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Communication Officer

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

 

Tasks & duties

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Communication officers may do some or all of the following:

  • develop communication objectives and communication plans
  • arrange publicity for the organisation
  • check 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 documents and organise their publication
  • 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 and organisations with information
  • take photographs for publications
  • research the attitudes and opinions of the public
  • maintain and update the organisation's website

 

Skills & knowledge

Communication officers need to have:

  • knowledge of the company they are working for, and its business, products and services
  • knowledge of the media, how it operates, and which types of media to use for different purposes
  • the ability to summarise and simplify complex information and communicate it to different groups
  • the ability to put together a communication strategy
  • excellent written and oral communication skills including a good understanding of English grammar
  • the ability to form and maintain relationships, especially with managers and journalists
  • knowledge of different design and printing methods
  • computer and desktop publishing skills, as well as photography skills
  • good project management skills
  • time management, and organisational and planning skills
  • leadership skills

 

Entry requirements

To become a communication officer you need to complete a tertiary qualification, preferably in public relations, communication, advertising, or journalism.

 

Secondary education

A tertiary entrance qualification, including Bursary or NCEA equivalent English, is needed to enter further training.

 

Training on the job

Many skills are gained on the job, although job requirements vary depending on the organisation. Communication officers may attend in-house training courses, conferences and seminars and meet with other communication officers to keep up to date with new information. Some organisations may allow their staff to undertake correspondence courses.

Communication officers may complete a one-year accreditation course with the Public Relations Institute of New Zealand after five years of working in this area.

 

Useful experience

Experience in journalism, advertising or marketing may be useful for communications officers. Any work that involves dealing with people may also be useful, as communication officers need to be able to communicate with a wide range of people. Project management, photography or desktop publishing experience may also be useful for developing good general knowledge.

 

Related courses

Marketing
Public Relations

For more information, please refer to Career Services.

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