Communications Specialist
Communications specialists work in communications with primary responsibilities in the fields of writing, editing, branding, and public and media relations. They also write and coordinate the production of printed and digital marketing and educational materials. Communications specialists must have a broad knowledge of their company and the wider industry so they can appropriately communicate their company and their brand. Some may choose to specialize in a specific communications medium or strategy.
Future Job Market
-
Fair
-
Good
-
Excellent
Typical Employers:
Communications specialists work for a variety of companies and organizations of all sizes. There is also opportunity to work for a marketing agency and work with a variety of companies overseeing their communications strategies. Some communications specialists freelance for different companies and are self-employed.
Suggested Professional Organizations and Associations:
- AgChat Foundation
- Agricultural Relations Council
- Public Relations Society of America
- Agricultural Communicators Network
- National Agri-Marketing Association
- North American Agricultural Journalists
Salary:
$68,000?
SAE Connections:
What Responsibilities Will I Have?
- Prepare schedules and organize meetings and interviews
- Write and design company literature
- Create effective communication strategies and implement protocols as needed based on the companies needs
- Create email marketing plans based on the companies needs and target demographic
- Implement email marketing
- Ensure positive relationships with clients
- Plan how multimedia (photos, graphic designs, websites, social media posts, etc.) will be used for promotional efforts
- Coordinate the in-house or third-party creation of communications materials
- Ensure communications materials support other departments (sales, marketing, etc.) as needed
- Write and coordinate the production of printed and digital marketing and educational materials
- Research drafts and disseminate press materials to appropriate news media
- Disseminate association events and activities on social media
- Assist in the creation of audio-visual aids for staff and maintain an ease of use across platforms
- Manage the media database and news-clipping log
- Update information on company website and social media outlets
- Develop appealing presentations and speeches for leadership
- Assist other staff in program areas whenever communications assistance is needed
- Maintain budget administration duties and expenses tracking
- Manage annual advertising and marketing budgets
Recommended High School Courses:
- agricultural education
- journalism
- communications
- art
- computer skills
- English
- public speaking
Education/Training Required:
A bachelor’s degree in agricultural communications, agricultural marketing, agricultural journalism, communications, public relations or a related field is required.
