Director of Communications job description.
A director of communications leads an organization's external and internal messaging strategy, overseeing public relations, media relations, and content that shapes brand reputation. They develop communication plans aligned with organizational goals, manage crisis communications, and lead a team of writers, PR specialists, and content producers. The role requires strategic thinking, strong writing and media skills, and the judgment to protect and elevate the organization's public image.
The Director of Communications job description · $29
The full editable .docx — role summary, 9 worked responsibilities, qualifications, and skills, formatted for your letterhead. Delivered to your inbox within 24 hours — usually instantly.
Role: Director of Communications Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
A director of communications leads an organization's external and internal messaging strategy, overseeing public relations, media relations, and content that shapes brand reputation. They develop communication plans aligned with organizational goals, manage crisis communications, and lead a team of writers, PR specialists, and content producers. The role requires strategic thinking, strong writing and media skills, and the judgment to protect and elevate the organization's public image.
- Develop and execute organization-wide communications and public relations strategy
- Lead media relations, including press releases, interviews, and journalist outreach
- Oversee crisis communications planning and response
What's inside the document.
One-paragraph plain-English explanation of the role's outcome and scope.
9 responsibilities phrased the way the work is actually done.
5 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.
Chief Executive 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 organization-wide communications and public relations strategy
- Lead media relations, including press releases, interviews, and journalist outreach
- Oversee crisis communications planning and response
- Manage internal communications to keep employees informed and aligned
- Supervise and mentor a team of communications and PR staff
- Review and approve external messaging for consistency and brand voice
- Build relationships with media outlets, industry partners, and stakeholders
- Monitor media coverage and public sentiment, adjusting strategy as needed
- Advise executive leadership on messaging for sensitive or high-profile issues
Required — and what would make a candidate excellent.
- Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or related field
- 7+ years of experience in communications or public relations, including leadership roles
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Experience managing media relations and crisis communications
- Proven ability to lead and develop a communications team
- Master's degree in communications or related field
- Experience in the organization's specific industry (e.g., healthcare, nonprofit, corporate)
- Established media contacts and press relationships
Eight steps from download to publish.
- 01Open the Director of Communications 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 Director of Communications 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 (Chief Executive 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 much experience should a director of communications have?
- Most organizations look for 7 or more years of communications or PR experience, including prior leadership of a team or major campaigns.
- Does this role handle crisis communications?
- Yes, developing and executing crisis communication plans is typically a core responsibility of the director of communications.
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.
Communications Manager
A Communications Manager leads internal and external communications for an organization, shaping messaging, managing media relations, and protecting brand reputation.
Communications Specialist
A Communications Specialist plans and produces internal and external messaging that supports an organization's brand, reputation, and stakeholder relationships.
This Director of Communications 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.