External Relations Manager Onboarding Checklist

External Relations Manager Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new External Relations Manager starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Public Relations onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new External Relations Manager, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample External Relations Manager onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

External Relations Manager Onboarding Checklist

1. Introduction to the company: The new External Relations Manager should be provided with a comprehensive introduction to the company, including its history, mission, values, and organizational structure. This task is typically performed by the Human Resources department or a designated company representative.

2. Familiarization with the team: The new manager should be introduced to their immediate team members and other relevant colleagues within the organization. This will help them understand the dynamics of the team, build relationships, and establish effective communication channels. The team leader or supervisor usually performs this task.

3. Review of job responsibilities: A detailed review of the External Relations Manager’s job responsibilities should be conducted, outlining the specific tasks, goals, and expectations associated with the role. This task is typically performed by the supervisor or department head.

4. Access to necessary tools and resources: The new manager should be provided with access to all the necessary tools, software, databases, and resources required to perform their job effectively. This may include email accounts, project management systems, media databases, and other relevant platforms. The IT department or designated personnel usually handle this task.

5. Training on company policies and procedures: The new manager should receive comprehensive training on the company’s policies, procedures, and code of conduct. This includes understanding the company’s communication guidelines, media relations protocols, crisis management procedures, and any other relevant policies. The Human Resources department or a designated trainer typically performs this task.

6. Introduction to key stakeholders: The new manager should be introduced to key stakeholders, both internal and external, who play a crucial role in the organization’s external relations. This may include senior executives, clients, media contacts, government officials, and community leaders. The supervisor or a designated representative usually handles this task.

7. Review of ongoing projects and initiatives: The new manager should be briefed on any ongoing projects, initiatives, or campaigns that they will be involved in. This includes understanding the objectives, timelines, and deliverables associated with each project. The supervisor or project lead typically performs this task.

8. Review of past external relations activities: The new manager should be provided with an overview of the organization’s past external relations activities, including successful campaigns, media coverage, and stakeholder engagement efforts. This will help them understand the organization’s previous strategies and identify areas for improvement. The supervisor or a designated representative usually handles this task.

9. Introduction to media relations: The new manager should receive training on media relations, including understanding how to build relationships with journalists, pitch stories, handle media inquiries, and manage press releases. This task is typically performed by the supervisor or a designated media relations specialist.

10. Introduction to crisis management protocols: The new manager should be familiarized with the organization’s crisis management protocols, including how to handle potential crises, communicate with stakeholders during emergencies, and manage reputational risks. This task is typically performed by the supervisor or a designated crisis management team.

11. Review of budget and financial processes: The new manager should receive an overview of the budgeting and financial processes related to external relations activities. This includes understanding how to manage budgets, track expenses, and submit financial reports. The finance department or a designated financial officer typically handles this task.

12. Introduction to industry-specific regulations and compliance: The new manager should be educated on any industry-specific regulations, compliance requirements, or ethical guidelines that may impact their role. This includes understanding legal restrictions, industry codes of conduct, and best practices. The supervisor or a designated compliance officer typically performs this task.

13. Introduction to internal communication channels: The new manager should be familiarized with the organization’s internal communication channels, such as intranet platforms, team collaboration tools, and regular team meetings. This will help them stay connected with colleagues, receive updates, and contribute to internal discussions. The supervisor or a designated communication specialist typically handles this task.

14. Goal-setting and performance expectations: The new manager should participate in goal-setting discussions with their supervisor, where they can align their individual goals with the organization’s objectives. This includes understanding performance expectations, key performance indicators (KPIs), and evaluation processes. The supervisor or department head typically performs this task.

15. Ongoing mentorship and support: The new manager should be assigned a mentor or a designated colleague who can provide ongoing support, guidance, and feedback as they settle into their role. This mentor can help answer questions, provide insights, and offer advice on navigating the organization. The supervisor or Human Resources department typically handles this task

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example External Relations Manager checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new External Relations Manager up to speed and working well in your Public Relations team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.