What Does a Communications Associate Do?

Communications associates are the behind-the-scenes professionals who help shape the way a company is perceived by its customers, employees, and other stakeholders. They commonly work with public relations specialists to develop and implement communications strategies that support the organization’s overall goals and objectives.

Communications associates may also be responsible for creating content for various forms of media including websites, social media accounts, press releases, newsletters, etc. This content may include information about new products or services, upcoming events, company milestones, etc.

Communications Associate Job Duties

Communications associates typically have a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:

• Writing press releases and news stories for publication in print or online media outlets
• Managing social media accounts on platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn
• Writing emails to clients or colleagues about company services or products
• Conducting media relations activities such as arranging interviews with reporters or designing ads for print media
• Creating and maintaining an inventory of images, audio files, video clips, or other materials used in campaigns
• Coordinating with clients to arrange speaking engagements and other events where they can promote their products or services
• Researching topics relevant to the company’s products or services to create brochures or other promotional materials
• Identifying potential clients based on criteria such as demographics, geographic location, or interests
• Preparing presentations and proposals for clients, including charts, graphs, images, and other visual aids

Communications Associate Salary & Outlook

Communications associate salaries vary depending on their level of education, years of experience, and the size and industry of the company. They may also earn additional compensation in the form of bonuses.

• Median Annual Salary: $52,500 ($25.24/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $106,000 ($50.96/hour)

The employment of communications associates is expected to grow faster than average over the next decade.

Employment growth will be driven by the increasing use of mobile devices and the Internet for communication purposes. As more people communicate with each other via text messaging, email, and social media, demand for these workers will increase.

Related: Communications Associate Interview Questions and Answers

Communications Associate Job Requirements

A communications associate typically needs to have the following qualifications:

Education: Communications associates need a bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism or another related field. These programs teach students the fundamentals of communication, including writing, research, media and interpersonal skills.

Training & Experience: Communications associates typically receive on-the-job training to learn the specific processes and procedures of their role. This training may include shadowing current communications associates or learning from a supervisor. Communications associates may also receive training in the use of specific software or equipment.

Certifications & Licenses: Certifications are not usually a requirement to become a communications associate, but they can help you become a more competitive candidate when applying for jobs.

Communications Associate Skills

Communications associates need the following skills in order to be successful:

Communication skills: Communication skills are the ability to convey information to others in a clear and understandable manner. This is an important skill for a communications associate to have, as they may be responsible for writing and sending emails, creating social media posts and writing blog posts. They may also be responsible for communicating with clients and customers over the phone or in person.

Listening skills: Listening skills are also important in a communications associate role. You may be responsible for listening to and recording phone calls, transcribing recorded messages or listening to and recording meetings. You may also be responsible for listening to and recording interviews or speeches. Regardless of the task, you must be able to listen effectively and accurately.

Public speaking skills: Public speaking skills are also important for communications associates. You may be asked to present information to clients or colleagues, so it’s important to be able to speak confidently and clearly. You may also be asked to speak on behalf of your company at events or conferences, so it’s important to be able to communicate effectively in these situations as well.

Writing skills: Written communication is an important part of a job in communications. You may be required to write emails, letters, reports and other documents. Strong writing skills can help you communicate effectively and professionally.

Social media skills: Social media skills are also important for communications associates. Many companies use social media to promote their products and services, and the communications associate is responsible for creating and maintaining these accounts. This requires knowledge of the various social media platforms and how to use them effectively.

Communications Associate Work Environment

Communications associates work in a variety of settings, including corporate offices, advertising agencies, public relations firms, and government agencies. They may work in teams or individually, and their work hours can vary depending on the demands of their projects. Many communications associates work more than 40 hours per week, and some may have to work evenings and weekends to meet deadlines. The work can be stressful, and communications associates must be able to handle multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.

Communications Associate Trends

Here are three trends influencing how communications associates work. Communications associates will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.

The Need for Better Communication Skills

The need for better communication skills is becoming increasingly important in today’s business world. With the rise of social media and the increasing use of technology, businesses are finding that they need employees who can effectively communicate with customers and partners in a variety of different ways.

Communications associates can capitalize on this trend by developing their communication skills and learning how to use technology to communicate effectively. They should also be prepared to work in a team environment where collaboration is essential.

More Focus on Digital Marketing

As digital marketing becomes more popular, communications professionals will need to focus on developing skills in this area.

Digital marketing involves using online channels such as search engines, social media, and email to promote products and services. It allows businesses to reach a wider audience than traditional marketing methods, which makes it an extremely valuable tool for any company looking to grow its customer base.

In order to take advantage of the opportunities presented by digital marketing, communications professionals will need to learn how to create effective campaigns that utilize these channels. This includes understanding how to write content that is optimized for search engines, creating ads that people will want to share on social media, and developing email lists that are targeted towards specific audiences.

A Greater Emphasis on Branding

Branding has become an increasingly important part of business over the past few decades, and it shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, many businesses now consider branding to be one of the most important aspects of their overall strategy.

This means that communications professionals will need to be familiar with branding concepts and how to apply them to their work. They will also need to be able to understand the needs of their clients and help them develop a strong brand identity that resonates with their target audience.

How to Become a Communications Associate

Communications associates can have a variety of career paths. They may choose to specialize in a particular area, such as marketing communications, public relations, or corporate communications. They may also decide to move into management or become a freelance writer.

No matter what direction they take, communications professionals must be able to write effectively and have strong communication skills. They must also be able to think creatively about how to get their message across to the right audience.

Advancement Prospects

There are many ways to advance your career as a communications associate. One way is to specialize in a certain area of communications, such as public relations, marketing, or event planning. Another way to advance is to move into a management position, such as communications manager or director of communications. You can also advance by getting more education, such as a master’s degree in communications.

Communications Associate Job Description Example

Are you an excellent writer with a knack for distilling complex topics into easily digestible language? Do you have experience crafting compelling messages that resonate with diverse audiences? If so, we’d like you to join our team as a Communications Associate.

In this role, you will be responsible for writing and editing a variety of internal and external communications materials, including press releases, website content, email newsletters, and social media posts. You will also be responsible for conducting research, interviews, and surveys to support the development of communications strategies. The ideal candidate will have strong writing and editing skills, as well as experience working with diverse audiences.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Assist in the development and implementation of communications plans, including but not limited to media relations, social media, digital marketing, and traditional marketing
• Write and edit a variety of materials such as press releases, website content, blog posts, articles, fact sheets, talking points, speeches, and more
• Research, compile, and maintain accurate and up-to-date media lists
• Develop strong relationships with members of the media and act as a liaison between the organization and the media
• Monitor news outlets and identify opportunities for proactive and reactive media coverage
• Assist with planning and executing special events, trade shows, and conferences
• Help develop and track progress against key performance indicators
• Maintain an organized system for storing and retrieving files, both electronically and physically
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously and adjust priorities as needed in a fast-paced environment
• Adhere to strict deadlines while maintaining a high level of accuracy
• Use strong interpersonal skills to build relationships with colleagues, clients, and vendors
• Perform all other duties as assigned

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, marketing, or related field
• 2-4 years of professional experience in communications, public relations, or a related field
• Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Experience with graphic design software, including Adobe Creative Suite
• Experience with content management systems, social media platforms, and web analytics tools
• Project management experience
• Event planning experience