What is a Communications Director?
A director of communications oversees the public image and communication efforts of their organization. Also known as a communications manager, these professionals usually have an educational background in communication or a related field and significant prior work experience in positions like public relations or fundraising.
| Education Requirements | Bachelor's degree |
| Degree Fields | Public relations, communications, English |
| Other Requirements | Five or more years of professional experience; strong oral and written communication skills |
| Median Salary (2018)* | $114,800 (for public relations and fundraising managers) |
| Projected Job Growth (2016-2026)* | 10% (for public relations and fundraising managers) |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
Communications Director Job Description
Communications directors usually lead a team of professionals in representing an organization to its stakeholders and the public. This process includes creating communication campaigns, monitoring public opinions, and handling an organization's branding. They may also engage in fundraising campaigns as well as work with other departments like advertising and marketing. Communications directors work for corporations, educational institutions, and non-profit organizations. Although they typically work during traditional business hours, communications directors may need to work outside of normal hours during situations requiring crisis communication. They may also need to travel periodically to attend speaking engagements, meetings, and events.
Communications Director Salary
In 2018, salaries for all public relations and fundraising managers (including communications directors) ranged from just under $64,250 to over $208,000, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Companies consistently need to manage the messages they present to the public, and job growth for communication directors is expected to maintain an above-average rate of 10% until 2026. Practitioners employed in the pharmaceutical industry had the highest salaries in 2018, followed by those in computer manufacturing.
What Does a Communications Director Do?
The responsibilities of a communications director can vary depending on the size of their organization and the industry in which they're working. Since their goal is to present their organization to the public, they create messages including press releases and promotional materials. Other typical duties include managing relationships with media outlets, overseeing their organization's social media presence, participating in speaking engagements, and coordinating special events. Communications directors may also create and implement methods of assessing public opinion and evaluating the effectiveness of communication campaigns.
Director of Communications Job Description: Non-Profits
Those employed by organizations that rely on donations, like non-profits, may devote significant attention to fundraising campaigns. Fundraising managers create and maintain relationships with donors and handle fundraising efforts like annual campaigns and capital campaigns. In addition, they may solicit grants and place particular emphasis on coordinating special events to raise funds.
Requirements for Becoming a Communications Director
Communications directors usually need to hold a bachelor's degree, and some organizations look for candidates with a master's degree. Typical degree fields include public relations, journalism, and English. In addition, to work at a management level, communications directors need to have prior significant prior professional experience--often five or more years--within the field. Since they may be managing other employees, communications directors should have strong leadership skills. Speaking, writing, and organizational abilities are also critical for these positions.
