Communications professional

Communications professionals plan and develop strategies that promote the public image of an organisation. They may write press releases, articles, and speeches and use social media and advertising.

Also known as

Press secretary, advertising specialist, communications advisor, public relations specialist, communications and marketing coordinator, media advisor

Work environment

  • Usually work regular business hours but may work extra hours
  • Usually work in offices
  • Need to be creative, communicate well, and work well under pressure

Salary information

MOST COMMON
UPPER
LOWER
$52K-$154K 52000

Typical tasks

  • Provide educational information to the public
  • Respond to enquiries from media, community or public interest groups
  • Develop promotional strategies or plans
  • Coach others
  • Write advertising or promotional material
  • Collaborate with others in marketing activities
  • Edit written materials
  • Write informational material
  • Coordinate logistics for productions or events
  • Conduct market research

Outlook

Communications work is changing quickly as organisations respond to digital media, artificial intelligence, misinformation, social issues and changing audience expectations. In New Zealand, strong communication is important across business, government, education, health, not-for-profit and creative sectors. Globally, the field is becoming more data-informed, visual, fast-moving and values-driven, with growing focus on trust, reputation, accessibility and communicating clearly across diverse communities.

What employers and industry want in graduates

  • Excellent writing and editing skills
  • Creativity across digital, social and visual channels
  • Good judgement and awareness of audiences
  • Confidence using communication tools, analytics and emerging technologies
  • Relationship-building and teamwork skills
  • Cultural awareness and ability to communicate inclusively

AUT programmes

The above is a suggestion only and a starting point. You may need to meet other criteria or take additional steps to work in this career.

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This data is sourced from the Tertiary Education Commission through the Tahatū Career Navigator website (www.tahtu.govt.nz) and used under the CC BY 4.0 licence. Some of the information has been modified by AUT. TEC has not approved, endorsed or tested these modifications. TEC will not be held accountable for any errors within this data.