Communications Specialist

Promote or create an intended public image for individuals, groups, or organizations. May write or select material for release to various communications media. May specialize in using social media.

O*NET reports this occupation under titles such as: Communications Specialist; Community Relations Coordinator; Corporate Communications Specialist; Information and Communications Specialist; Media Relations Specialist; Public Affairs Specialist; Public Information Officer; Public Information Specialist; Public Relations Coordinator (PR Coordinator); Public Relations Specialist (PR Specialist)

Tasks

• Respond to requests for information from the media or designate an appropriate spokesperson or information source.
• Plan or direct development or communication of programs to maintain favorable public or stockholder perceptions of an organization's accomplishments, agenda, or environmental responsibility.
• Post and update content on the company's Web site and social media outlets.
• Write press releases or other media communications to promote clients.
• Establish or maintain cooperative relationships with representatives of community, consumer, employee, or public interest groups.
• Confer with other managers to identify trends or key group interests or concerns or to provide advice on business decisions.
• Coach client representatives in effective communication with the public or with employees.
• Study the objectives, promotional policies, or needs of organizations to develop public relations strategies that will influence public opinion or promote ideas, products, or services.
• Prepare or edit organizational publications, such as employee newsletters or stockholders' reports, for internal or external audiences.
• Arrange public appearances, lectures, contests, or exhibits for clients to increase product or service awareness or to promote goodwill.
• Plan or conduct market or public opinion research to test products or determine potential for product success, communicating results to client or management.
• Develop plans or materials to communicate organizational activities that are beneficial to the environment, public safety, or other important social issues.
• Confer with production or support personnel to produce or coordinate production of advertisements or promotions.
• Consult with advertising agencies or staff to arrange promotional campaigns in all types of media for products, organizations, or individuals.
• Prepare or deliver speeches to further public relations objectives.

Knowledge

• Communications and Media
• English Language
• Administration and Management
• Customer and Personal Service
• Sales and Marketing
• Computers and Electronics

Skills

• Active Listening
• Speaking
• Reading Comprehension
• Writing
• Critical Thinking
• Active Learning
• Monitoring

Abilities

• Oral Comprehension
• Oral Expression
• Written Expression
• Speech Recognition
• Speech Clarity
• Written Comprehension
• Problem Sensitivity
• Deductive Reasoning
• Fluency of Ideas
• Originality
• Inductive Reasoning
• Near Vision
• Information Ordering
• Category Flexibility