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Pr Associate Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Marketing Associate

Chicago, IL · On-site

$43K - $50K/yr

... and PR campaigns. Here at Fortuna Chicago we understand the idea of marketing is not a unique ... We are looking to hire a Marketing Associate to join our team. The marketing team is responsible ...

Marketing Associate

Chicago, IL · On-site

$43K - $50K/yr

... and PR campaigns. Here at Fortuna Chicago we understand the idea of marketing is not a unique ... We are looking to hire a Marketing Associate to join our team. The marketing team is responsible ...

The Associate Publicist is responsible for strategic media outreach on all Felix and FelixMag.co ... Provide general administrative support to Felix and FelixMag.co's Public Relations Department

Earned Media Golin Ketchum is looking for a Senior Associate, Issues & Crisis to join our team ... Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, English, Marketing or a related ...

Showing results 21-40

Pr Associate information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$12

$27

$71

How much do pr associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for pr associate in Chicago, IL is $27.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.25 and $30.58 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a PR associate?

PR Associates, or Public Relations Associates, are professionals who support the creation and distribution of positive information about an organization to the public and media. They assist in drafting press releases, organizing events, managing media lists, and monitoring public perception. Their work helps maintain a favorable image of the company and ensures effective communication with stakeholders. PR Associates often collaborate with senior PR staff and other departments to implement communication strategies.

How does a PR associate typically collaborate with other departments within an organization?

As a PR Associate, you'll work closely with teams such as marketing, social media, and product management to ensure consistent messaging and effective communication strategies. Collaboration often involves coordinating press releases, supporting event planning, and sharing feedback from media coverage. This cross-functional work helps align public relations goals with broader company objectives and ensures that campaigns are cohesive across all channels. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential to manage these collaborations successfully.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a PR associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a PR Associate, you need strong written and verbal communication skills, media relations experience, and typically a bachelor's degree in public relations, communications, or a related field. Familiarity with PR management tools like Cision, Meltwater, and social media platforms is often required. Creativity, adaptability, and relationship-building are crucial soft skills for engaging diverse audiences and managing multiple projects. These skills and qualities are vital for effectively conveying brand messages, building positive public images, and navigating the fast-paced communications landscape.

What is the difference between Pr Associate vs Public Relations Specialist?

AspectPr AssociatePublic Relations Specialist
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in communications, marketing, or related field; internships often preferredBachelor's degree in communications, journalism, or related field; certifications like APR can be advantageous
Work EnvironmentAgency or corporate PR teams; fast-paced, deadline-drivenMedia outlets, corporate PR departments, or agencies; involves media interactions and content creation
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in PR agencies, corporations, nonprofitsUsed across similar sectors, often with more client-facing responsibilities

The main difference between a Pr Associate and a Public Relations Specialist lies in experience level and scope. Pr Associates are typically entry-level roles supporting PR campaigns, while Public Relations Specialists often have more experience and handle media relations, content development, and strategic communication. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and work environments, but the Specialist role usually involves greater responsibility and client interaction.

Are PR associate jobs well paid?

PR associate jobs typically offer entry-level to mid-level salaries that vary by location, experience, and employer size. According to industry data, the median annual salary for public relations associates ranges from $40,000 to $60,000, with potential for higher earnings with experience and specialized skills such as media relations or crisis management.

How much do public relations associates make?

Public relations associates typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $60,000, depending on experience, location, and the size of the organization. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals or those in larger markets can earn higher salaries. Skills in communication, media relations, and social media are often important for higher earning potential.

What are the most commonly searched types of Pr jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Pr jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Pr Associate jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Pr Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Pr Associate job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,318 per year, or $28.5 per hour.

Senior Associate Director, Donor Relations, Reporting

The University of Chicago

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago


University Of Chicago rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

170th of 628 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Department
ADV Donor Relations
About the Department
The Advancement Office engages alumni (~220k), current students, parents, and friends of the University through intellectual, professional and social activities on campus, around the world and online. Advancement raises $600 Million annually to support faculty and researchers, practitioners and patients, and students and programs across the University. Our work supports priorities in every division, school, department, and institute.
The Stewardship and Events team oversees and implements best practices in outstanding donor engagement, stewardship, and events, creating exemplary experiences that cultivate lasting relationships with our alumni, donors, and friends.
Job Summary
This role develops and implements programs with senior leadership and colleagues to lead a comprehensive University-wide donor relations program to enrich the relationship between donors and the University. Plans, organizes, and leads the donor program to recognize, steward, and cultivate individuals in meaningful ways and at different giving levels.
Responsibilities
  • Oversees reporting programs with leadership and other colleagues to engage, steward, and create universal, meaningful experiences for donors across the University at all giving levels.
  • Manages stewardship and engagement reporting for the central units.
  • Builds and maintains strong relationships with colleagues within Advancement and across the University. Closely partners on stewardship projects to convey donor impact.
  • Contributes to team meetings and presentations on stewardship best practices.
  • Becomes proficient in the University's relationship database, Phoenix, by maintaining thorough and timely records and utilizing the data to efficiently produce large-scale stewardship reports and communications.
  • Develops and manages communication strategies for donor and volunteer stewardship and engagement reporting through an online platform and in print forms.
  • Serves as representative and voice of donor, participating in events and experiences that are donor-centric, strategic, advance overall fundraising goals, and are consistent and coordinated across the University.
  • Educates and trains colleagues on policies and best practices through a variety of communication tools and vehicles including written information, meetings, presentations, and staff training.
  • Seeks opportunities for professional development that will enhance job performance, including attending webinars, seminars, building networks within the University and with colleagues at peer institutions.
  • Guides the creation of University-wide standards on appropriate ways to recognize and steward donors. Uses deep understanding in donor programs to develop policies and quality control guidelines for donor relations programs.
  • Has a deep understanding within the areas of recognition, stewardship, acknowledgement, and proposal writing. Sets activity goals and develops the annual operating budget for donor related programs.
  • Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Certifications:
---
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
  • Bachelor's or advanced degree.

Experience:
  • Minimum five years of professional experience in nonprofit management, development, alumni relations, marketing, public relations, sales or similar field.
  • Minimum one year leading a project team or managing staff.
  • Understanding of data analysis and communicating complex topics to non-technical people.
  • Background managing and leading cross-team projects.
  • Familiar with donor reporting software and systems.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:
  • Demonstrated skill and knowledge of, or ability to learn quickly, the internal workings of the University as well as the technology tools available Advancement, including Phoenix, the University's Donor Relationship Management System.
  • Proficiency working in a Microsoft Windows computer environment, especially with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access.

Preferred Competencies
  • Outstanding interpersonal and communications skills characterized by the ability to listen, speak, and write effectively. Explain complex ideas clearly and simply.
  • Prior donor relations or donor engagement experience.
  • Knowledge of stewardship and engagement reporting.
  • Comfortable working and analyzing data and spreadsheets.
  • Manage confidential information with discretion and tact.
  • Act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
  • Work collegially and collaboratively in a team setting.
  • Self-motivated and take initiative.
  • Prioritize multiple projects and independently follow through with detail.

Working Conditions
  • This position has a hybrid work schedule which includes weekly in office presence.
  • Standard office environment.
  • Travel to campus and/or non-campus locations for University business.
  • Work evenings and weekends as needed.
  • This position is located in Hyde Park at 5235 South Harper Court.
  • This position is not eligible for employer-sponsored employment authorization.

Application Documents
  • Resume/CV (required)
  • Cover Letter, addressed to the Hiring Committee (preferred)

The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.
When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Alumni Relations & Development
Role Impact
Individual Contributor
Scheduled Weekly Hours
37.5
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Pay Rate Type
Salary
FLSA Status
Exempt
Pay Range
$80,750.00 - $95,000.00
The included pay rate or range represents the University's good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.
Benefits Eligible
Yes
The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.
Posting Statement
The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

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