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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Vocal Officer

💰 $75,000 - $115,000

CommunicationsPublic RelationsMarketingMedia Relations

🎯 Role Definition

The Vocal Officer serves as the primary custodian and champion of our organization's brand voice. This role is not just about communication; it's about embodiment. The Vocal Officer ensures that every message—whether internal or external, spoken or written—is consistent, authentic, and resonates powerfully with our target audiences. They act as a key spokesperson, a content strategist, and an internal coach, ensuring clarity and impact in all our vocal and written expressions. This position is central to building and protecting our corporate reputation and fostering a cohesive brand identity.


📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Communications Coordinator
  • Public Relations Specialist
  • Content Strategist

Advancement To:

  • Senior Communications Manager
  • Director of Public Relations
  • Head of Corporate Communications

Lateral Moves:

  • Brand Manager
  • Internal Communications Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Act as a primary spokesperson and media contact for the organization, confidently representing the company's position during interviews, press conferences, and public events.
  • Develop and implement comprehensive, multi-channel communication strategies that align with organizational goals, enhance brand reputation, and drive key narratives.
  • Proactively cultivate and maintain strong, lasting relationships with key journalists, editors, influencers, and media representatives across print, broadcast, and digital platforms.
  • Craft, edit, and strategically distribute compelling press releases, media advisories, thought leadership articles, and official statements to secure high-quality, positive coverage in key media outlets.
  • Monitor media coverage and social media conversations in real-time to identify trends, manage reputational risks, and report on the effectiveness of communication efforts using analytics tools.
  • Write and edit a wide range of engaging content, including website copy, blog posts, keynote speeches, video scripts, and internal announcements, ensuring a consistent and compelling brand voice.
  • Provide expert media training and coaching to senior executives and other designated spokespeople to ensure they are prepared, confident, and on-message for all public appearances.
  • Lead the development and execution of a crisis communications plan, serving as a calm and authoritative voice to manage sensitive situations and protect the organization's integrity.
  • Collaborate closely with the marketing team to ensure that all campaign messaging is cohesive and that public relations efforts are fully integrated with broader marketing initiatives.
  • Manage the creation of powerful corporate storytelling assets, such as customer case studies, employee testimonials, and feature articles, that bring the company's mission and impact to life.
  • Organize and manage the logistics and messaging for press events, media tours, and product launches, ensuring a seamless and positive experience for all attendees.
  • Serve as the editor-in-chief for internal communication channels, such as newsletters and the company intranet, to foster an informed, connected, and engaged workforce.
  • Develop clear and concise talking points, briefing documents, and FAQs for executives and staff on a variety of complex topics, ensuring message consistency across the organization.
  • Research and secure high-profile speaking opportunities for company leadership at key industry conferences and events, managing the entire process from topic submission to presentation development.
  • Manage the corporate awards program by identifying relevant industry and business awards and preparing compelling submissions to enhance brand prestige and recognition.
  • Oversee the company’s social media presence in close collaboration with the social media team, providing strategic guidance on tone of voice and messaging for key announcements and campaigns.
  • Build and maintain a comprehensive media contact database and a digital library of approved corporate information, messaging, and boilerplate language.
  • Analyze and report on the performance of communication campaigns, providing actionable insights and data-driven recommendations to senior leadership for continuous improvement.
  • Partner with Investor Relations and legal teams to ensure financial and corporate communications are clear, compliant, consistent, and aligned with the overall corporate narrative.
  • Act as an internal consultant and champion for clear, effective communication, providing guidance and editorial support to various departments on their communication needs.
  • Develop and manage the public relations budget, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to achieve maximum impact and return on investment.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis related to media coverage and audience sentiment.
  • Contribute to the organization's communications technology strategy, recommending new tools for monitoring and engagement.
  • Collaborate with business units to translate their objectives and news into compelling, externally-facing stories and content.
  • Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the broader marketing and communications team.
  • Assist in the coordination and promotion of community outreach and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Media Relations & Strategic Pitching: Proven ability to build media lists, craft compelling pitches, and secure coverage.
  • Crisis Communications Management: Experience in developing and executing strategies to mitigate reputational risk.
  • Public Speaking & Presentation Delivery: Exceptional ability to command a room and deliver messages with clarity and impact.
  • Content Creation & Copywriting (AP Style): Versatile writing skills for various formats, from press releases to speeches.
  • PR & Media Monitoring Software: Proficiency with tools such as Cision, Meltwater, Muck Rack, or similar platforms.
  • Speechwriting: Skill in capturing a leader's voice and crafting persuasive, memorable speeches and talking points.
  • Social Media Strategy: Deep understanding of how to leverage major social platforms for corporate communications.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional Interpersonal & Communication Skills: Articulate, persuasive, and an empathetic listener.
  • Composure & Grace Under Pressure: Ability to remain calm, focused, and decisive in high-stakes situations.
  • Strategic & Critical Thinking: The capacity to see the bigger picture and align communications with business objectives.
  • Relationship Building & Networking: An innate ability to connect with people and build a strong professional network.
  • Narrative Development & Storytelling: A talent for weaving facts and data into compelling stories that resonate.
  • Discretion & Professionalism: Unquestionable judgment and integrity when handling sensitive and confidential information.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree

Preferred Education:

  • Master's Degree

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Communications
  • Public Relations
  • Journalism

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 5-8 years of progressive experience in communications or public relations.

Preferred: Demonstrated experience in a corporate communications department or a public relations agency, with a portfolio showcasing successful media placements, a variety of written content, and strategic campaign execution.