Public Relations and Fundraising Managers: Salary, career path, job outlook, education and more

Education Required
For public relations and fundraising management positions, a bachelors degree in public relations, communications, English, fundraising, or journalism is generally required. However, some employers prefer a masters degree, particularly in public relations, journalism, fundraising, or nonprofit management.
Job Outlook
The projected percent change in employment from 2016 to 2026: 10% (Faster than average)
(The average growth rate for all occupations is 7 percent.)
Licenses/Certifications
Although not mandatory, public relations managers can become certified through the Public Relations Society of America. Candidates qualify on the basis of years of experience and must pass an exam to become certified.
Median pay: How much do Public Relations and Fundraising Managers make?
$107,320 Annual Salary
$51.59 per hour

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.

What do Public Relations and Fundraising Managers do?

Public relations managers typically do the following:

  • Write press releases and prepare information for the media
  • Identify main client groups and audiences and determine the best way to reach them
  • Designate an appropriate spokesperson or information source for media inquiries
  • Help clients communicate effectively with the public
  • Develop their organizations or clients corporate image and identity
  • Assist and inform an organizations executives and spokespeople
  • Devise advertising and promotion programs
  • Assign, supervise, and review the activities of staff

Fundraising managers typically do the following:

  • Manage progress toward achieving an organizations fundraising goals
  • Develop and carry out fundraising strategies
  • Identify and contact potential donors
  • Create and plan different events that can generate donations
  • Meet face-to-face with highly important donors
  • Apply for grants
  • Assign, supervise, and review the activities of staff

Careers for Public Relations and Fundraising Managers

  • Communication managers
  • Communications experts
  • Communications officers
  • Fundraising directors
  • Fundraising managers
  • Information directors
  • Information officers
  • Media planners
  • Promoters
  • Public affairs directors
  • Public affairs managers
  • Public information directors
  • Public information relations managers
  • Public relations consultants
  • Public relations coordinators
  • Public relations counselors
  • Public relations directors
  • Public relations managers
  • Public relations officers
  • Public relations practitioners
  • Publicists
  • Publicity directors
  • Publicity experts

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