1

Public Relations Degree Jobs in Decatur, IL (NOW HIRING)

Director of Development

Decatur, IL · On-site

$70 - $110/hr

Plans, develops, implements and evaluates public relations, marketing, web-site maintenance ... A bachelor's degree is required with a major in the field of communication, public relations and/or ...

... to public relations, including blog posts, press releases, and slide presentations * Conduct ... Must be pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree at an accredited college or university.

Executive Director

Decatur, IL · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

Community Relations & Advocacy * Serve as NECF's primary spokesperson and public representative ... Master's degree preferred. * Significant senior leadership experience in nonprofit, healthcare, ...

... highest degree of quality resident care can be maintained at all time. Benefits of Yona ... Maintains excellent relations with residents, visitors, and all community departments * Actively ...

... highest degree of quality resident care can be maintained at all time. Benefits of Yona ... Maintains excellent relations with residents, visitors, and all community departments * Actively ...

... highest degree of quality resident care can be maintained at all time. Benefits of Yona ... Maintains excellent relations with residents, visitors, and all community departments * Actively ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Public Relations Degree information

See Decatur, IL salary details

$33.5K

$81.1K

$130K

How much do public relations degree jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for public relations degree in Decatur, IL is $81,114.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,000.00 and $94,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a public relations degree?

A Public Relations (PR) degree is an academic program that prepares students to manage communication between organizations and their audiences. The curriculum typically covers topics such as media relations, strategic communication, crisis management, event planning, and writing for various platforms. Graduates are equipped to develop and implement communication strategies, handle public image issues, and foster positive relationships with the media and the public. This degree can lead to careers in PR agencies, corporate communications, government, or nonprofit organizations.

What types of projects or campaigns might early-career professionals with a public relations degree typically work on within an agency setting?

Early-career professionals with a Public Relations degree often assist with a variety of projects, such as drafting press releases, coordinating media outreach, managing social media accounts, and monitoring media coverage for clients. In agency settings, they may support larger campaign strategies by conducting research, preparing media kits, and helping organize events or press conferences. These tasks provide valuable hands-on experience, foster teamwork, and offer opportunities to build relationships with both clients and media contacts, all of which are essential for career advancement in PR.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive with a public relations degree, and why are they important?

To thrive with a Public Relations degree, you need strong written and verbal communication skills, media literacy, and a solid understanding of public relations principles, typically gained through a bachelor's degree in PR, communications, or a related field. Familiarity with media monitoring tools, social media management platforms, and press release distribution software is commonly required. Outstanding interpersonal skills, creativity, and adaptability help professionals build relationships and manage brand reputations effectively. These skills are essential for crafting compelling messages, maintaining positive public images, and responding strategically to public and media inquiries.

What is the difference between Public Relations Degree vs Public Relations Specialist?

AspectPublic Relations DegreePublic Relations Specialist
Required CredentialsDegree in Public Relations, Communications, or related fieldTypically holds a degree; may have certifications in PR or communications
Work EnvironmentEducational settings, internships, or entry-level rolesCorporate, agency, or nonprofit PR departments
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, training programsBusinesses, PR firms, nonprofits
Common Search & ComparisonEducational background, degree programsJob responsibilities, skills required

In summary, a Public Relations Degree provides the educational foundation for a career in public relations, while a Public Relations Specialist is a professional role that applies those skills in real-world settings. The degree focuses on learning and credentialing, whereas the specialist role involves executing PR strategies and managing communications.

Is a public relations degree useful?

A public relations degree provides foundational knowledge in communication, media relations, and strategic messaging, which are essential skills for PR professionals. It can improve job prospects and earning potential, especially when combined with internships or certifications in tools like media monitoring or social media management.

Is public relations a high paying career?

Public relations professionals can earn competitive salaries, especially with experience, strong communication skills, and in larger organizations or agencies. Entry-level positions tend to have lower pay, but senior roles such as PR managers or directors often have higher compensation, reflecting the importance of strategic communication and media relations expertise.

What can you do with a public relations degree?

A public relations degree prepares individuals for roles such as PR specialist, communications coordinator, media relations manager, or corporate communications officer. These positions involve managing an organization’s image, crafting press releases, and working with media outlets, often requiring strong writing, interpersonal, and media skills.

What jobs can I do with a public relations degree?

A public relations degree prepares individuals for roles such as public relations specialist, communications coordinator, media relations manager, or corporate communications officer. These jobs involve managing an organization’s image, writing press releases, and working with media outlets, often requiring strong communication skills and familiarity with media tools and platforms.

What job categories do people searching Public Relations Degree jobs in Decatur, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Public Relations Degree jobs in Decatur, IL are:

What cities near Decatur, IL are hiring for Public Relations Degree jobs?

Cities near Decatur, IL with the most Public Relations Degree job openings:

Infographic showing various Public Relations Degree job openings in Decatur, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $81,114 per year, or $39 per hour.

Director of Development

Limitless Decatur

Decatur, IL • On-site

$70 - $110/hr

Other

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

# Director of DevelopmentHot JobEducation Level4 Year Degree## DescriptionGENERAL DESCRIPTIONThe Director of Development is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing all of MRI's fundraising including, the major gifts program, annual fund, planned giving, special events and capital campaigns. The Manager works closely with the President/CEO in all development and fund raising and marketing/PR endeavors. The Director of Development is also responsible for the coordination, implementation and evaluation of public information and education; marketing; resource development; social media maintenance; customer service; and internal communication. The Director of Development also will research, identify, and evaluate potential business opportunities for the purpose of job training possibilities for our persons served. This includes job potential in MRI and in the community.ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES* Develops and maintains a system for fund-raising and planned giving activities for agency expansion through private funding opportunities; this system shall include but is not limited to developing and maintaining a donor data base.* Coordinates all fund-raising and development activities and maintains personal contact with major benefactors and potential givers to enhance agency resources and services.* Creates fundraising goals and relies on extensive experience and judgment to plan and accomplish these goals.* Identifies new donors and organizes initiatives to solicit funding.* Responsible for developing major gift opportunities and writing grant proposals.* Inspiring new supporters to raise money, while maintaining and developing relationships with existing supporters.* Research, identify, and evaluate commercial and service-based work opportunities that align with MRI's mission.* Develop and maintain vendor and customer relationships to support ongoing and future business opportunities.* Managing and updating databases to record donor contact and preference information.* Plans, develops, implements and evaluates public relations, marketing, web-site maintenance, customer service and development activities for the agency. This responsibility requires the use of a computer and word processing, a variety of software applications, a phone and a vehicle.* Initiates donor engagement initiatives, such as tours, mailings, e-newsletters or small special events, under the direction of the President/CEO.* Assists with planning and implementation of marketing for special agency programs and events such as United Way Giving Campaign and community partnered events.* Maintains and builds online presence through variety of social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, etc.).* Executes public relations and marketing/fundraising goals set forth in the marketing plan using multiple methods, including website content management, media relations, social media management and design of printed promotional items.1. * Administers all policies and procedures as developed by MRI; communicates to staff, interprets as necessary, and confirms compliance.* Develops managers' and/or supervisors' skills, particularly in the management techniques of planning, organizing, leading, and supervising through continued coaching and feedback performance.* Recruit, organize and manage volunteers to carry out various functions within the organization.* Confers with the Program/Department Directors to assess needs for information; drafts and presents to the Executive Director public and internal informational materials, agency brochures and public education marketing and web-site materials.* Develops and maintains a media directory of relevant information on media sources for the area of Decatur and Macon County; prepares press releases and public service announcements for media dissemination.* In collaboration with Program/Department Directors, coordinates the maintenance of the MRI Website and completes updates on a regular basis to assure accurate and timely information is available to the public.* Coordinates the development and maintenance of marketing, web-site and audio-visual materials for use in agency public relations, marketing, resource development and educational activities.* Coordinates the development and timely distribution of the agency annual report, the agency newsletter, and the parent/community newsletter.* Plans and conducts special events, including tours, special meetings, agency events, public speaking engagements, and expressions of grief. Represents the agency in a positive manner at community functions, business meetings, or other activities to provide agency information, public educational materials, or to assist in agency development and marketing responsibilities.* Assumes the responsibility to attend and complete the initial MRI training requirements (core training and job-specific training). On an ongoing basis, attends and participates in any required recertification or refresher sessions and/or other training deemed appropriate by the supervisor and/or the Program/Department Director within specified time frames.* As a member of the management team, assures achievement of the agency mission by recommending agency-wide policies and procedures and administers and monitors full implementation of these policies and procedures within the scope of the job responsibilities.* Actively participates on the MRI Quality Assurance Committee; actively participates in strategic planning and marketing activities; reviews public relations and development activities; completes and submits reports; and communicates verbally and/or in writing recommendations for quality improvements.* Confers and collaborates with the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, and prepares and submits budgets to ensure that Public Relations and Development activities are fiscally responsible; that the budget plan and actual revenues and expenditures are maintained within acceptable levels; and that purchase orders, check requests and invoices are submitted to the business office for submission to donors/funders/vendors.* Participates in agency in-service training sessions as assigned by the supervisor and/or Program/Department Director and/or on a voluntary basis to enhance one's knowledge and skills.* Drives safely in an official capacity to conduct agency business for MRI and on occasion may provide transportation to individuals/families served; observes all local, state, and federal laws, as well as all agency policies and procedures.* Practices and enforces MRI Safety Policies and Procedures and assures the safety of staff, persons/families served, agency guests, and agency property.* Keeps supervisor informed verbally and in writing of problems and activities within assigned area of responsibility; refers matters beyond the limit of authority and expertise to the supervisor for direction.* Performs special projects or other related work within the scope of the job responsibilities of this position as required or requested.NON-ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIESNoneSUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIESPublic Relations/Development Coordinator## QualificationsJOB QUALIFICATIONS* A bachelor's degree is required with a major in the field of communication, public relations and/or a related field and a minimum of two years working experience in the field of public relations, development and/or marketing.* Must have excellent oral and written communication skills and must have two or more years of experience in public speaking, writing/editing, and media relations.* Two or more years of experience in non-profit fundraising and resource development is preferred.* Knowledge of programs for individuals with a developmental disability is preferred.* Must be able to communicate effectively and diplomatically in both oral and written form and be able to meet and work with the public.* Must be able to adapt to frequent #J-18808-Ljbffr