Press relations officer

The press relations officer is the spokesperson for an organization or company. He/she is responsible for convincing journalists, opinion leaders and other influencers to relay information about an event in their media. He/she provides them with the information they need to report on an event, and thus help promote it.

What does a press relations officer do?

As the guarantor of the image of an organization in the media, he/she passes on key messages and protects its reputation.

  • Checks and selects information to be passed on
  • Organizes and implements communication actions and distribution of information
  • Produces fact sheets for journalists
  • Produces communication tools adapted to various media, including press releases.
  • Participates in defining the company’s communications policy
  • Plans and monitors press campaigns in cooperation with general management
  • Develops press partnerships
  • Creates and maintains a database of press contacts
  • Organizes press conferences and makes formal presentations to journalists.

What are the main skills of a press relations officer?

Technical skills :

  • Drafting press releases
  • Organizing events, in particular press conferences
  • Applying digital tools
  • Knowledge of and interest in all types of media

Practical skills :

  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Ability to listen and observe
  • Stress management

His/her main soft skills?

  • Creativity
  • Persuasiveness
  • Responsiveness
  • Curiosity

What is the working environment of a press relations officer?

A press relations officer can work in a company as part of the press relations team, in a press agency, or for different types of organization: NGOs, sports clubs, ministries, etc.

Career prospects

At the start of their career, press relations officers can earn between 25,000 and 30,000 euros a year.

He/she can progress to press relations manager, communications manager on an industrial site, company or organization spokesperson, or eventually to communications director.

What training is recommended to become a press relations officer?

ISIT offers students interested in this position the opportunity to study for our Master’s degree in Intercultural Communication and Translation.