Build your career as a Public Relations Officer

business & leadership

Public Relations Officer

A Public Relations Officer shapes a company’s image, builds media relationships, and manages communication strategies to maintain a positive reputation. This exciting career spans industries like corporate, government, and non-profits, offering opportunities in branding, crisis management, and public engagement. With strong demand for skilled communicators, it’s a rewarding path for those who thrive in dynamic environments.

If you have a passion for storytelling and strategic communication, take the first step toward a career in public relations today. 

Explore your career as an:

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EMPLOYED 30,800
PART-TIME SHARE 19%
AVERAGE FULL-TIME HOURS 42
MEDIAN WEEKLY EARNINGS $1,949

The demand for Public Relations Officers in Australia is growing as businesses and organisations prioritise brand reputation and digital communication. With the rise of social media and online engagement, PR professionals are needed to manage public perception, media outreach, and crisis communication. This field offers strong career stability, competitive salaries, and opportunities to progress into senior PR, communications, or marketing leadership roles

Gender Split

Created with Highcharts 11.1.0MaleFemale

Employment by State

Created with Highcharts 11.1.037.8%​37.8%25.1%​25.1%15.1%​15.1%5.4%​5.4%7.4%​7.4%1.5%​1.5%0.9%​0.9%6.7%​6.7%

Highest Level of education (%)

Created with Highcharts 11.1.01.1%​1.1%0.9%​0.9%9.6%​9.6%4%​4%7.5%​7.5%55.2%​55.2%19.5%​19.5%Below Year 10Years 11 & 10Year 12Certificate III/IVAdvanced Diploma/DiplomaBachelor DegreePost Graduate/ Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate0%10%20%30%40%50%5%15%25%35%45%55%60%

Age Brackets

Created with Highcharts 11.1.015-1920-2425-3435-4445-5455-5960-6465 and over

What can you expect from working as a Public Relations Officer?

Public relations officers manage communication strategies to enhance an organisation’s reputation and public image. Key duties typically include:

  • Campaign Planning: Planning and organising publicity campaigns and communication strategies to promote the organisation.
  • Executive Advisory: Advising executives on the public relations implications of their policies, programs, and practices.
  • Media Relations: Preparing and controlling the release of news and press statements to ensure positive media coverage.
  • Research & Analysis: Undertaking and commissioning public opinion research, analysing findings, and planning public relations and promotional campaigns.
  • Event Management: Organising special events, seminars, competitions, and social functions to foster goodwill and increase public awareness.
  • Public Representation: Representing the organisation at business, social, and networking events while arranging executive interviews with media outlets.
  • Content Development: Commissioning and obtaining photographs and other illustrative materials for promotional use.
  • Editorial Oversight: Selecting, appraising, and revising material from publicity writers, photographers, and illustrators to create impactful and favourable publicity.

How to become a Public Relations Officer?

To become a Public Relations Officer, you typically need strong communication skills, creativity, and an understanding of media and public engagement. A qualification in public relations, communications, or marketing can be beneficial, along with experience in writing, media relations, and social media management. Online courses in PR strategy, communication, and digital marketing can help you develop industry-relevant skills and stand out in this competitive field.

BSB40320/BSB40820

Certificate IV in Entrepreneurship and New Business and Certificate IV in Marketing and Communication

Start turning your ambitions into skill and become the reason why your business thrives. Transform yourself into an impressive business all-rounder and learn the marketing expertise and small business management skills you need to achieve lasting success.
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BSB40820

Certificate IV in Marketing and Communication

Take on the exciting world of digital marketing. With this specialised marketing skillset you will set yourself up for success and thrive in the digital landscape. This exciting course will further your career by teaching you to strategise, think critically,...
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*The information on this page is sourced from the Jobs and Skills Australia website, based on their occupational data collected in May 2024. Where job titles may not be exact matches, related job areas have been used. This data is intended as a guide only.

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