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How to Become A Communications Coordinator

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What is a Communications Coordinator

A Communications Coordinator is one of the best entry points into the world of media, PR, and marketing. This role is about getting an organisation’s story out to the right people, in the right way. You write, post, pitch, plan, and analyse. Every day brings a fresh challenge.

Common tasks include writing press releases, managing social media accounts, and producing newsletters. Coordinators often plan events, brief media contacts, and track how coverage lands. They work with marketing, HR, and leadership to make sure every message feels consistent and on-brand.

No two sectors run communications the same way. One day you might be crafting product updates for a tech start-up. The next, you are handling sensitive stories for a health charity. This variety is what makes the role so exciting.

Most employers want a bachelor degree in communications, public relations, or media studies. A strong portfolio of real writing samples can go a long way too. If you are ambitious and keen to grow, this career can take you to PR Manager, Communications Director, and beyond.

Compare courses and programs in Communications

Career Outlook for Communications Coordinator

Communications is a growing field in Australia. Around 32,300 public relations and comms workers are employed nationally (ABS, 2025). The sector adds about 1,300 new roles each year, and the five-year growth projection is 11.4% (SEEK, 2026). The Australian Government’s Your Career service rates future demand as strong.

Most Communications Coordinators work full-time, averaging around 42 hours per week (ABS, 2025). Around 26% work part-time, making this one of the more flexible roles at this level. Pay ranges from around $80,000 to $100,000 per year for coordinator roles (SEEK, 2026). With more experience, earnings can climb well above $100,000.

On this Article

Introduction

Average Salaries

Resources

Steps to Become a Communications Coordinator

Step 1: Earn a bachelor degree in communications or public relations

Most employers want a bachelor degree for this role. Study a Bachelor of Communication, Bachelor of Public Relations, or Bachelor of Media at a university across Australia. These courses take three years full-time and cover writing, media strategy, digital comms, and PR ethics. Graduates can write content and run campaigns from day one.

Step 2: Build hands-on experience through internships or entry-level work

Real-world experience is key. Seek an internship or junior role at a PR firm, government agency, or not-for-profit. Most degree programs include a work placement unit, so use it to build real contacts and a track record. Aim for at least six months of hands-on work before applying for coordinator roles.

Step 3: Build a portfolio of your best work

Employers look for proof of what you can produce. Collect your best writing samples, social media campaigns, event plans, and press releases in one place. A simple online portfolio on a personal website works well. Update it each time you finish a new project, as it becomes your strongest tool when job hunting.

Step 4: Join Communication and Public Relations Australia (CPRA)

CPRA is the national body for communications and PR workers in Australia. Membership gives you access to industry events, training, and a professional network across every sector. You can join as an Associate if you have fewer than five years of experience. It shows employers you care about ethics and ongoing growth.

Step 5: Apply for roles and keep building your skills

Once you have a degree, some experience, and a strong portfolio, you are ready to apply. Target organisations in sectors that interest you, such as government, health, arts, or technology. After landing the role, grow your skills in data, crisis comms, and content strategy. Many coordinators move up to Senior Communications Officer or Communications Manager within five years.

What does a Communications Coordinator do?

A Communications Coordinator wears many hats on any given day. They write press releases, manage social media accounts, and produce newsletters. They plan events, pitch story ideas to journalists, and track media coverage. They also brief senior leaders, support internal communications, and check that all messaging stays on-brand. The mix of creative work and stakeholder management makes every week different and interesting. It is a great role for people who enjoy variety and love to write.

Tasks

A Communications Coordinator shapes how an organisation connects with its audience. The job blends creative skills with planning and relationship-building. Work spans many sectors: health, government, not-for-profit, corporate, and beyond.

  • Content Creation: writes copy for social media, press releases, newsletters, and web pages.
  • Media Relations: reaches out to journalists and pitches news stories on behalf of the organisation.
  • Event Coordination: plans and runs launches, workshops, and community engagement activities.
  • Social Media Management: creates posts, responds to comments, and monitors engagement data.
  • Internal Communications: shares updates and news with staff in a clear, timely way.
  • Brand Management: makes sure all content matches the organisation’s tone and style.
  • Research and Analysis: studies audience behaviour and campaign results to improve future efforts.
  • Stakeholder Liaison: works with teams, partners, and clients to support shared communication goals.
  • Reporting: prepares clear summaries of campaign reach and impact for leadership teams.
  • Crisis Response Support: helps manage messaging when issues arise that affect the organisation’s reputation.

Skills for Success

To succeed as a Communications Coordinator, you need to write well. That means clear, engaging copy for websites, social media, press releases, and newsletters. You also need to handle multiple tasks at once without dropping the ball. Good organisation is just as important as creative flair.

You will also use data more than you might expect. Analytics help you see what is working and what is not. Add to that strong people skills, a feel for brand voice, and the curiosity to keep up with digital trends. Mix those together and you are ready to thrive in this role.

Skills & Attributes

  • Written and verbal communication
  • Social media management and content creation
  • Digital marketing and analytics tools
  • Organisational and project management skills
  • Media and stakeholder relations
  • Copywriting and editing
  • Brand and messaging alignment
  • Research and audience analysis
  • Event coordination
  • Interpersonal and teamwork skills
  • Creative thinking and problem-solving
  • Attention to detail
  • Adaptability and time management
  • Basic graphic design or multimedia literacy
  • SEO and web content fundamentals

Average Salaries

The average annual salary for a Communications Coordinator in Australia is around $90,000 (SEEK, June 2026). Entry roles start at about $65,000 per year. Senior coordinators can earn up to $100,000. Pay is higher in corporate, government, and large not-for-profit organisations.

min $65 K

max $100 K

av $90 K

About the author

Laura Atkinson - Course Finder Groups
Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.