation better than most. Aim for 1-2 pages (one page for under 7 years experience, two pages for veterans with 8+ years). White space matters!

  • Use a clean, professional font (Calibri, Arial, or Georgia work well)
  • Include clear section headers to guide the reader's eye
  • Incorporate bullet points (4-6 per role) rather than dense paragraphs
  • Save your file as a PDF to preserve formatting (unless specifically asked for a .doc)
  • Name your file professionally: "FirstName_LastName_PR_Manager.pdf"
Skip the objective statement! Replace it with a powerful professional summary that highlights your PR specialty (crisis communication, media relations, etc.) and quantifiable achievements. This instantly signals your value to potential employers.

Profile/Summary Section

Your summary should pack a punch in 3-5 lines. Think of it as your elevator pitch. Mention your years of experience, PR specialization, and 1-2 standout accomplishments. For example:

"PR Manager with 6+ years driving strategic communications for tech startups. Secured 78 media placements in 2022 alone, including features in TechCrunch and Forbes. Known for turning complex product launches into compelling stories that resonate with both industry insiders and mainstream audiences."

Professional Experience

This is where you prove your PR prowess. Focus on results, not just responsibilities. Each bullet should follow this formula when possible: Action + Detail + Result.

  • Start with strong action verbs (Orchestrated, Spearheaded, Transformed)
  • Include specific PR campaigns you managed
  • Mention publications/outlets where you secured coverage
  • Quantify results (increased social engagement by 47%, secured 12 tier-one media placements, etc.)
  • Highlight crisis management situations you've navigated successfully

Education and Certifications

List degrees in reverse chronological order. For most PR Managers, your experience matters more than education, so keep this section brief unless you're early in your career. Relevant certifications can set you apart:

  • APR (Accredited in Public Relations)
  • Digital marketing certifications (HubSpot, Google Analytics)
  • Crisis communication training
  • Industry-specific credentials (healthcare PR certifications, etc.)

Keywords and ATS Tips

Most companies use Applicant Tracking Systems to filter resumes before human eyes see them. Analyze the job posting and naturally incorporate key terms throughout your resume. Common PR Manager keywords include:

  • Media relations
  • Press release writing/distribution
  • Crisis communications
  • Stakeholder engagement
  • Brand messaging
  • Campaign measurement
  • Social media strategy

Industry-specific Terms

Show you speak the language of PR by including relevant terminology. Mention tools and concepts like Cision, Meltwater, MuckRack, earned media value, share of voice, message penetration, and sentiment analysis. If you have expertise with particular PR software, highlight it—many hiring managers search specifically for these skills.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Focusing on duties instead of achievements (boring!)
  • Using generic terms like "good communicator" (you're in PR—prove it!)
  • Failing to show measurement skills (PR isn't just about creativity)
  • Overlooking proofreading (a single typo on a PR resume can be fatal)
  • Omitting social media expertise (it's expected for modern PR pros)

Before/After Example

Before: "Responsible for media relations and writing press releases for company events."

After: "Developed and executed media relations strategy for quarterly product launches, securing 14 feature articles in industry publications and increasing event attendance by 32% year-over-year."

Remember—your resume needs to demonstrate not just what you did, but how well you did it. PR is all about results, and so is your resume. Good luck with your application!

Soft skills for your Public Relations Manager resume

  • Stakeholder relationship building – proven track record nurturing connections with media contacts, executives, and community partners even in high-pressure situations
  • Cross-functional team leadership – comfortable directing creative, social media, and content teams without direct authority
  • Crisis communication instincts – quick judgment for what needs escalation vs. what can be handled through standard protocols
  • Message refinement – turning complex technical/business concepts into clear, compelling narratives that resonate with target audiences
  • Client expectation management – setting realistic timelines and deliverables while maintaining confidence during shifting priorities
  • Constructive feedback delivery – tactful yet direct communication with both junior staff and executive leadership

Hard skills for your Public Relations Manager resume

  • Media monitoring platforms (Meltwater, Cision, Brandwatch)
  • Adobe Creative Suite (primarily Photoshop, InDesign)
  • PR campaign analytics and measurement (MuckRack, TrendKite)
  • CRM database management (Salesforce, HubSpot)
  • Press release development and distribution
  • Crisis communications protocol implementation
  • SEO/SEM principles for digital PR
  • AP Style proficiency
  • Video editing (Premiere Pro, Final Cut)