How to become a communications coordinator

If you’re a great writer, you love finding stories to tell, and enjoy thinking outside the box to solve problems, a career in communications could be right for you.

In a nutshell, a communications coordinator is responsible for communicating information to a particular audience on behalf of an organisation. It’s one of a number of communications jobs, and is part of the advertising, marketing and public relations Career Zone.

'Love finding stories to tell and working in a team to tackle problems? A role as a communications coordinator could be perfect'

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In this guide we’ll take a look at communications coordinator jobs, what they do, the skills that’s required for the role and the different routes to becoming one.

What is a communications coordinator?

A communications coordinator (you'll also see it referred to as communications officer) relays information to people in order to promote an organisation, company, product or project. That could be anything from a huge children’s charity, a financial business or a tiny community project.

Communications coordinator jobs involve raising awareness of the company or project using lots of different avenues like social media, websites, or print materials like posters and magazines. They come up with different ways to get information to the public, and put plans into place to do this.

What does a communications coordinator do?

The tasks of a communications officer will vary a lot depending on their employer and the nature of their role. Let’s take a look at some responsibilities they might have on a day to day basis…

• Research and write information about the business or project and present it in print formats, for example leaflets, posters, brochures, menus, stationery.

  

• Write information for websites, e-newsletters, blogs. 
• Use Facebook, Snapchat, Twitter and other social media to relay information with a specific audience in mind.
• Share information with a broad range of “stakeholders” – this means anyone who has an interest in the business you work for. For example, if a communications officer/coordinator worked for a supermarket, one of their group of stakeholders would be the shop’s customers.
• Share information “internally”, which means communicating to other staff in the business.
• Write press releases to communicate information to newspapers, news websites and other media outlets.
• Stay in touch with journalists to ensure there are lots of articles about the organisation or initiative. Keep track of these articles.
• Help the communications team to put on events that will promote the business.
• Go to events like conferences or trade shows and represent the organisation.
• Attend regular team meetings.
• Compile progress reports.

What skills should I have? Could this role be for me?

The skills required for communications coordinator jobs include:

• Brilliant communication skills, obviously. You’ll be able to explain complex ideas and information in an interesting and straightforward way. You’ll be good at communicating with different groups of people.
• Excellent writing skills – you’ll be able to write clearly and concisely.
• Creativity skills – able to see issues and problems from different angles.
• Able to take initiative – good at coming up with ideas and taking responsibility for your work.
• Organised and good at managing your time.
• Able to work under pressure.
• Enjoy working with others and getting things done as a team. 

  

• Top digital and IT skills.

How can I become a communications coordinator?

There is no set route to becoming a communications coordinator. You will often need a degree. Many people in communications jobs have degrees in journalism, fundraising, advertising or marketing.

You could also pursue this career by doing an apprenticeship, where you work and study at the same time, while getting paid. Search online for apprenticeships in “advertising and marketing communications.”

For both routes, you will set yourself apart to universities and employers by doing work experience in communications, PR, marketing or advertising. You could also show your dedication and skills through volunteering or a hobby like blogging.

Image credits

Main image via Freepik.