What is an Information Coordinator?

An information coordinator is charged with the duty of collecting, analyzing, processing, and distributing information according to the policies of a company or the organization. In most cases, this individual is not solely responsible for collecting the information, but may be required to process it, and make it presentable in a reader-friendly format. Thus, someone in this position must not only have good technical skills, but also have at least some creative aptitude.

Generally, the job is broken down into one of two types: the public information coordinator and the internal information coordinator. The same individual could be responsible for both, but the requirements of each can also differ dramatically. In both cases, however, the job will likely require a great deal of public relations experience, or extensive training in that field. In addition, those in such positions must be effective communicators, and able to connect well with others.

The public information coordinator is an individual who deals primarily with the media. In some cases, this coordinator will serve as the main spokesperson for the company, and could be the most often quoted person for the company in the media. Some information coordinators serve primarily as a hub for the media so that reporters can get directed to a source with more expertise or first-hand knowledge. The role of the coordinator, in either case, is often defined by the company.

An internal information coordinator is also expected to be an effective communicator and to deal well with others, but may not interact with outside media organizations at all. Workers serving in this capacity may help put together annual reports, company newsletters, and information that investors often require before deciding whether to invest. Thus, in some ways, a different level of technical skill may be required for this position, compared to a public information coordinator.

Those who serve in either of these positions must be very careful when it comes to disseminating information. Very often, the information coordinator will have access to data that is very sensitive. Therefore, the individual must always be aware of what information is ready to be distributed, and what information is not. This requires extensive attention to detail, and a general understanding of business processes.

Those who become information coordinators often are from a public relations field, or journalism. The skills developed in those trades often transfer very well to this job. Most also have formal training, and at least a Bachelor's degree, though that may not be required in all cases. Degree paths that could lead to a career as an information coordinator include communications, journalism, and business.