Communications Director job description.
A communications director leads an organization's internal and external communications strategy, including media relations, public messaging, and brand reputation. They oversee a communications team, advise executive leadership on messaging during major initiatives or crises, and ensure consistent, on-brand communication across all channels.
The Communications Director job description · $29
The full editable .docx — role summary, 8 worked responsibilities, qualifications, and skills, formatted for your letterhead. Delivered to your inbox within 24 hours — usually instantly.
Role: Communications Director Reports to: CEO or Chief Marketing Officer
A communications director leads an organization's internal and external communications strategy, including media relations, public messaging, and brand reputation. They oversee a communications team, advise executive leadership on messaging during major initiatives or crises, and ensure consistent, on-brand communication across all channels.
- Develop and execute the organization's overall communications strategy
- Oversee media relations, press releases, and public statements
- Advise executive leadership on messaging and reputation management
What's inside the document.
One-paragraph plain-English explanation of the role's outcome and scope.
8 responsibilities phrased the way the work is actually done.
4 qualifications a candidate must have to perform on day 30.
3 qualifications that would make a candidate excellent in year two.
6 skill chips you can copy directly into your ATS.
CEO or Chief Marketing Officer
A complete document set.
- Word document (.docx) — fully editable
- PDF — signature-ready
- Google Docs — one-click copy to your Drive
- 12 months of updates to this document
- Commercial-use licence for internal and client work
The work, not the title.
- Develop and execute the organization's overall communications strategy
- Oversee media relations, press releases, and public statements
- Advise executive leadership on messaging and reputation management
- Lead crisis communications planning and response
- Manage and mentor a team of communications and PR professionals
- Oversee content across the organization's owned and earned channels
- Build relationships with journalists, partners, and community stakeholders
- Measure and report on communications performance and brand sentiment
Required — and what would make a candidate excellent.
- 7+ years of experience in communications, PR, or journalism
- Proven experience leading a communications team
- Strong media relations and crisis communications background
- Excellent writing, editing, and public speaking skills
- Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, or related field
- Experience in the organization's specific industry or sector
- Track record managing high-profile media moments
Eight steps from download to publish.
- 01Open the Communications Director job description in Word or your one-click Google Docs copy.
- 02Replace placeholders for company name, reporting line, and location with your specifics.
- 03Tighten the summary to one paragraph that names the team's outcome, not just the role.
- 04Edit the responsibilities to match the actual scope of the seat — aim for 6 to 8 items, not 12.
- 05Separate required qualifications from preferred. Required is what a candidate must have to do the work on day 30; preferred is what would make them excellent in year two.
- 06Add salary range guidance using BLS, Payscale, or your own band data — do not copy generic figures.
- 07Have the hiring manager and one peer read it. Cut anything that wouldn't survive a candidate question.
- 08Publish to your ATS, intranet, and external careers page.
The right document at the right moment.
Use this Communications Director job description any time you are opening or reopening a seat at this level. The executive band sets the calibration — copy the document, tighten it to your specific scope, and circulate to the hiring panel before the first interview.
The reporting line (CEO or Chief Marketing Officer) and skills list are starting points. Override either if your org structure or stack differs from the norm — the template is a draft, not a contract.
Honest answers before you download.
- How does this role differ from a marketing director?
- A communications director focuses on reputation, media relations, and messaging, while a marketing director typically owns demand generation and brand campaigns.
- What experience level should candidates have?
- This is typically a senior or executive role requiring several years of progressive communications or PR leadership experience.
Other documents in this neighbourhood.
Marketing Director
A Marketing Director sets and executes the organization's marketing strategy across brand, demand generation, and communications.
Public Relations Specialist
A Public Relations Specialist manages an organization's public image and media relationships.
Chief Marketing Officer
A Chief Marketing Officer sets and leads the organization's overall marketing vision, brand strategy, and growth agenda.
This Communications Director job description is a professionally drafted starting point for your hiring process and is not legal advice. Hiring practice varies by jurisdiction (e.g. pay-transparency laws differ across US states and AU jurisdictions). Adapt this document for your specific location and have employment counsel review any clauses you add before publishing. Salary varies by region, employer type, and experience. Reference BLS or current industry surveys for ranges. Full disclaimer.