Communications Assistant (Sample Job Description)

This Communications Assistant job description template includes key Communications Assistant duties and responsibilities. You can post this template on job boards to attract prospective applicants.

• What is the role of a Communications Assistant?
• Sample Job Description

What is the role of a Communications Assistant?

A Communications Assistant is in charge of creating and publishing content, overseeing office activities, brainstorming ideas and developing newsletters and other publications. They will also write press releases, monitor media coverage, and attend both external and internal events. Their primary duty revolves around ensuring internal operations run effortlessly, provide essential assistance to marketing departments, and upholding the organization’s external image.

Typically, a communications assistant works with the marketing, public relations, and communications department. They may be responsible for creating marketing materials, managing social media networks, creating databases for managing clients, events, communications, and marketing data. Other responsibilities may include drafting, and editing publication materials and communications copy and helping to execute communications projects and strategies.

Education, Training, & Certification

Typically, a Communications Assistant holds a bachelor’s degree.

• Education: A Bachelor’s Degree in Communication, Journalism, Media, Marketing, Public Relations, or a related field is required for advanced positions. However, some entry-level positions consider a high school diploma.
• Certification: Certification is voluntary. Some of these include Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) and Accredited in Public Relations (APR).

Communications Assistance - Skills and Competencies

Successful candidates must possess the following skills and abilities:

• Detail-oriented and organizational skills: Juggling multiple projects is common in this occupation. Hence, exceptional organizational and a keen eye for detail is essential.
• Interpersonal skills: A Communications Assistant regularly interacts with multiple people and is the point of contact between the company and the public.
• Strong communication skills: The role entails writing clear, concise, and professional press releases, company announcements, and other communications to share with the public.
• Multitasking abilities: Moving from meeting to meeting, handling administrative duties, writing and attending public relations events are part of a day’s work. This means multitasking abilities are vital.
• Customer service: Most companies opt for candidates with a background in customer service since the skills gained are transferable and assists the communications assistant to perform their duties effortlessly.
• Teamwork: The ability to collaborate with various departments, the management, external stakeholders, as well as other employees, is essential.

Job Outlook

Employment in public relations occupations is expected to increase in the next decade.

Work Environment

This is a full-time position, usually during regular working hours. In this profession, travelling to media houses or client meetings is common. Overtime will occasionally be required depending on workload.

Sample Job Description

Job Brief

We are looking for a professional Communications Assistant to join our team. You’ll be responsible for coordinating office activities, facilitating internal operations, managing information, filing documents, and distributing company-related information. Editing and writing company materials will play a huge role in your duties.

The ideal candidate should be able to conduct research, prepare agendas, manage projects, as well as support sales initiatives and media coverage. He or she should be an excellent communicator with strong attention to detail. Ultimately, the primary objective will be to ensure clear communication of the company’s message across multiple channels.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Assist in the execution of communications strategies.
• Offer administrative support to projects and in-house teams.
• Create and edit communications copy (e.g. press releases, publications, social media posts).
• Help to maintain web content and implementation of social media strategies.
• Track projects and media exposure as well as update databases and media lists.
• Oversee internal communications and distribution channels.
• Maintain calendars, schedules and appointments.
• Help in researching, writing and editing content for distribution including photos and videos.
• Help the team develop public relations and promotional materials including the creation and distribution programs.
• Perform administrative duties such as answering calls, preparing presentations, scheduling meetings, making travel arrangements, and so on.
• Regularly collect data, prepare reports/presentations and evaluate the status of the company’s public image and make recommendations for expanding or improving the public image.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Previous work experience as a Communications Assistant, Communication specialist or similar role.
• Knowledge of media relations and digital media strategies.
• Conversant with MS Office.
• Working knowledge of design software (e.g., Photoshop, InDesign) and content management systems is a plus.
• Proven proficiency in using various social media platforms or a strong desire to learn.
• Proven skills in marketing communications, web content management, social media marketing or public relations is a plus.
• Strong editing and researching skills.
• Outstanding communication (oral and written) skills.
• Strong organization skills and detail-oriented.
• BSc/BA in Marketing, Communications or a related field.