A communications officer job description involves the tasks of researching, writing, editing and publishing information about a company or organization. The information can be used for internal publications for employees, management and volunteers or for publications that are distributed to the general public.
Position Description
A communication officer is largely responsible for the way in which employees, customers and the public views a company or organization.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities of a Communications Officer
- Directs the overall flow of information for a company including human resources, public relations, division offices and corporate headquarters.
- Works with staff in virtually every department of the company.
- Manages special projects of varying type and size.
- Communicates with members of print, radio and television media.
- Manages social media communications.
- Answers questions from employees and company manages and from media outlets as well.
- Prepares and manages the communications department budget.
- Manages contracts and relationships with vendors and business partners.
- Maintains a calendar of assigned projects and deadlines.
- Delivers written and verbal communications by designated deadlines.
- Manages the company’s branding.
- Educates staff members on communication processes.
- Writes and distributes press releases to print, radio and television.
- Creates and launches targeted marketing campaigns.
- Conducts interviews with members of the media.
- Drives message and announcement development and pitch strategies.
- Maximizes opportunities for the company to be featured in various types of media messages.
- Develops internal company newsletters for employees.
- Optimizes company website content for internet search engines.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Must have exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
- Must have excellent computer skills particularly with software applications like Word and PowerPoint.
- Knowledge of Associated Press writing style guide.
- Must have the ability to effectively prioritize projects and multi-task.
- Must be an efficient time manager.
- Must be able to function well in a team environment.
- Must have strong public speaking skills.
- Must be highly detail oriented.
- Expert knowledge of the company’s mission statement and product and service offerings.
- Must have excellent interpersonal skills.
- Must have good problem solving and decision making skills.
- Must have exceptional networking skills.
- Must be able to establish firm and reliable contacts in various media outlets.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Business, Marketing, English, Journalism or a related discipline.
- Master’s degree in Communications, Media Relations or a similar filed.
- Certification through the International Association of Business Communicators.
- Certification from the Public Relations Society of America or PRSA.
- Certification from the International Association of Business Communicators or IABC.
- Experience working in a communications office or for a media outlet in print, radio or television.
Work Environment
- Time is spent in a climate controlled private office setting or shared office space.
- Time is spent looking at computer screens, using keyboarding techniques and manipulating the computer mouse.
- Must be able to travel to events to represent the company.
- Must be able to work in a fast-paced, high pressure environment with stringent deadlines.
Salary
- Salaries range from $30,000 to $55,000 for officers in junior level positions.
- Salaries range from $55,000 to $150,000 for officers in senior level or management positions.
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