Career Overview
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.
Also Known As
- Communications Specialist
- Public Affairs Specialist
- Public Information Officer
- Public Relations Specialist (PR Specialist)
Alternate Job Titles
- Audience Coordinator
- Brand Advocate
- Communication Specialist
- Communications Associate
- Communications Coordinator
- Communications Specialist
- Community Liaison
- Community Relations Coordinator
- Concert Promoter
- Consumer Advocate
- Content Marketing Specialist
- Content Specialist
- Content Strategist
- Corporate Communications Specialist
- Customer Specialist
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- 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.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Communications and Media
- English Language
- Administration and Management
- Customer and Personal Service
- Sales and Marketing
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Social Perceptiveness
- Critical Thinking
- Coordination
- Time Management
- Persuasion
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Speech Recognition
- Speech Clarity
- Written Expression
- Problem Sensitivity
- Deductive Reasoning
- Written Comprehension
- Fluency of Ideas
- Originality
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Social Orientation
- Cooperation
- Dependability
- Self-Confidence
- Innovation
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Achievement
- Independence
- Working Conditions
- Relationships
- Recognition
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
On-the-Job Training: Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months
Education Details: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Experience Required: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Adobe Acrobat
- Adobe After Effects
- Adobe Creative Cloud software
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe InDesign
- Adobe Photoshop
- Apple macOS
- Canva
- Cascading style sheets CSS
- Cisco Webex
Tools & Equipment
- Computer laser printers
- Desktop computers
- Laptop computers
- Multi-line telephone systems
- Personal computers
- Photocopying equipment
Work Environment
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Telephone Conversations
- Time Pressure
- Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $40,750 |
| Median | $69,780 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $129,480 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 280,590
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Public Relations Managers
Education: Not specified
Median Salary: $138,520
Advertising and Promotions Managers
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $126,960
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $76,950
Writers and Authors
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $72,270
Marketing Managers
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $161,030
Is This Career Right for You?
Discover your perfect career match with our free comprehensive assessment! Get personalized recommendations based on your interests, skills, and values.
Take the Free Career Assessment →
Want Personalized Guidance?
For customized career recommendations, college selection strategies, and expert application support, explore the MehtA+ Admissions Consulting Program. We help students identify the right opportunities and navigate the path to achieving their academic and career goals.
Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.