Common public relations job titles include PR Assistant, PR Coordinator, Public Relations Specialist, Media Relations Specialist, Communications Specialist, Account Coordinator, Account Executive, Senior Account Executive, Account Supervisor, PR Manager, Publicist, Press Secretary, Communications Director, Vice President of Public Relations and Chief Communications Officer. PR agencies use an “account” ladder, while in-house teams at companies, nonprofits and government agencies use “specialist,” “manager” and “director” titles.
Here are the main public relations job titles for both settings, with what each role does.
Entry-Level Public Relations Job Titles
- PR Assistant / Communications Assistant: Builds media lists, tracks coverage, drafts social posts and supports events.
- PR Coordinator: Coordinates press releases, media requests and schedules for a team.
- Account Coordinator: The first rung at a PR agency; supports account teams with research, media lists and reporting.
- Junior Publicist: Supports a publicist in entertainment, books or consumer brands.
- PR Intern: A student role doing research, monitoring and drafting.
Agency Public Relations Titles
- Account Executive: Pitches journalists, writes press materials and manages day-to-day client tasks.
- Senior Account Executive: Handles larger parts of client programs and guides junior staff.
- Account Supervisor: Leads the day-to-day team on one or more accounts and is the main client contact.
- Account Director: Responsible for client strategy, results and budgets across accounts.
- Vice President / Senior Vice President: Agency leaders who manage major clients, teams and new business.
- Managing Director / Partner: Runs an agency office or practice area.
In-House Public Relations Titles
- Public Relations Specialist: Writes press releases, answers media questions and promotes the organization’s news.
- Media Relations Specialist / Manager: Builds relationships with reporters and manages interviews and statements.
- Communications Specialist / Communications Manager: Covers PR plus internal communications, newsletters and website content.
- Corporate Communications Manager: Handles company announcements, executive communications and reputation.
- Crisis Communications Manager: Plans and leads the response when something goes wrong in public.
- Public Information Officer (PIO): The PR title used in government agencies, police and fire departments and school districts.
- Press Secretary: Speaks to the media on behalf of an elected official or government office.
- Director of Communications / Director of Public Relations: Leads the PR and communications team.
- Vice President of Communications / Chief Communications Officer: The executive responsible for reputation and all external and internal communications.
Specialist and Related Titles
- Publicist: Promotes a person, such as an author, artist or executive, rather than an organization.
- Investor Relations Manager: Communicates with shareholders and financial analysts.
- Social Media Manager: Runs social channels, often within a PR or communications team.
- Speechwriter: Writes speeches and talking points for executives or officials.
- Public Affairs Manager: Works with government and community stakeholders on policy issues.
How to Choose the Right Public Relations Job Title
- Use the ladder your setting expects. Agency candidates search for “Account Executive”; in-house candidates search for “PR Specialist” or “Communications Manager.”
- Name the focus. “Media Relations,” “Crisis” or “Internal Communications” in the title sets clear expectations.
- Use “Public Information Officer” for government roles. It is the standard public-sector title.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an entry-level PR job called?
Account Coordinator at an agency, or PR Assistant or PR Coordinator in-house.
What is the difference between a publicist and a PR specialist?
A publicist usually promotes individuals such as authors or performers. A PR specialist usually represents a company or organization.
What is the highest PR job title?
Chief Communications Officer in a company, or Chief Executive or Managing Partner at a PR agency.
For related roles, see our list of communications job titles.
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