Media Relations Manager Onboarding Checklist

Media Relations Manager Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Media 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 Media Relations Manager, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Media Relations Manager onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Media Relations Manager Onboarding Checklist

1. Introduction to the company: The new Media 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 onboarding specialist.

2. Familiarization with the media landscape: The Media Relations Manager should be given an overview of the media landscape, including key media outlets, journalists, influencers, and industry trends. This task is usually performed by the Public Relations team or a senior Media Relations Manager.

3. Review of company’s media relations strategy: The new Media Relations Manager should be briefed on the company’s existing media relations strategy, including key messaging, target audiences, and goals. This task is typically performed by the Public Relations team or a senior Media Relations Manager.

4. Introduction to key stakeholders: The Media Relations Manager should be introduced to key internal stakeholders, such as executives, department heads, and colleagues from other teams. This task is usually performed by the Public Relations team or a designated mentor.

5. Review of media monitoring tools: The new Media Relations Manager should be trained on the media monitoring tools used by the company to track media coverage, sentiment, and competitor analysis. This task is typically performed by the Public Relations team or a designated specialist.

6. Creation of media contact database: The Media Relations Manager should be responsible for creating and maintaining a comprehensive media contact database, including journalists, editors, and influencers relevant to the company’s industry. This task is performed by the Media Relations Manager themselves.

7. Development of media relations materials: The new Media Relations Manager should be guided in the development of media relations materials, such as press releases, media kits, fact sheets, and media pitches. This task is typically performed by the Public Relations team or a senior Media Relations Manager.

8. Training on crisis communication protocols: The Media Relations Manager should receive training on the company’s crisis communication protocols, including how to handle media inquiries during a crisis or sensitive situation. This task is usually performed by the Public Relations team or a designated crisis communication specialist.

9. Collaboration with other departments: The Media Relations Manager should be encouraged to collaborate with other departments, such as Marketing, Sales, and Product Development, to ensure alignment in messaging and maximize media coverage opportunities. This task is performed by the Media Relations Manager themselves, in coordination with other department heads.

10. Introduction to media monitoring and analytics tools: The new Media Relations Manager should be trained on media monitoring and analytics tools used to measure the impact of media coverage, track key metrics, and generate reports. This task is typically performed by the Public Relations team or a designated analytics specialist.

11. Participation in media training workshops: The Media Relations Manager should be given the opportunity to attend media training workshops or seminars to enhance their skills in media relations, crisis communication, and interview techniques. This task is usually performed by the Public Relations team or a designated training coordinator.

12. Review of company’s social media strategy: The new Media Relations Manager should be briefed on the company’s social media strategy, including key platforms, content guidelines, and engagement tactics. This task is typically performed by the Social Media team or a senior Media Relations Manager.

13. Introduction to key industry events and conferences: The Media Relations Manager should be provided with information on key industry events and conferences, including opportunities for media coverage, speaking engagements, and networking. This task is usually performed by the Public Relations team or a designated events coordinator.

14. Review of company’s crisis communication plan: The new Media Relations Manager should be familiarized with the company’s crisis communication plan, including key spokespersons, communication channels, and escalation procedures. This task is typically performed by the Public Relations team or a designated crisis communication specialist.

15. Introduction to media relations software: The Media Relations Manager should be trained on media relations software used by the company, such as media databases, press release distribution platforms, and media monitoring tools. This task is typically performed by the Public Relations team or a designated software specialist.

16. Shadowing experienced Media Relations Managers: The new Media Relations Manager should have the opportunity to shadow experienced Media Relations Managers to observe their day-to-day activities, learn best practices, and gain practical insights. This task is usually arranged by the Public Relations team or a designated mentor.

17. Review of company’s brand guidelines: The Media Relations Manager should be provided with the company’s brand guidelines, including visual identity, tone of voice, and key messaging, to ensure consistency in media communications. This task is typically performed by the Marketing team or a designated brand manager.

18. Introduction to internal communication channels: The new Media Relations Manager should be introduced to internal communication channels, such as intranet platforms, email lists, and team collaboration tools, to facilitate effective communication within the company. This task is typically performed by the Human Resources department or a designated internal communications specialist.

19. Development of media relations campaigns: The Media Relations Manager should be involved in the development of media relations campaigns, including identifying target media outlets, crafting compelling story angles, and coordinating media outreach efforts. This task is performed by the Media Relations Manager themselves, in collaboration with the Public Relations team.

20. Ongoing professional development: The new Media Relations Manager should be encouraged to engage in ongoing professional development activities, such as attending industry conferences, joining relevant professional associations, and staying updated on media trends. This task is typically supported by the company through budget allocation and time-off allowances

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Media Relations Manager checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Media 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.