Communications Manager Job Description

Key responsibilities

• 📣 Plan and roll out communication strategies: Communications Managers shape how an organisation shows up to the world. They build smart strategies for everything from campaigns to internal comms, making sure the right message lands with the right people at the right time. It’s about telling a consistent story that aligns with the brand and builds trust.
• 🖋️ Create content that connects: From writing press releases to crafting social posts, content creation is a big part of the role. Every word should reflect the organisation’s mission and values in a way that resonates
• 📞 Manage media relationships: Strong media connections are built over time. Communications Managers stay in close contact with journalists, respond to enquiries, and organise press opportunities. Their work helps ensure the company gets positive, accurate coverage when it matters most.
• 💼 Lead crisis communication with clarity: When things go wrong, calm and clear communication is everything. Whether it’s a small hiccup or a major issue, communications managers act fast to minimise confusion, share the facts, and restore trust.
• 📊 Measure and improve communication impact: What worked? What could be better? Using data and feedback, communications managers assess how strategies are landing. With a mix of analytics and human insight, Communication Managers tweak and refine comms efforts to boost engagement and ensure the message is hitting home.

Qualifications and skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, or a related field: Gives you a solid understanding of how to communicate clearly, creatively, and strategically.
• Proven experience in a communications role: 3–5 years of hands-on experience shows you can plan and run comms campaigns that get results.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills: You know how to tailor messaging for different audiences and platforms—no matter the tone or channel.
• Strong interpersonal skills: Helps you build positive relationships with both internal teams and external partners.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously: You’re comfortable juggling deadlines, shifting priorities, and keeping everything on track.
• Proficient in digital marketing and social media platforms: You know how to use digital tools to boost brand presence and engage audiences online.
• Experience with communication software and tools: Familiar with Adobe Creative Suite, WordPress, Microsoft Office? That’s key for creating and sharing content smoothly.
• Strong analytical skills: You can track results, interpret data, and adjust strategies based on what’s working.
• Creative thinking and problem-solving skills: You bring fresh ideas and smart solutions to the table—especially when it counts.
• Adaptability and openness to feedback: You’re flexible, growth-minded, and always up for learning or levelling up your approach.

Career path and opportunities

A strong message can move people—communications pros know how to make it happen. Most people kick off in roles like communications coordinator or PR specialist—learning how to craft messages, manage channels, and keep a brand’s voice consistent.
Stepping up to a communications manager role means taking the lead—shaping strategy, running campaigns, and guiding how a brand shows up in the world. It’s a mix of creativity, leadership, and knowing how to make an impact across different platforms and audiences.
From there, you could move into senior positions like director of communications or head of corporate comms—where you're managing bigger teams and steering the entire communication strategy for a company.
Want to specialise? There are plenty of side paths—think investor relations, CSR, or digital comms—each offering its own challenges and focus areas. Or, if leadership is your thing, you could aim for executive roles like chief communications officer, setting the tone at the highest level.
It’s a career that blends big-picture thinking with day-to-day storytelling—and if you’re curious, strategic, and creative, it’s got loads of room to grow.

Related job titles

• Public Relations Manager
• Marketing Communications Manager
• Corporate Communications Specialist
• Brand Communications Director
• Media Relations Manager
• Content Marketing Manager
• Internal Communications Officer
• Communications Consultant
• Digital Communications Coordinator
• Communications Strategist

Example job description

Job title: Communications Manager

Job overview:
We’re looking for a creative and strategic Communications Manager who’s passionate about storytelling and knows how to make an impact. You’ll shape how we communicate—both inside and out—and help share our mission with the world in a way that feels real, engaging, and on-brand. If you’ve got a way with words and a knack for strategy, this could be your next big move.

Key responsibilities:

• Develop and roll out communication strategies that align with company goals
• Manage internal and external comms—from press releases to newsletters to social content
• Work with different teams to keep our brand voice consistent
• Be the go-to for media enquiries and build strong media relationships
• Track the performance of comms efforts and use insights to improve
• Lead a comms team and offer strategic direction and support

Required qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, PR, Marketing, or a related field
• At least 5 years' experience in comms, with 2+ years in a leadership role
• Strong writing, editing, and speaking skills
• Ability to juggle multiple projects and meet deadlines
• Solid organisational skills and team leadership experience

Preferred qualifications:

• Background in our industry (or something similar)
• Confident with digital tools and social platforms
• Able to adapt messaging to suit different channels and audiences

Perks/benefits

• Competitive salary with performance bonuses
• Career growth opportunities and leadership development
• Flexible working for better work-life balance
• Health and wellness support
• Fun, inclusive culture with regular team events
• Potential to travel for events and conferences

Frequently asked questions

What does a Communications Manager do?

A Communications Manager shapes how a company shows up to the world—both internally and externally. They manage messaging across platforms, handle media relations, and make sure everything the organisation says aligns with its values and goals.

What are their key duties and responsibilities?

They lead the development of communication plans, write and edit content like press releases and social posts, and work with media outlets and internal teams. Whether managing a campaign or responding to a crisis, Communication Managers keep messaging clear, consistent, and on brand.

What makes a great Communications Manager?

They’re strategic storytellers who know how to connect with different audiences. Strong writing and verbal skills are a must, along with creativity, calm under pressure, and the ability to work across teams. A great Comms Manager is tuned in to the big picture and knows how to make every message count.