Communications Body of Knowledge

Chamber communications professionals should demonstrate, in key area, a knowledge and understanding of the importance of:

Communications strategies as they relate to media, employees, members
Integrated communications strategies, which include marketing, advertising and sales
Message delivery channels
Written and oral communication skills
Counseling CEO, key organization enablers and enactors, and spokespersons
Legal and ethical issues of communication as related to investor relations, trademark/copyright, intellectual property, non-profit disclosure

Graphic standards development for an organization
Desktop publishing (advantages and disadvantages)
Layout and design (the elements of a good "look")
Image management for an organization
Creativity and graphical support for an organization's communications efforts
Management and direct organization newsletter creation, production, and publication

Strategies for publications management, including design, development, print production, digital imaging and printing, print buying, and delivery

Skills necessary to write a variety of copy, from ads to advisories, from backgrounders to fact sheets to press releases, from speechwriting to position paper writing
Effective editing
A command of the English language, including standard usage, grammar, punctuation, and spelling

Tele/video-conferencing
Web site management - structure, development, updating, technical considerations, including basic html
The use of, and issues surrounding, fax communication -- on-demand and broadcast - and e-mail communication
Computer skills -- word processing, desktop publishing, Internet, database management
Audio-visual presentations - video, slide, overhead transparencies, and on-line demonstrations

Building awareness of organization's activities to non-members, members, and community partners
Directing all media relations activities, including news conferences
Issues management
Relationship management with reporters, editors, and editorial boards
Developing media relations strategies
"Clippings" management
Media planning for print, broadcast, and electronic outlets
Spokesperson training
The intricacies of television and radio news and interview processes.
Counseling of staff and leaders regarding publicity (or lack of) on sensitive issues.

Budget development and oversight
Project management and oversight (on time, on budget, complete and accurate)
Total Quality Management
Personnel management
Internal and external customer service issues
Management of competition with members
Bid and evaluation process management with regard to outsourcing projects to agencies
Management of freelancers, interns, temps, and volunteers

Issues management
Principles of research and evaluation to analyze the outcomes of marketing, advertising, promotions/public relations activities
Development of a strategic plan for any of the following - organization image campaign, activities and event promotion, communicating activities e analysis of chamber's environment
Crisis communications -- plan development and implementation
Direct identification of community issues
Reinforcement of continual communication of consistent company message