Director of Communications Job Description

Despite the vast array of businesses in the U.S., the job description of a director of communications remains fairly consistent across most industries. The goal of a communications director is to present a company to the public in the best light possible using writing, photography, presentation and other media-related skills.

Position Description

Communications directors design and implement all manner of media strategies such as working to avert public relations disasters in a company, supervising and helping to create marketing campaigns, serving as a liaison with the media and directing the publication of promotional materials among other things.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities of a Director of Communications

Serves as the front line contact for many types of businesses and organizations both in the for-profit and non-profit sectors.
Strives to communicate a business or non-profit organization’s mission and goals to the general public.
Cultivates and maintains contacts in various media outlets.
Writes and distributes press releases to introduce new products and services, new members of the management team, building expansions and other newsworthy developments.
Helps create marketing campaigns to advertise new products and services.
Provides internal information to employees regarding changes in the company or other helpful information.
Supervises the work and activities of the communications staff.
Helps with photo editing and document design.
Analyzes market trends to assist with the company’s product development and sales strategies.
Assists in designing a company logo, a marketing brochure or other promotional materials.
Contributes to the company website and helps maintain it.
Writes annual reports, opinion/editorial pieces for news outlets and speeches for high-level managers and directors in the company.
Designs a corporate framework for internal communications such as an intranet.
Participates in market research projects to measure the success of a marketing campaign.
Communicates strategies and results to shareholders during annual meetings.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Has extensive knowledge of all areas of the company such as marketing, customer service, education and legal.
Demonstrates strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to perform compelling presentations.
Possesses a working knowledge of how to create magazines, newsletters, television or radio advertisements and direct mail promos.
Shows the ability to effectively engage in social media activities, including video sharing and blogging to promote the company.
Has strong negotiation and persuasion abilities.
Displays excellent leadership and management skills.
Demonstrates exceptional interpersonal skills.
Possesses strong organizational abilities and is highly detail oriented.
Exhibits superior critical thinking and analytical skills.
Has knowledge of budgeting and finance.

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, English or a related field.
Master’s degree in a communications-related field.
Experience working on a communications team.

Work Environment

Works normal hours of 8:00a.m. to 5:00p.m. Monday through Friday, although longer hours may be required when facing deadlines or dealing with a public relations problem.
Spends time in a climate controlled private office setting.
Interacts with managers in all departments in the company.
Attends social events after hours to represent the company.
Travels to other branch offices or to promotional events.

Salary

Salaries of communications directors range from $80,000 to $160,000 depending on experience, level of education, the size of the company and the industry.

Strategic Director of Communications Job Description