Corporate communications job description — Communication is an essential part of all businesses. However, corporate communication is a little bit different from the general communication that we all know. Corporate communication is the creation of a whole new identity that allows a company to communicate with both external and internal individuals like their customers, clients, workers, stakeholders, and every other person associated with the company.
The importance of corporate communication has become so vast that you will find it as a course in most learning institutions. In this article, we bring an overview of the Corporate communications job description. Including the responsibilities of a corporate communication personnel, the qualifications and skills you need in the job, and all information concerning corporate communication. Read on.
What Is A Corporate Communications Job?
The corporate communication job is a role where the person is responsible for communicating and sending information about the company to the employees and any other person related to the company. Generally, a corporate communication officer is charged with the responsibility of managing communication between a company or organization with the public. The importance of hiring corporate communication personnel in a company includes minimizing crises, contributing to the company’s growth, and overall helping in increasing the company’s reputation and maintaining a good image.
Responsibilities Of a Corporate Communications Personnel
Corporate communications in most companies are responsible for overseeing the transmission of information concerning the organization and its activities. Below are some of the major responsibilities of a Corporate Communications Personnel.
1. Media and public relations
The media and public relations are the major channels the company utilizes to communicate with the public. These include organizing news conferences, launching products, scheduling interviews, creating materials like flyers and banners for the activities, and many more. Corporate communications personnel might also be in charge of writing and sharing press releases.
2. Customer communication and marketing
Although some businesses separate their marketing and corporate communication departments, nowadays, the difference between the two is only minimal. The strategies in corporate communication have an effect also on the marketing department, and this has increased the connection between the two departments. For example, it’s common for corporate communication personnel to help the marketing department with marketing materials such as emails, brochures, flyers, newsletters, website copy, and many more.
3. Crisis communication
Another responsibility of the corporate communication personnel is to handle crisis communication. Crisis communication involves strategies that the company will use when faced with crises or any unforeseen circumstances which may ruin its reputation. When facing a crisis, the corporate communication personnel must create ways to tackle the problem; some methods they usually use to solve issues include preparing a meeting with the company’s higher officials to know how they are going resolve the issue, advising the company members regarding the kind of speech they should make when speaking with news and media platforms, how they should communicate with legal departments, emergency responders or every person that will aid to solve the problem, providing ways to maintain the company’s reputation and image in public.
4. Internal communication
Aside from handling all external communication in the company, the corporate communication officer’s duties also include overseeing the internal communication affairs of the company. These works involve drafting emails and making announcements regarding the company’s changes and other news. Compiling important information like employee benefits, developing workers’ handbooks, manuals, and flyers, and scheduling brainstorming and training sessions. Generally, the corporate communication officer, together with the human resources department, prepares most of the internal communication.
5. Collaboration with other companies
Although we will talk about skills required by a corporate communication officer in detail, one important skill they need is collaboration skill. Corporate communication personnel must collaborate with other companies and workers to implement new campaigns and strategies. Also, they must always look for opportunities to improve the company’s image.
Above are the main duties of a corporate communications personnel.
Qualifications And Skills For Getting A Corporate Communications Job
Another part worth mentioning in this article on corporate communications job description is the skills and qualifications associated with the job.
1. Have a bachelor’s degree
The minimum requirement for a corporate communication job is a bachelor’s degree. You must obtain a degree in journalism, mass communication, or public administration. Why these courses are most relevant is that some of the skills required for a corporate communication job include writing, public relations skills, etc., which are mostly taught in the departments. Also, it would help if you learned other essential things like ethics, messaging, and public relations strategy. You might be required to take classes in the public relations niche. To increase your chances of getting the job, before you apply for the work, consider volunteering in related organizations or taking courses on media or digitalization.
2. Have experience
Another essential qualification you require is experience. You must have the expertise to pursue any career path, and corporate communication is also no different. Mostly, employers hire individuals with expertise in fields like journalism, social media, public relations, and other related industries. To have the necessary experience, you can start by being a communication assistant. As time goes by, you can move to communication associates while taking on other responsibilities such as publications, coordination, working with websites, and many more. Overall, you must have at least two or three years of experience.
3. Be certified
You must be certified before getting a job as a communication officer. In America, you can be certified in places like the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) or the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). Before getting certified, you must have at least a bachelor’s degree and two years of experience. The International Association of Business Communicators IABC requires you to submit your work samples portfolio. Note that earning a certification doesn’t mean your work is done, you must continue pursuing knowledge to retain your accreditation.
4. Have a master’s degree
Some companies might require you to have a master’s degree alongside your bachelor’s degree and working experience before they can hire you. While doing your master’s, you should consider taking advanced courses or choosing an area of specialization.
5. Writing skills
Generally, you might be already familiar with writing skills because while you are studying, you have spent a lot of time writing copies like emails, social media posts, blog posts, and other related writings. However, you must still hone your writing skills even if you are well-versed in it. You must know how to communicate with your colleagues and external audiences successfully.
6. Public speaking and presentations skills
In recent years, presentation has been among the top skills that companies are seeking. Corporate communication needs you to address both internal and external audiences in the company, you must be able to stand confidently in front of people to present in person or sometimes with the help of digital tools like a projector.
7. Communication with data
Nowadays, organizations usually send and receive data more than any time before, technology is increasing, and the collection of data has also increased. Employees need to work with different data at a time. This means you must learn to collect and interpret data from various sources.
8. Research and critical thinking skills
You also require research and critical thinking skills because you may likely spend time researching resources that will help you compile the information and communication content. You must have the ability to conduct the research and know how to analyze the information you researched before using them.
9. Technical skills
Today, technology is part of every company and organization. Technologies like virtual reality, Blockchain, chat box, and other related technologies are relevant in most companies, so you must be familiar with them to increase your chances of getting the job.
10. Problem-solving skills
Having problem-solving skills means you also have other necessary skills like logic, resilience, good imagination, and determination which are also sought-after by companies.
Career Paths And Opportunities In Corporate Communication
Having looked at the Corporate communications job description, below are some of the career paths in the field. With a corporate communication certificate, you will have various options to choose from.
- Organizational development
- Corporate trainer
- Account executive
- Human resources manager
- Applied communications manager
- Organizational communications specialist
- Computer systems engineer
- Public relations director
- Media relations manager
- Director of public affairs
- Associate program manager
- Online editorial director
- Event promotion
- Government Affairs
Final Note
There you have it! A breakdown of the corporate communications job description. As mentioned earlier, corporate communication entails creating an identity for a company in front of the media. This job is essential because it plays a vital role in every organization, the corporate communications personnel plays a huge role in creating an excellent reputation for a company.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the challenges corporate communications personnels face?
Some of the challenges corporate communications personnel face include managing crises effectively, keeping up with changing needs of stakeholders, etc.
what kind of educational background is needed for a career in corporate communications?
For a career in corporate communications, you will require a degree in marketing, public relations, communication, etc. Some employers might require a master’s degree or relevant years of working experience.
Are cooporate communication personnels in demand?
Yes, they are. Numerous organizations are hiring the services of corporate communication personnel.
How do corporate communications personnels ascertain the effectiveness of their campaigns?
A corporate communications personnel can measure the effectiveness of his/her campaigns using key performance indicators (KPIs). These include social media management, website traffic, media mentions, etc.
What are some of the most important tools and technologies used in corporate communications?
Some of the tools and technologies used in corporate communications include email marketing software, content management systems, social media management platforms, etc.
References
northeastern.edu — what are corporate communications?
Marquette.edu – what can you do with a major in corporate communications?
bau.edu — Duties of a corporate communications officer
Learn.org — corporate communications jobs
zippia.com — corporate communications specialist jobs
shrm.org – corporate communications
Recommendations
