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If you’ve Googled “Public Relations Specialist job description,” you’ve probably clicked on a few articles and seen the same thing over and over:
- A stiff paragraph of corporate jargon.
- A bullet list of tasks that could apply to any communications role.
- And zero personality.
Here’s the problem—those cookie-cutter job posts don’t just fail to stand out, they actively drive away the kind of PR talent you actually want.
Why? Because top Public Relations Specialists aren’t looking for a generic checklist. They want to know:
- What kind of brand story they’ll be shaping.
- Who they’ll be working with.
- Why their work will matter.
If your job post doesn’t show them that, they’ll simply scroll past you and apply somewhere else.
In this article, we’re going to fix that.
You’ll get:
- A plain-English definition of the PR Specialist role.
- Two ready-to-use templates (one for experienced hires, one for entry-level).
- A breakdown of why these templates work.
- A “bad example” so you can see what to avoid.
- Bonus tips to make your post stand out.
- And a quick-copy version you can tailor in minutes.
But before we dive in, here’s one quick note—if you haven’t read our full guide on how to write a job post that attracts top talent , Link https://workscreen.io/how-to-write-a-job-post/ , you’ll want to check it out. It explains why most job descriptions fail and how to make yours stand out in a crowded market.
Don’t let bad hires slow you down.
WorkScreen helps you find the right people—fast, easy, and stress-free.
What a Public Relations Specialist Actually Does
A Public Relations (PR) Specialist is the storyteller and reputation guardian of your brand.
They craft the narratives that shape how the public, media, and industry see your company.
On any given day, a great PR Specialist might be:
- Pitching a new story to journalists.
- Coordinating a press event or media appearance.
- Writing a press release that actually gets read.
- Monitoring what’s being said about your brand online—and responding thoughtfully.
It’s not just about sending out announcements.
It’s about building trust, maintaining credibility, and creating consistent, authentic communication with the people who matter most to your business—customers, investors, media, and your community.
And here’s the part many companies overlook:
PR is as much about prevention as it is about promotion.
A skilled PR Specialist will help you navigate sensitive issues, respond quickly in a crisis, and make sure your brand voice stays clear and consistent—no matter what’s happening in the news cycle.
That’s why when you’re hiring for this role, you’re not just looking for someone who can write well. You’re looking for a mix of:
- Strong communication and media relations skills.
- Strategic thinking.
- Emotional intelligence under pressure.
- And the ability to translate complex ideas into simple, engaging stories.
Two Great Public Relations Specialist Job Description Templates
We’ll provide two tailored job description options:
1.✅ Option 1: For employers looking to hire an experienced candidates with prior experience.
2.Option 2: For employers open to hiring entry-level candidates or those willing to train someone with potential.
✅ Version 1: Job Description For Experienced Public Relations Specialist
📌 Job Title: Public Relations Specialist — Shape the Public Voice of Lumen Home
💼 Type: Full-Time | Hybrid (2 days in-office)
📍 Location: Austin, TX
💰 Salary: $60,000–$75,000/year + benefits
🎥 A quick word from our hiring manager: (Insert Loom/YouTube link)
Who We Are
Lumen Home builds smart, energy-efficient lighting and controls for modern homes. Our hardware and app help households cut energy costs while creating beautiful, adaptive lighting experiences. We’re a 120-person team backed by climate-focused investors, and we partner with leading homebuilders and retailers nationwide. Our mission is simple: make sustainable living feel effortless.
What You’ll Be Doing
You’ll be the point person for how Lumen Home shows up in the world—owning day-to-day media relations and shaping narratives around product launches, partnerships, and our climate impact.
- Write and place press releases, pitches, and bylines that land coverage.
- Build and nurture relationships with tech, climate, and home-design reporters.
- Prepare and brief executives for interviews, events, and panels.
- Lead PR around product launches, retailer partnerships, and seasonal campaigns.
- Monitor coverage, social chatter, and competitor narratives—report what matters.
- Coordinate with marketing on messaging, content, and influencer seeding.
- Support sensitive communications and crisis response when needed.
What We’re Looking For
- 3+ years in PR/communications (in-house or agency); consumer tech or climate a plus.
- Proven media placements; strong reporter relationships.
- Sharp writing and editing; comfortable with technical topics.
- Calm under deadlines; organized with great follow-through.
- Strategic thinker who can turn business goals into compelling stories.
Perks & Benefits
- Medical, dental, vision + employer HSA contribution.
- 401(k) with match after 6 months.
- 20 days PTO + 10 company holidays.
- Home-office stipend and monthly internet reimbursement.
- Annual learning budget for conferences/courses.
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
You’ll join a mission-driven team where PR is a growth lever—not an afterthought. You’ll have a real seat at the table across product, partnerships, and brand, and see your work directly influence how customers, media, and the industry perceive Lumen Home.
Our Hiring Process
- Apply via WorkScreen (link below)
- Complete a short skills evaluation (pitch + quick release edit)
- Virtual interview with PR & Marketing leads
- Final conversation with our VP of Brand
- Decision within 2 weeks
📥 Apply here: [WorkScreen application link]
✅ Version 2: Job Description For Entry-Level / Willing-to-Train Public Relations Specialist
📌 Job Title: Public Relations Specialist — We’ll Train You to Tell Community Stories
💼 Type: Full-Time | On-Site
📍 Location: Chicago, IL
💰 Salary: $40,000–$50,000/year + benefits
🎥 A quick word from our executive director: (Insert Loom/YouTube link)
Who We Are
City Harvest Kitchen is a Chicago nonprofit turning surplus food into 3,000+ nutritious meals each day for families facing food insecurity. We partner with local restaurants, grocers, and volunteers to reduce waste and feed our neighbors. Our team is small, scrappy, and deeply committed to dignity and access.
What You’ll Be Doing
You’ll learn the craft of PR by helping us share stories that move people to volunteer, donate, and advocate.
- Draft and edit press notes, media advisories, and donor announcements.
- Research and maintain a local media list (reporters, producers, community outlets).
- Pitch neighborhood stories, chef partnerships, and volunteer spotlights.
- Support press events, community activations, and photo/video moments.
- Track coverage and produce simple reports for the board and funders.
- Collaborate with social/content to keep messaging consistent.
What We’re Looking For
- Strong writing and people skills (student newspaper, blogs, community projects count!).
- Organized, curious, and eager to learn.
- Comfortable on tight timelines and event days.
- Bonus: Any experience with Canva, short-form video, or photography.
Perks & Benefits
- Medical, dental, vision after 60 days.
- 15 days PTO + 10 paid holidays + volunteer day.
- Transit benefit for CTA/Metra.
- Monthly cell-phone stipend.
- Paid workshops on media pitching, storytelling, and nonprofit comms.
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
You’ll get hands-on mentorship, real responsibilities from day one, and the chance to see your work spark tangible community impact. If you’re passionate about people and purpose—and want to grow into a communications pro—this is your on-ramp.
Our Hiring Process
- Apply via WorkScreen (link below)
- Short writing exercise (draft a 150-word media pitch)
- One interview with our Communications Manager
- Quick reference check
- Decision within 10 days
📥 Apply here: [WorkScreen application link]
Build a winning team—without the hiring headache.
WorkScreen helps you hire fast, confidently, and without second-guessing.
Breakdown of Why These Public Relations Specialist Job Posts Work
Both of these job descriptions avoid the traps of generic PR job listings by combining specificity, warmth, and transparency. Here’s why they stand out:
1. The Job Titles Are Clear and Compelling
- Lumen Home’s title isn’t just “PR Specialist” — it’s “Public Relations Specialist — Shape the Public Voice of Lumen Home.” This instantly tells candidates what they’ll be doing and whose voice they’ll be shaping.
- City Harvest Kitchen’s title signals openness to growth: “We’ll Train You to Tell Community Stories.” It’s a direct invitation to passionate but less-experienced candidates.
2. Personal Video Intro Creates Connection
- Both posts include a Loom or YouTube link from a real leader. This shows authenticity, gives a face to the brand, and starts building trust before an applicant even applies.
- Video intros are still rare in job descriptions, so they help these stand out in a crowded market.
3. Company Overviews Feel Real, Not Corporate
- Lumen Home’s “Who We Are” section paints a quick picture of its mission, industry, team size, and customers — no vague “we’re an innovative leader” filler.
- City Harvest Kitchen’s overview is rooted in its community work and daily impact, which appeals directly to purpose-driven candidates.
4. Responsibilities Show Impact, Not Just Tasks
- Instead of saying “write press releases,” Lumen Home says “write and place press releases, pitches, and bylines that land coverage.” This emphasizes outcomes.
- City Harvest Kitchen connects tasks to their purpose — “share stories that move people to volunteer, donate, and advocate.”
5. Requirements Are Right-Sized for the Audience
- Lumen Home asks for 3+ years experience and relevant media contacts — essential for someone expected to hit the ground running.
- City Harvest Kitchen sets only essential requirements and makes it clear that potential and attitude matter as much as past experience.
6. Perks & Benefits Are Transparent
- Both list concrete benefits with timelines (e.g., “after 60 days” or “after 6 months”), removing guesswork.
- Perks go beyond pay — they mention stipends, learning budgets, and volunteer days.
7. The “Why This Role Is a Great Fit” Section Speaks Directly to the Right Candidate
- Lumen Home emphasizes influence, cross-team collaboration, and being a growth lever.
- City Harvest Kitchen focuses on mentorship, real responsibility, and measurable community impact.
- Both help the candidate imagine themselves thriving in the role.
8. The Hiring Process Respects the Candidate’s Time
- Clear step-by-step process with timelines.
- Explicit use of WorkScreen.io for skill-based evaluation — reinforcing fairness and efficiency.
- No “only shortlisted will be contacted” language — instead, these posts promise timely updates.
9. Tone Is Human and Conversational
- Both descriptions speak directly to the candidate (“You’ll…”, “You’ll join…”) instead of describing the role in detached, corporate terms.
- This tone aligns with what top candidates — especially in PR — expect from modern employers.
Bad Public Relations Specialist Job Post Example — And Why It Fails
📌 Job Title: Public Relations Specialist
💼 Type: Full-Time
📍 Location: New York, NY
Company Overview
XYZ Corporation is a leader in innovative business solutions. We have been in business for over 20 years and serve clients worldwide.
Job Summary
We are seeking a Public Relations Specialist to manage media relations, write press releases, and coordinate public events. The ideal candidate will have strong communication skills and be able to work with cross-functional teams to promote the company.
Key Responsibilities
- Write and distribute press releases.
- Coordinate media interviews.
- Organize events.
- Manage social media accounts.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, or related field.
- 3–5 years of PR experience.
- Strong communication skills.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
How to Apply
Send your resume and cover letter to hr@xyzcorp.com. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Why This Job Post Falls Short
- The Job Title Is Generic
- “Public Relations Specialist” gives no insight into the industry, mission, or audience. It blends in with hundreds of other posts.
- The Company Overview Is Cold and Vague
- “Leader in innovative business solutions” is meaningless jargon. There’s no mention of what the company actually does, who it serves, or why it exists.
- No Hook or Story to Attract Candidates
- The introduction is a flat summary. There’s no mission, values, or reason for a candidate to care.
- Responsibilities Are Too Broad
- The list could apply to any PR job. There’s no specificity, outcomes, or connection to the company’s work.
- Requirements Lack Nuance
- There’s no flexibility or encouragement for applicants who might bring transferable skills, limiting the talent pool unnecessarily.
- No Perks or Benefits
- Missing salary, benefits, PTO — which top candidates expect upfront. The lack of transparency could cause qualified people to skip the post entirely.
- Hiring Process Feels Dismissive
- “Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” signals the company doesn’t value applicants’ time.
- No timeline, no mention of next steps, no warmth in the CTA.
- Zero Personality in the CTA
- Ending with “send your resume” feels transactional. There’s no human element or encouragement.
Bonus Tips to Make Your PR Specialist Job Post Stand Out
Even if you’ve got the basics right — clear title, warm intro, salary transparency — there are extra touches that can push your PR job post from “good” to irresistible for top candidates.
1. Add a Security & Privacy Notice for Applicants
Show that you take candidate safety seriously:
We take the security and privacy of all job applicants seriously. We will never ask for payment, bank details, or personal financial information at any stage of the hiring process.
This builds instant trust and reduces the risk of scams using your company name.
2. Mention Time Off or Flexibility
PR specialists often work on tight deadlines and may need to respond to breaking news. Highlight how you support balance:
Enjoy 20 days of PTO, plus the flexibility to work from home when needed — so you can recharge and bring your best self to work.
3. Showcase Training & Growth Opportunities
Many PR professionals value staying ahead of media trends and storytelling techniques.
We invest in your growth. You’ll get access to industry conferences, media training, and a yearly learning budget to keep your skills sharp.
4. Include a Loom or YouTube Video From a Leader
Let candidates see who they might work with. For PR roles, seeing a confident, articulate manager reinforces the company’s credibility in communications.
Here is an example that we used in our master guide on how to write a great job post description , you can check it out here https://www.loom.com/share/ba401b65b7f943b68a91fc6b04a62ad4
5. Share a Real Success Story
Instead of only listing responsibilities, share a quick example of the type of work they’d do and its impact:
Last quarter, our PR team landed a feature in [Top Media Outlet], which led to a 30% increase in inbound partnership requests. You could help drive our next big win.
6. Show How You Measure Success
Top PR candidates want to know they’ll be judged fairly — not just on media impressions.
We measure PR success by the quality of coverage, audience engagement, and how our stories align with business goals — not vanity metrics.
These touches not only make your post stand out but also signal to high-quality applicants that you’ve thought about the role in detail — which is exactly what they want to see in an employer.
Build a winning team—without the hiring headache.
In a role like Public Relations — where words, tone, and nuance matter — the way you present your job is already a test of your communication standards.
That’s why blindly using AI to spit out a generic PR job description is risky.
Why Using AI Without Input Hurts Your Hiring
- It sounds like everyone else.
One-click AI templates tend to produce bland, interchangeable text — the exact problem you’re trying to avoid in a competitive PR market. - It attracts the wrong candidates.
A vague job post brings in people applying to any communications role, not those aligned with your mission, industry, or brand tone. - It undermines your brand.
PR specialists are trained to spot weak messaging. A lazy job post suggests your internal comms might be the same.
The Right Way to Use AI for PR Job Posts
AI can still be a powerful assistant — but only if you feed it the right raw material:
- Company Story – What you do, who you serve, and your mission.
- Role Specifics – Key duties, goals, and what success looks like in this role.
- Tone & Values – Warm and human? Formal and authoritative? Bold and disruptive?
- Ideal Candidate Profile – Skills, traits, and experience you value most.
- Benefits & Perks – Concrete, transparent details.
- Hiring Process – Clear steps and timelines.
Example Prompt for AI:
Help me write a Public Relations Specialist job post for our company, Lumen Home. We build smart, energy-efficient lighting for modern homes. We’re hiring someone to lead media relations, pitch to climate and home design reporters, and manage PR around product launches. Our tone is approachable yet expert, and we value creativity, reliability, and impact. We offer a $60K–$75K salary, medical/dental/vision, 20 days PTO, hybrid work, and a learning budget. Here’s our hiring process: WorkScreen application, skills-based evaluation, and two interviews. Here are a few notes I’ve written to get you started: [paste your notes]. Make the post engaging and role-specific.
You can even paste in a strong example job post — like the ones in this guide — and tell AI, “Write something similar for our role and company.”
The difference is that you remain in control — AI polishes, organizes, and helps with phrasing, but you supply the authentic details.
Smart Hiring Starts Here
WorkScreen simplifies the hiring process, helping you quickly identify top talent while eliminating low-quality applications. By saving you countless hours and reducing the risk of bad hires, it empowers you to build a team that delivers results
Copy-Paste Public Relations Specialist Job Descriptions
We get it — sometimes you just need something fast.
Maybe you’ve already read through this guide and understand what a strong job post looks like, but you still want a solid starting point you can tailor in minutes.
That’s what this is.
✏️ Important Reminder:
Don’t copy this word-for-word and expect magic.
This is a foundation, not a final draft.
Add a Loom video, inject your team culture, and edit the details to reflect your actual company.
In this section, you’ll find two ready-to-use job description templates for quick copy-paste use — but please remember, like we mentioned above, don’t just copy them word-for-word and expect results.
Think of these as starting points, not final drafts.
- Option 1: A more conversational, culture-first job description that highlights personality and team fit.
- Option 2: A more structured format, including a Job Brief, Responsibilities, and Requirements for a traditional approach.
✅ Option 1: Conversational, Culture-First Style
📌 Job Title: Public Relations Specialist — Shape the Public Voice of [Company Name]
💼 Type: [Job Type]
📍 Location: [Location]
💰 Salary: [Salary Range] + benefits
🎥 A quick word from our hiring manager: (Insert Loom/YouTube link)
Who We Are
[Company Name] is [one-line on what you do] serving [your customers/market]. Our mission is [your mission in one sentence]. We’re a [team size] team that values [top 2–3 values] and we’re looking for a PR specialist to help us tell our story with clarity and impact.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Write and place press releases, pitches, and bylines that earn meaningful coverage.
- Build and nurture relationships with [industry/beat, e.g., tech/finance/health]
- Prepare and brief leaders for interviews, panels, and events.
- Monitor coverage and social chatter; share insights and recommendations.
- Partner with marketing to keep messaging consistent across channels.
- Support sensitive and crisis communications when needed.
What We’re Looking For
- [X]+ years in PR/communications (agency or in-house).
- Track record of securing quality media placements.
- Excellent writing and editing; deadline-driven and organized.
- Bonus: Experience in [your industry] or with [specific audiences/markets].
Perks & Benefits
- Medical, dental, vision coverage.
- 401(k) with [match % or “company match”] after [N]
- [X] days PTO + [N] paid holidays.
- [Home-office/phone/internet]
- Annual learning budget for [courses/conferences/tools].
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
PR isn’t an afterthought here—it’s a growth lever. You’ll shape how customers, partners, and media see [Company Name], collaborate cross-functionally, and see your work move real business outcomes.
📥 Apply here: [WorkScreen application link]
✅ Option 2: Structured “Job Brief + Responsibilities + Requirements” Format
📌 Job Title: Public Relations Specialist
💼 Type: [Job Type]
📍 Location: [Location]
💰 Salary: [Salary Range] + benefits
Job Brief
[Company Name] is hiring a Public Relations Specialist to lead external communications. You’ll own media outreach, craft press materials, and help manage our public reputation.
Responsibilities
- Develop and execute PR strategies aligned to business goals.
- Write, edit, and distribute press releases and media kits.
- Pitch stories to relevant journalists and outlets.
- Coordinate interviews, events, and speaking opportunities.
- Track and analyze coverage; report impact and insights.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s in PR, Communications, Journalism, or related field (or equivalent experience).
- [X]+ years in PR/communications.
- Proven media placements and strong writing samples.
- Excellent written/verbal communication; organized and deadline-driven.
Perks & Benefits
- Medical, dental, vision insurance.
- 401(k) with [company match].
- [X] days PTO + [N] paid holidays.
- [Stipend] for home office/phone/internet.
- Learning budget for [courses/conferences].
📥 Apply here: [WorkScreen application link]
Let WorkScreen.io Handle the Next Step of Hiring
Once you’ve crafted a job description that attracts the right candidates, the next challenge is sorting through applications efficiently — without losing sight of quality.
That’s where WorkScreen.io comes in.
With WorkScreen, you can:
- Quickly identify your most promising candidates
WorkScreen automatically evaluates, scores, and ranks applicants on a performance-based leaderboard—making it easy to spot top talent, save time, and make smarter, data-driven hiring decisions.
- Assess real-world ability — not just résumés
With WorkScreen, you can administer one-click skill tests to assess candidates based on real-world ability—not just credentials like résumés and past experience. This helps you hire more confidently and holistically.
- Filter out low-effort applicants
WorkScreen automatically eliminates low-effort applicants who use AI Tools to apply, copy-paste answers, or rely on “one-click apply.” This way, you focus only on genuine, committed, and high-quality candidates—helping you avoid costly hiring mistakes.
- Save hours of manual review
Instead of sifting through generic applications, you’ll have data-driven rankings that help you move the right candidates forward faster.
If you’re serious about finding a PR Specialist who can truly represent your brand, WorkScreen.io will help you hire right, hire fast, and hire smart.
— create your job post, share your custom link, and let WorkScreen handle the heavy lifting.
FAQ — Public Relations Specialist Job Description
Look for a mix of hard and soft skills.
- Hard skills: Media relations, press release writing, crisis communication, campaign planning, and analytics/reporting.
- Soft skills: Relationship-building, adaptability under pressure, creative problem-solving, and emotional intelligence.
The best PR specialists can both craft compelling messages and build trust with media, stakeholders, and the public.
In the United States, the average salary for a Public Relations Specialist typically ranges from $55,000 to $75,000 per year, depending on experience, industry, and location. Senior specialists or those in high-demand sectors (like tech, healthcare, or finance) can earn upwards of $85,000.
Not always, but it can be an advantage. A PR specialist who understands your industry’s trends, jargon, and key players can often hit the ground running. However, strong core PR skills and adaptability can outweigh lack of niche experience — especially if you have an onboarding process in place.
A PR Specialist focuses on earned media and shaping the company’s public image through press, events, and community engagement. Marketing Specialists typically focus on paid and owned media, like advertising campaigns, email marketing, and promotional materials. The two roles often collaborate, but their core goals and channels differ.
