Communications Manager job description.
A Communications Manager leads internal and external communications for an organization, shaping messaging, managing media relations, and protecting brand reputation. They plan communications campaigns, oversee content across channels, and act as a key advisor to leadership during routine and crisis communications.
The Communications Manager 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 Manager Reports to: VP of Communications or Chief Communications Officer
A Communications Manager leads internal and external communications for an organization, shaping messaging, managing media relations, and protecting brand reputation. They plan communications campaigns, oversee content across channels, and act as a key advisor to leadership during routine and crisis communications.
- Develop and execute internal and external communications strategy
- Write and edit press releases, statements, speeches, and executive messaging
- Manage media relations and serve as a point of contact for journalists
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.
5 skill chips you can copy directly into your ATS.
VP of Communications or Chief Communications 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 internal and external communications strategy
- Write and edit press releases, statements, speeches, and executive messaging
- Manage media relations and serve as a point of contact for journalists
- Oversee content across the website, social channels, and internal platforms
- Lead crisis and issues communications planning and response
- Advise executives on messaging, positioning, and reputational risk
- Manage communications budget, vendors, and agency relationships
- Measure and report on communications reach, engagement, and impact
Required — and what would make a candidate excellent.
- Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, or related field
- 5+ years of communications, PR, or corporate affairs experience
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Experience managing media relationships and crisis communications
- Experience in the organization's specific industry or sector
- Team or agency management experience
- Public affairs or government relations background
Eight steps from download to publish.
- 01Open the Communications Manager 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 Manager job description any time you are opening or reopening a seat at this level. The senior 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 (VP of Communications or Chief Communications 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 a Communications Manager differ from a Marketing Manager?
- A Communications Manager focuses on reputation, media relations, and organizational messaging, while a Marketing Manager typically owns demand generation and product marketing — the roles often overlap but sit in different reporting lines.
- Does this role require media training experience?
- Experience preparing executives for interviews and managing press inquiries is highly valued, especially in organizations with regular media exposure.
Other documents in this neighbourhood.
Communications Director
A communications director leads an organization's internal and external communications strategy, including media relations, public messaging, and brand reputation.
Content Strategist
A content strategist plans and guides an organization's content across channels to support business and audience goals.
Brand Director
A brand director owns the strategic direction and consistency of a company's brand across all channels and touchpoints.
This Communications Manager 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.