A media relations manager is the link person between the outside world and an organization.
The media manager handles media issues on behalf of an organization. He is the link person between the organization and the outside world as far as information and communication is concerned. A media manager ensures that the organization he works for has a good name and reputation. He liaises with the marketing department to publicize the company’s goods, services and events.
Education
The minimum requirement for a media manager’s job is a bachelor’s degree in communication, journalism or public relations. Prior experience working in the media or acting as a public relations officer is an added advantage.
Responsibilities and Duties
The media relations manager is responsible for writing press releases on behalf of the organization and distributing them to the media. He drafts and designs messages and announcements for the media. He cultivates a good working relationship with the stakeholders of the organization such as shareholders and clients. He collects and compiles media contacts and he also prepares media kits for his organization to give the media during events or specific occasions. He writes and edits the organization's media material such as magazines and websites. He organizes media coverage for publicity of the organization's events and activities. In addition, he handles the responsibility of supervising advertisements and their placement on behalf of his organization.
Desirable and Technical Skills
A media relations manager should have strong writing skills and good interpersonal skills. She has to have a good grasp and mastery of grammar. A media manager should be able to meet strict deadlines. She needs to be highly organized and able to multitask. She should be conversant with various computer applications and other software used in the media.
Working Conditions
A media manager represents the company in meetings and events, so he should be prepared to travel constantly. The media manager furnishes the media with information concerning the organization whenever the need arises. Therefore, he may need to work during weekends, holidays and at night in case of an incident.
Salary and Job Outlook
According to Indeed.com, a media manager takes home an average annual salary of $58,000 per year as of July 2010, depending on the level of training, experience and the organization for which he is working. The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that employment in media relations is set to increase by 24 percent from 2008 through to 2018. A global competitive business environment will spur this growth.
Tags: media manager, media relations, behalf organization, link person, link person between, manager should, media relations manager