A Communications Associate is a public relations professional working across various departments to ensure communication about the activities or nature of a company is robust and consistent. Usually hired on a temporary basis and working closely with management, they support the work of in-house communications or marketing departments.
Communication associates work towards generating awareness of their employers' agenda. They contribute to the design and development of communication and marketing campaigns across printed and digital media platforms.
You will most likely be expected to work full time, but you might be able to do the job remotely. Previous experience in public relations, communications, or marketing is generally required for this position. Being able to speak and write in an engaging and inspiring way will be a must.
How to Become a Communications Associate
What is a Communications Associate
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a communications associate. For example, did you know that they make an average of $22.87 an hour? That's $47,574 a year!
Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 6% and produce 17,300 job opportunities across the U.S.
What Does a Communications Associate Do
There are certain skills that many communications associates have in order to accomplish their responsibilities. By taking a look through resumes, we were able to narrow down the most common skills for a person in this position. We discovered that a lot of resumes listed interpersonal skills, organizational skills and problem-solving skills.
How To Become a Communications Associate
If you're interested in becoming a communications associate, one of the first things to consider is how much education you need. We've determined that 77.0% of communications associates have a bachelor's degree. In terms of higher education levels, we found that 11.0% of communications associates have master's degrees. Even though most communications associates have a college degree, it's possible to become one with only a high school degree or GED.
Choosing the right major is always an important step when researching how to become a communications associate. When we researched the most common majors for a communications associate, we found that they most commonly earn bachelor's degree degrees or master's degree degrees. Other degrees that we often see on communications associate resumes include associate degree degrees or high school diploma degrees.
You may find that experience in other jobs will help you become a communications associate. In fact, many communications associate jobs require experience in a role such as internship. Meanwhile, many communications associates also have previous career experience in roles such as administrative assistant or marketing internship.
What is the right job for my career path?
Tell us your goals and we'll match you with the right jobs to get there.
Communications Associate Career Paths
In addition to switching up your job search, it might prove helpful to look at a career path for your specific job. Now, what's a career path you ask? Well, it's practically a map that shows how you might advance from one job title to another. Our career paths are especially detailed with salary changes. So, for example, if you started out with the role of communications specialist you might progress to a role such as account executive eventually. Later on in your career, you could end up with the title marketing program manager.
Communications Associate Jobs You Might Like
What is the right job for my career path?
Tell us your goals and we'll match you with the rights job to get there.
Create The Perfect Resume
Our resume builder tool will walk you through the process of creating a stand-out Communications Associate resume.
Average Salary for a Communications Associate
Calculate your salary
Use Zippia's Salary Calculator to see how your pay matches up.
Communications Associate Resumes
Designing and figuring out what to include on your resume can be tough, not to mention time-consuming. That's why we put together a guide that is designed to help you craft the perfect resume for becoming a Communications Associate. If you're needing extra inspiration, take a look through our selection of templates that are specific to your job.
 |
Eric Ray |
 |
 |
Andrea Moore  New York, NY  (540) 555-0942  amoore@example.com Experience Communications Associate2020 - Present Pfizer•New York, NY
Communications Manager Internship2019 - 2020 Morgan Stanley•New York, NY
Marketing Communications Associate2014 - 2015 Johnson & Johnson•New Brunswick, NJ
Skills Project ManagementBusiness DevelopmentInternal CommunicationsProceduresContent MarketingTwitterROIMarket ResearchInternetFacility Education Doctoral Degree Political Science2016 - 2019 New York University•New York, NY Master's Degree Economics2015 - 2016 New York University•New York, NY Bachelor's Degree Economics2011 - 2014 Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey•New Brunswick, NJ |
 |
 |
Bobby Rivera  Communications Associate2018 - Present Arizona State UniversityPhoenix, AZ
Communications Department Head2012 - 2018 Arizona State UniversityPhoenix, AZ
Digital Marketing Associate2011 - 2012 GannettPhoenix, AZ
 Bachelor's Degree Communication2008 - 2011 Arizona State UniversityPhoenix, AZ |
 |
 |
Contact Information  Phoenix, AZ (620) 555-4129 brivera@example.comSkills Powerpoint Key Stakeholders Community Outreach Html Executive Leadership Community Resources Special Events Site Traffic Direct Reports Market Research |
 |
 |
Patricia Ruiz  Orange, CA  (540) 555-6017  pruiz@example.com Skills SharepointYouth SportsCommunity LeadersProfessional AthletesCommunications ProgramsSports DepartmentHigh SchoolsOnlineCommunicationLayout |
 |
 |
Employment History Communications Associate2013 - Present Social Services•Orange, CA
Publications Coordinator2007 - 2013 Social Services•Orange, CA
Sports Editor2005 - 2007 The Press-Enterprise•San Bernardino, CA
Education Bachelor's Degree Communication2002 - 2005 California State University - San Bernardino•San Bernardino, CA |
 |
- Developed and maintained project documents and artifacts using the bank's internal project management tools.
- Manage communication activities and support project management implementation from readiness assessments through deployment in Agile/Waterfall project management environment.
- Create and update Powerpoint presentations.
- Created and maintained the College's Twitter page.
- Experienced in project management and building extensive business relations with customers.
- Coordinated sales of communication devices and service plans Developed and researched device troubleshooting and technological help Provided service to irate customers
- Assist new customers with purchase of equipment and services to fit needs.
- Monitor quarterly multimillion dollar Client budget and manage Agency departmental funds.
- Put together PowerPoint presentations, for Account Executives.
- Directed billing, production, and project management.
- Project Management
- Focus Groups
- Internet
- Retail Sales
- AE
- Business Development
- Client Objectives
- Account Executives
- Web Content
- Powerpoint
- Major: Business
- Analyzed communication needs of customer and consulted with technicians regarding technical problems.
- Elevated employee engagement, interdepartmental communication and morale across complex organizations through award-winning internal communications programs.
- Developed and implemented national and regional communications plans to drive corporate strategy, business initiatives and sales goals.
- Collaborate with Customer Care Manager to create strategic plans to enhance customer satisfaction.
- Sell products and services as well as actively solicit new customers through inside sales and store marketing events.
- Developed and maintained project documents and artifacts using the bank's internal project management tools.
- Planned and implemented Jive social network platform to facilitate two-way communication for the program.
- Managed internal communications website through Documentum content management system.
- Led firm's relationship-building communications to clients, media, associates and community that support its business goals.
- Organized and executed promotional events and fashion shows.
- Redeveloped cross-functional event logistics deliverable to encourage efficient and accurate communication.
- Facilitated intra-office communication, corporate interaction and public outreach.
- Prepared and distributed press releases through media platforms, such as Meltwater and E-turbo.
- Created timely updates to all of Chi Omega's social media including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
- Manage, edit and provide leadership support to a professional intern and graphic designer.
- Coordinate special projects and managed schedules for the executive leadership team.
- Determined the appropriate medium to communicate to multiple internal & external audiences through print, digital and the company internet site.
- Developed and managed president / CEO communications strategy.
- Evaluate campaign insights to better optimize online ads.
- Served as Marketing Coordinator for the Broadcast Marketing, Special Events and Alliance Marketing departments.
- Prepared forecasts and PowerPoint presentations for executive team.
- Conducted social media analytics data gathering on platforms such as Twitter and LinkedIn.
- Performed as on-set wardrobe stylist for all advertising projects on a daily basis.
- Traveled to many offsite locations for photo shoots !
- Organized photo shoots, commercials and in store displays at Bloomingdales, Macy's, American Express, and Saks 5th Avenue
- Created flats, art cards, and tech packs in Illustrator and Excel and reviewed samples Researched seasonal inspiration and color concepts
- Schedule market appointments between buying team and vendor community.
- Experience with Photoshop, and Illustrator.
- CAD
- Trend Research
- CRM
- Local Businesses
- Project Management
- Company Website
- Photo Shoots
- ROI
- Business Development
- Customer Service
- page views, Twitter followers).
- Researched Internet to find information about company and posted to the companies' social media sites.
- Prepared an internal communications initiative helping executives inspire employees on the Next Generation DuPont using storytelling techniques.
- Produced print, social and internal communications to drive increased employee engagement and strategic awareness.
- Managed mission critical remote access points for Ford Motor Company and consulted on new communications projects.
- Designed, built and maintained more than seven web sites on the corporate intranet to support corporate programs.
- Authored blog posts addressing various health and safety topic.
- Help plan and attended 2 fundraising special events, including an Oscar NIght Party, and Fire and Ice Ball.
- Graphic Design
- Company Website
- Local Businesses
- Special Events
- Promotional Materials
- Communication
- Email Campaigns
- Event Operations
- Program Staff
- Introduced Twitter as an on-line Internet marketing tool.
- Full project management responsibility including strategies and planning, resource allocation and status reporting for both internal and external web projects.
- Assist with various marketing and public relations promotional events.
- Partnered with the Director of Internal Communications to increase segment exposure throughout The Walt Disney Company.
- Created extensive analysis for a large multinational client identifying the ROI for all major product advertisement campaigns from 2015 to 2016.
- Achieved sales quotas/goals for print and online products.
- Work closely with Account Executives with respect to timeline development, budgets and reporting results.
- Assist various networking events with Account Executives, resulting in establishing relationships with clients and other professionals in media.
- Photographed games and news events.
- Helped update the site's Facebook and Twitter pages.
- Shoot basketball, soccer, lacrosse, baseball game highlights.
- Designed and oversaw layout of prep sports pages in newspaper.
- Investigated, researched, and wrote factually correct and engaging news stories.
- Led cross-brand team calls to generate discussion about communication best practices, issues, and metrics.
- Trained new team members, including training in project management.
- Conducted research and analysis, executed special projects, and performed technical reviews.
- Created annual business communications strategy aligning with company goals to drive performance.
- Content management for over 60 schools athletic t
- Coordinated field & traditional media efforts to petition politicians and grow activist lists for national online campaign.
- Prepared/submitted proposals, presentations, and business development materials for construction management firm with global revenue of $2B annually.
- Performed site production tasks including press release publishing, photo gallery creation, and HTML coding Content Management:.
- Created Photoshop and Flash mockups of user interfaces, and created the live versions using CSS, XHTML and Ajax.
- Assisted the Editorial Assistants, Deputy Editor, and Editor-in-Chief with administrative tasks, pitching, and special projects.
- Coordinated strategies comprised of direct mail, telemarketing, and special event promotions designed to expand marketing base.
- Monitored customer service line by graciously responding to consumer questions and concerns on the phone and through email.
- Communications Programs
- Bulletin Boards
- CRM
- Emergency
- Business Units
- Traffic Instructions
- Alumni
- Web Services
- Backup
- Community Partners
- Analyzed communication needs of customer and consulted with technicians regarding technical problems.
- Provided project management on implementations of large, city wide installations/implementations of products and services.
- Played key role maintaining support procedures that aided to consistent increase in annual revenues.
- Developed successful strategic communication strategies that increased business.
- Initiated, assessed and assisted in the development of client communication projects.
- Served as main client contact for all internal company-wide communication.
- Created and shared content on the team's social media accounts, including Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
- Drafted press releases, memos and fact sheets regarding bills and events.
- Engineered and Managed all social media outlets for T-Mobile, including forums, Facebook, and Twitter
- Placed online orders from our online website for customers.
- Stock Register Online orders Inbound Call Customer Assistance Clean Department
Learn How To Write a Communications Associate Resume
At Zippia, we went through countless Communications Associate resumes and compiled some information about how to optimize them. Here are some suggestions based on what we found, divided by the individual sections of the resume itself.
View Communications Associate Resume Examples And Templates
Find the best Communications Associate job for you
Create The Perfect Resume
Our resume builder tool will walk you through the process of creating a stand-out Communications Associate resume.
Top Colleges for Communications Associates
1. Stanford University
Stanford, CA • Private
2. Northwestern University
Evanston, IL • Private
3. Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA • Private
4. University of Houston
Houston, TX • Private
5. University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA • Private
6. Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY • Private
7. Villanova University
Villanova, PA • Private
8. San Diego State University
San Diego, CA • Private
9. Bentley University
Waltham, MA • Private
10. Marquette University
Milwaukee, WI • Private
Find the best Communications Associate job for you
Online Courses For Communications Associate That You May Like
Become an Effective Communicator And Learn How to Get Your Message Across By Learning Communication Fundamentals...
Communication Training Course - Develop True Communication Mastery!...
Start Building Your Communication Skills Now...
Top Skills For a Communications Associate
The skills section on your resume can be almost as important as the experience section, so you want it to be an accurate portrayal of what you can do. Luckily, we've found all of the skills you'll need so even if you don't have these skills yet, you know what you need to work on. Out of all the resumes we looked through, 11.4% of communications associates listed customer service on their resume, but soft skills such as interpersonal skills and organizational skills are important as well.
- Customer Service, 11.4%
- Powerpoint, 5.3%
- Press Releases, 5.1%
- Project Management, 4.2%
- Web Content, 4.1%
- Other Skills, 69.9% See All Communications Associate Skills
12 Communications Associate RESUME EXAMPLES
Build a professional communications associate resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 12+ resume templates to create your communications associate resume.
Best States For a Communications Associate
Some places are better than others when it comes to starting a career as a communications associate. The best states for people in this position are Connecticut, California, New Hampshire, and Washington. Communications associates make the most in Connecticut with an average salary of $58,189. Whereas in California and New Hampshire, they would average $57,084 and $55,142, respectively. While communications associates would only make an average of $54,487 in Washington, you would still make more there than in the rest of the country. We determined these as the best states based on job availability and pay. By finding the median salary, cost of living, and using the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Location Quotient, we narrowed down our list of states to these four.
1. Connecticut
$58,189
Avg. Salary
2. California
$57,084
Avg. Salary
3. District of Columbia
$53,925
Avg. Salary
How Do Communications Associate Rate Their Jobs?
Top Communications Associate Employers
We've made finding a great employer to work for easy by doing the hard work for you. We looked into employers that employ communications associates and discovered their number of communications associate opportunities and average salary. Through our research, we concluded that The Vanguard Group was the best, especially with an average salary of $49,495. Regus - Texas, Addison - Colonnade follows up with an average salary of $41,158, and then comes New York City Housing Development with an average of $51,948. In addition, we know most people would rather work from home. So instead of having to change careers, we identified the best employers for remote work as a communications associate. The employers include Advanced Recovery Systems, University-California Hastings, and Chainlink Labs
Communications Associate Videos
Communications Associate FAQs
What qualifications do you need to work in communications?
The minimum qualifications to work in communications is a bachelor's degree in communications or a related field. They must also have a lot of experience in conveying messages using different mediums while also being able to deal with urgent and crisis situations.
Communications specialists help businesses by managing all internal and external communication and representing the company to the outside world. Because of this, they need to have business acumen alongside excellent communication skills.
Because a communications specialist drafts media statements, answers media inquiries, compiles publications, and plans events and press conferences, they should be able to proficiently use the entire Microsoft Suite and know basic web design and email marketing in order to craft written communications and presentations.
A communications specialist should also be a part of the various networking groups and achieve these common professional certifications:
Professional Certified Marketer
Accredited Business Communicator
Strategic Communication Management Professional
Communication Management Professional