What is a for-hire external public relations team called?

A for-hire external public relations team is commonly referred to as an agency. This term is widely accepted in the public relations industry and signifies a business that specializes in providing PR services to clients, often on a contractual basis. Agencies typically handle a range of tasks, including media relations, crisis management, brand strategy, and campaign development for various organizations.

Using "agency" in this context highlights the formal structure and professional expertise that such teams bring to their clients, distinguishing them from in-house teams that operate within an organization. Agencies are usually composed of a diverse group of specialists who collaborate to execute comprehensive public relations strategies tailored to the needs of their clients.