What does a Public Relations/Communications Specialist do?
Communications associates are responsible for a broad range of duties related to content and messaging. They develop communications that may be delivered in many formats including via email, online, print distribution, video, or other mediums. They may also play a role in social media campaigns. They often collaborate with other teams and stakeholders to develop communications goals and a messaging strategy, and then identify the best tactics to deliver that information. Their goal is to educate, inform, and motivate the audience while supporting the organization’s marketing objectives.
Communications associates typically have a bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, or a related field. They often have a background with a heavy emphasis on writing or marketing. Social media expertise and experience with digital communications are helpful. Requires excellent writing and editing abilities.
- Participate in team, staff, division, HQ and sales channel meetings.
- Provide senior content strategy support for physician marketing plans.
- Participate in disaster plans in the role(s) assigned.
- Develop messaging, PPT presentations, talking points, FAQs, and other communications.
- Assign, review and approve work of content producers and coordinators.
- Develop and deploy strategic stakeholder communications plans as needed for the department.
- Develop, maintain and oversee online content through a variety of multimedia platforms.
- Act as key point of contact for assigned HR teams, becoming an extension of their team.
- Research, best practices and technical aspects of communications and community engagement
- Identify and resolve problematic account situations where appropriate, referring more complex problems to the supervisor.
- Serve as communications partner, drive alignment and engagement around financial commitments and long-term strategic objectives.
- Manage all marketing stock, including printed material, promotional giveaways and office supplies.
- Shift assignments based on the needs of the department and seniority.
- Produce status reports and keep track of schedules to ensure deadlines are met.
- Bachelor's Degree in business, marketing, computer science or engineering or equivalent experience.
- Solid editing skills and experience managing newsletters.
- Strong command of English language and good communication skills.
- Strict attention to detail and enthusiasm for collaboration.
- Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite.
- Strong problem solving and decision making abilities.
How much does a Public Relations/Communications Specialist make near United States?
Base Pay
Additional Pay
$63,235
/ yrPublic Relations/Communications Specialist Career Path
Learn how to become a Public Relations/Communications Specialist, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
Public Relations/Communications Specialist Insights
KLJ“Enjoyed my time with this company and all the great people I got to work with.”
IKEA“salary is really low considering I was a specialist and I had experience in the field”
“Not many opportunities to progress career ladder (if that is important to you).”
SkinCure Oncology“The first vob manager was great and I wished I had been able to stay under her.”
University of Calgary“life balance and publishing studies on how higher pay is a great incentive for work efficiency.”
Silva“Silva is an ambitious housing association and an excellent place for anyone looking to further their career.”
Full Sail University“The leaders here really want everyone to succeed and provide many opportunities to do so.”
American Equity (AEL)“My managers care about my development as a professional and making me better in what I do every day.”
Public Relations/Communications Specialist Interviews
Frequently asked questions about the role and responsibilities of communications associates
The typical day of a communications associate focuses on organizing and maintaining public relations. They assist with marketing campaigns, manage social media, draft press releases, develop messaging materials, and provide support for special events. A communications associate may also develop content for speakers who represent the company.
An advantage of becoming a communications associate is having a fast-paced work environment and a diverse range of responsibilities. Communications associates often have to respond quickly to changes in the industry or PR situations pertaining to their company, offering plenty of challenges and scope for creativity.
The average salary for communications associates is around $63,235 a year. Communications managers earn significantly more, so there's great potential for upward movement and increased earnings. Education and experience are typically the primary factors in determining the salary for a communications associate.
Working as a communications associate certainly has some difficult aspect, for example keeping up with the latest trends in communications, such as social media. They must also keep a close eye on the public conversation surrounding their company or industry. The hardest part of being a communications associate may be handling stressful situation in the face of negative publicity.
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