What Is a Corporate Communication Officer?

Small businesses, government agencies, Fortune 500 companies and nearly every organization in between must disseminate information to the public at some point in time. Communication professionals make that happen in the most effective way possible.

Job Description

A corporate communication officer, also referred to as a public relations specialist or manager, is often responsible for the coordination and implementation of public relations programs designed to project a favorable impression for a specific product, service or brand.

Duties

Corporate communication officers will closely monitor all factors that may have an effect on those they serve. After examining political, market, economic and social trends, the officer will recommend a course of action that could include writing and publishing press releases, creating websites, organizing events, sponsoring charity events or even donating to a specific cause to promote the company or organization while giving back to the community.

Qualifications

Corporate communication officer positions require a bachelor's degree in communication, public relations, journalism or a related field. Most companies will seek candidates with experience in advertising, public speaking, creative writing and political science. Although not necessarily required, most employers seek candidates with above-average computer skills as well.

Special Considerations

This is a non-traditional field, as most corporate communication officer positions are 9-to-5 jobs. In some fields, substantial travel can be required to meet with government officials, sales managers, special-interest groups or even clients. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that more than 80 percent of communication professionals work more than 40 hours per week.

Salary

The average salary for a corporate communication officer is $60,000 annually, but this figure will vary greatly depending on the location of the position, experience of the applicant, size of the company and whether the company is public, public or non-profit as well as the overall compensation package.

References

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Advertising, Marketing, Promotions, Public Relations, and Sales Managers
• Simply Hired: Salary Comparison