Indonesian Journal of Innovation Studies
Vol. 27 No. 2 (2026): April

The Role of Public Relations Management in Building a School’s Brand: Peran Manajemen Hubungan Masyarakat Dalam Membangun Branding Sekolah

Siti Fatimah (Program Studi Manajemen Pendidikan Islam, Universitas Muhammadiyah Sidoarjo)
Budi Haryanto (Program Studi Manajemen Pendidikan Islam, Universitas Muhammadiyah Sidoarjo)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 Aug 2026

Abstract

General Background: Public relations management serves as a critical strategic instrument for institutional sustainability and reputation management in modern educational organizations. Specific Background: Building a distinct school brand requires structured public relations strategies to manage internal collaboration, digital communication channels, and community engagement in Islamic junior high schools. Knowledge Gap: However, empirical analyses examining integrated public relations operational strategies alongside specific institutional challenges within Islamic-based schools remain limited. Aims: This study evaluated the strategic role and supporting factors of public relations management in developing school branding at SMPIT Imam Bukhari using a qualitative case study approach. Results: The findings demonstrate that public relations builds institutional image through active publication, program promotion, and stakeholder mediation, supported by solid internal collaboration, digital optimization, parent involvement, and unique identities such as Tahfizh Al-Qur'an. Novelty: This study establishes an operational public relations framework integrating Islamic educational identity with digital stakeholder management. Implications: Educational administrators can implement these communication strategies to strengthen parental trust, overcome institutional communication barriers, and enhance school competitiveness. Key Findings Highlights Public relations functions strategically through structured publication, event promotion, and stakeholder mediation to reinforce educational reputation. Internal synergy, digital media optimization, active parental involvement, and distinctive religious identities drive successful institutional branding. Communication centralization among homeroom teachers and digital skill gaps represent primary operational challenges in school public relations management. Keywords: Public Relations Management, School Branding, Positive Image, Islamic Educational Institutions, Stakeholder Engagement

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ijins

Publisher

Subject

Computer Science & IT Education Engineering Law, Crime, Criminology & Criminal Justice

Description

Indonesian Journal of Innovation Studies (IJINS) is a peer-reviewed journal published by Universitas Muhammadiyah Sidoarjo four times a year. This journal provides immediate open access to its content on the principle that making research freely available to the public supports a greater global ...