Jobs in Corporate Communication

Corporate communications jobholders protect and advance a positive image for corporations.

Jobs in corporate communications allow interaction in various functions. Corporations rely on corporate communications professionals to contribute to advertising, marketing and public relations efforts. Having experience in corporate communications can also provide jobholders with the opportunity to join other departments within the organization, and join companies that specialize in public relations and advertising.

Public Relations

Public relations professionals are responsible for maintaining a positive public image for companies. They develop and oversee activities that ensure that clients, consumers and the public at large view the company in a favorable light. Areas of responsibility include development of company position statements, research reports and “white papers” on topics that have a direct impact on the company. They serve as corporate representatives at events, conferences and trade association activities, and report to members of the company executive leadership team. A bachelor’s degree or more is required to apply and obtain a public relations position within most major corporations.

Media Relations

Corporations increasingly require qualified professionals to handle media relations responsibilities. Media relations positions require a degree in journalism or communications. In addition, the ability to develop effective press releases and field media inquiries is mandatory. Media relations positions also require the ability to address the media, appear on-camera and to coach company executives and prepare “talking points” for press conferences and respond to media inquiries.

Internal Communications

Internal communications positions fulfill responsibilities to develop employee newsletters, online intranet communications and development of communications vehicles such as company annual reports. Most positions are for writers and graphic designers. A degree in journalism or graphic design is required, along with a portfolio to demonstrate specific work examples.

Community Relations

Community relations personnel play a vital role in ensuring that the corporation is viewed favorably in the communities it serves. Efforts are often centered on maintaining a favorable relationship with city, county and state government agencies. Job candidates require backgrounds in community service, public affairs and public relations.

Corporate Social Responsibility

Many major corporations now have dedicated personnel to fulfill their social and corporate responsibility missions. This can include what a national fast food chain is doing to combat juvenile obesity to what a bank is doing to educate consumers on how to improve their credit scores so they can get a home loan. Jobs require skill-sets and educational degrees in public affairs, public relations, marketing and journalism. Many jobholders transfer to this area or are specifically assigned to guide and direct corporate social responsibility efforts.

Digital Communications

Companies seek and hire those with technology expertise to develop, manage and consistently monitor their internal and external digital communications. Positions are sought for IT managers for internal and intranet communications, website developers, designers, writers, search engine optimization (SEO) and e-commerce specialists. Employees in these areas of responsibilities are relied upon to develop corporate websites and e-commerce applications to align with overall marketing and advertising strategies, and to ensure that internal and external digital communications are strategic, safe and secure for the company and website visitors.

References

• PRSA: Job Center
• PRCrossing: Corporate Communications Jobs
• Intranet Journal: The Evolution of Corporate Communications