MEMO

TO:

Dr. Holli Leggette, Ph.D.

FROM:

Jacob Langhamer, Student, Texas A&M University

DATE:

November 3, 2014

SUBJECT:

Business and Industry Overview

Although there are numerous areas of communications and journalism one can uphold in
a professional career, the area that interests me most is Public Relations and Fundraising
Manager. Though it will take many years to uphold such a highly ranked position, such as
entering into the field as a Public Relations Specialist or Communications and Fundraising
Coordinator, becoming a Public Relations and Fundraising Manager is the one position I have
been determined to obtain during my future professional career. As a Public Relations and
Fundraising Manager, one would be expected to perform numerous duties that include
developing new business opportunities by establishing and maintaining effective working
relationships with clients, government officials and media representatives. Journalism skills will
also be a necessity to be fully effective as a Public Relations and Fundraising Manager, for one
will be responsible for conducting exceptional press releases and draft speeches for company
executives. Other duties include managing communication budgets, evaluating advertising and
promotion programs for compatibility with public relations efforts, assign, supervise and review
the activities of public relations staff, developing and maintaining the company's corporate image
and identity, including the use of logos and signage, and classifying chief client groups and
audiences, regulating the best way to communicate publicity data to them, and create and
implement a communication strategy.
Skill that one must possess in the process of becoming a Public Relations and
Fundraising Manager are persuasive speaking, reading comprehension, active listening, critical
thinking, judgment and decision making, social perceptiveness, writing, complex problem
solving, and reading comprehension. Work activities that are imperative to perform effectively
include communicating with those outside of the organization, communicating with supervisors,
peers, and subordinates, obtaining information, identifying objects, actions, and events,
organizing, prioritizing, and planning work, and performing for or working directly with the
public. However, one must have the proper education level completed upon entry into such an
executive position. Very few individuals are given the opportunity to earn the position of Public
Relations and Fundraising Manager with an associates degree. The majority of people who were
granted the opportunity to become a Public Relations and Fundraising Manager are those who
sought out a Bachelors degree or Masters degree, along with several years of experience at
entry level positions at large firms or organizations. One must be able to adjust to living in larger
cities and become acquainted with the job zone. Public Relations and Fundraising Manager is
considered a job zone four, meaning considerable preparation is needed to uphold the position.
Other job zone examples that can be related to this position and can benefit one with enough
experience to obtain the position include accountants, sales manager, database administrator, and
cost estimators. Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related
experience, on-the-job training, and occasionally vocational training.

One must also pay close attention to the details regarding wages and employment trends
prior to entering into the position at hand. Median wages as of the year 2013 were approximately
$47.45 hourly, and about $98,700 annually as a Public Relations and Fundraising Manager. The
projected growth of the industry between the years 2012 and 2022 is average, being set between
eight and 14 percent. Between the years 2012 and 2022 there is an expectancy of 21,300 Public
Relations and Fundraising Manager job openings. This number may seem low, however, many
years of gaining knowledge in sales and marketing strategies and communication and media
skills development are essential to ascertain a career in this area of the communications and
journalism industry. Therefore, one seeking a career as a Public Relations and Fundraising
Manager must develop a thorough strategy that includes a network of contacts that will lead to
ample opportunities in departments that eventually lead to a position as a Public Relations and
Fundraising Manager. It takes most individuals 10 to 25 years to reach such a positon, and their
time is solely focused around their job. Much vacation time and personal family time will be
sacrificed while contributing to their firm or organization due to all the responsibilities one must
attain when accepting the position. However, many benefits are included, including a very
comfortable living and financial support in health, dental, and many other insurance plans.
Although many sacrifices and years of hard work in entry level departments will be required to
attain a position as a Public Relations and Fundraising Manager, it is considered as a type of
pinnacle in the communications and journalism industry that helps maintain financial stability
and the utilization of all skills communication and journalism students are required to possess.