Communications Officer

Communication officers assist in promoting the products, services and public image of an organisation.

What you would do:

• develop communication objectives and communication plans
• identify the most important audiences, and decide what to communicate to them and the best mediums to use
• arrange publicity for the organisation
• examine the media for issues that affect the organisation
• write and produce publications such as newsletters, leaflets and annual reports
• write news releases, speeches and articles
• edit and organise the publication of documents
• write and implement communication or promotional plans
• keep staff and clients up to date with company news
• organise promotional events and conferences
• organise and conduct press conferences
• provide information to the media or be interviewed by them
• provide the public with information when it is requested
• work with other organisations and provide information to them
• take photographs for publications
• research the attitudes and opinions of the public
• maintain and update the organisation's website

You need to be:

• knowledgeable of the company you are working for, and its business, products and services
• knowledgeable of the media, how it operates, and which types of media to use for different purposes
• able to put together a communication strategy
• knowledgeable of different design and printing methods
• excellent in written and oral communication skills including a good understanding of English grammar
• skillful with time management, organisation and planning
• good with computer and desktop publishing skills, as well as photography skills
• able to form and maintain relationships, especially with managers and journalists
• outgoing and comfortable with meeting new people
• accurate and responsible
• creative and enthusiastic
• enquiring, adaptable and able to think strategically
• quick and efficient
• able to work well under pressure
• able to keep information private.

You will require:

•  a tertiary qualification, preferably in public relations, communication, advertising, or journalism
• a broad range of communications skills
• good oral communication skills
• good written communication skills, as they often use different styles of writing; for example, when writing press releases, for the Internet or newsletters

Improve you chances by:

• gaining experience in journalism, advertising or marketing, project management, photography or desktop publishing

What you will earn:

Salaries vary, but Communication officers usually earn between $28,000 and $50,000 per year

Long term possibilities:

Demand for communication professionals has increased in recent years as more organisations realise the contribution that good communication of their branding and public image can make to their success. Many businesses have an internal communications department to handle this work, as it makes the communications process much faster, and teams often have a better understanding of the business.

However, consultancy firms continue to be in demand as not all organisations can afford to hire full-time internal communications staff. As a result, many organisations hire consultants as well as internal communications staff. Many communications officers also undertake marketing work as part of their duties.