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Marketing & Sales6 min read

Communications Associate

Communications associates write and edit. The role spans PR, internal comms, nonprofit comms, and corporate communications, with shared core skills: clarity, speed, and judgment about what to say (and not say).

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What does a Communications Associate do?

A communications associate drafts press releases, blog posts, internal emails, social copy, FAQs, talking points, and short scripts. Depending on the org, they may also pitch reporters, manage social channels, support spokespeople, or help with crisis communication. The job rewards good writing and good judgment in roughly equal measure.

Common responsibilities

  • Draft press releases, media advisories, and pitches
  • Write and edit internal employee communications (Slack posts, all-hands scripts, newsletters)
  • Maintain message houses, FAQs, and talking points
  • Help with social media copy and content calendars
  • Track media coverage and prepare coverage reports
  • Support executives with talking points or prep for interviews
  • Coordinate logistics for press events and announcements
  • Help draft op-eds and bylined articles

Skills to highlight on your HireMe profile

Hard skills

  • Strong writing and editing on tight deadlines
  • AP Style basics for media-facing work
  • Comfort with content tools (WordPress, HubSpot, Mailchimp, Notion)
  • Basic familiarity with media databases (Cision, Muck Rack)
  • Light social media management (Buffer, Hootsuite, Sprout)

Soft skills

  • Judgment about what shouldn't be said publicly
  • Diplomacy with subject-matter experts who want to over-explain
  • Calm during news cycles and last-minute requests
  • Reading the room when a story is about to turn

Tools & platforms

  • WordPress, HubSpot CMS, or Webflow
  • Slack and Microsoft Teams for internal comms
  • Media databases: Cision, Muck Rack, Meltwater
  • Email: Mailchimp, Marketo, HubSpot, Beehiiv
  • Social: Buffer, Hootsuite, Sprout Social

Who this role is a good fit for

  • Strong writers — journalism, English, communications, marketing majors
  • Anyone who has run a publication, newsletter, podcast, or campus media
  • Candidates who can hold a balanced tone while writing for a cause they care about
  • People who genuinely read the news

Majors and backgrounds that fit

  • Communications
  • Journalism
  • English
  • Public Relations
  • Marketing
  • Political Science

Common entry-level job titles to search for

Hiring managers use different titles for the same role. When you search job boards or filter on HireMe, try variations like:

  • Communications Associate
  • PR Associate
  • Junior Communications Specialist
  • Internal Communications Associate
  • Content Associate
  • Public Affairs Associate

How to make your HireMe profile stand out for this role

  • Link to a writing sample. Real-published work always wins over claimed skills.
  • List any newsroom, magazine, podcast, or media organization you've contributed to.
  • Mention experience with social media, newsletter, or content tools by name.
  • Surface any work where you handled sensitive subjects with judgment.
  • If you have any media-pitching experience, even unsuccessful, describe it.

Interview preparation tips

  • Expect a writing test (often a press release or short internal note in 24–48 hours).
  • Be ready to discuss a recent story in the company's industry and the framing you'd use.
  • Have a clear example of when you cut your own copy ruthlessly.
  • Ask about how the team handles crisis communications and tough internal news.

Reality checks before applying

  • PR cycles are unpredictable. Some weeks are quiet, others mean nights and weekends.
  • Internal comms can be perceived as "the policing team." That comes with the territory.
  • Communications budgets are often the first to be cut. Look at the team's track record.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a journalism degree?+
No. Strong writers from English, communications, marketing, political science, and even STEM backgrounds can be hired into entry-level comms roles.
What's the difference between PR and corporate comms?+
PR focuses on external media. Corporate comms covers a broader scope including internal comms, executive comms, crisis comms, and brand voice.
Is social media management part of comms?+
Often yes, especially at smaller teams. Larger teams separate brand/social from corporate comms.
Are agency or in-house comms jobs better for new grads?+
Both have pros. Agencies expose you to many clients and industries; in-house lets you go deep on one company. Try both if you can.
What does pay look like for entry-level comms roles?+
Pay varies by location, employer, industry, and experience level. Use this guide to understand what affects compensation and what skills can help you stand out.

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