Director of Communications Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

A Director of Communications, or Communications Director, controls and oversees the flow of communication and information between the company and the public. Their main duties include managing the communications departments within a company, acting as the face of the organization at media events and directing marketing and public relations campaigns.

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Director of Communications Duties and Responsibilities

A Director of Communications is responsible for developing effective messaging and communication strategies. They must create or oversee the creation of promotional and informative materials the company will send to the public. They might also be involved with internal company communications. They’ll work with all forms of media, including press releases and digital campaigns, print materials, social media, audio and video and more. Other job duties include:

  • Responding to crises or challenging situations quickly and professionally
  • Attending speaking engagements and hosting special events
  • Making sure all company materials have consistent and positive messaging and branding
  • Conducting quality control on all communications
  • Managing a team of communications staff
  • Developing relationships and working with media outlets and other companies

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Director of Communications Job Description Examples

 

Example 1

Come build the future of healthcare with us! We’re looking for a hands-on strategic communicator and storyteller to spread the word about Babson Diagnostics. The Director of Communications will create and share high quality content, connecting with our key audiences through media outreach, announcements, editorial placements, events and speaking opportunities.

About Us

Babson Diagnostics is a healthcare technology company reimagining diagnostic blood testing.

Our proprietary technology is designed to produce medically- accurate results from small capillary samples collected at convenient retail locations and analyzed at our CLIA-certified clinical laboratories. Leading through science, integrity, humility and kindness, we are working to improve health by making diagnostic blood testing more convenient, accessible and patient-centered.

We’re a small but mighty team of scientists and strategists, with a big dream of changing how people get diagnostic blood tests. And we’re growing.

​Key Responsibilities

  • Develop and execute a strategic communications plan, partnering with internal stakeholders and external agencies, to drive brand and business metrics. Use communications strategies to connect with key audiences, build our company image, and drive interest in our services.
  • Work with our external PR agency to:
  • Grow our media presence. Cultivate media and influencer relationships, build interest and coverage, imagine and pitch compelling stories.
  • Monitor media coverage and ensure appropriate responses.
  • Develop and maintain standard talking points for recurrent topics and emerging matters. Develop articles, presentations, speeches and press kits. Manage and grow the Babson blog. Serve as copyeditor and/or ghostwriter for leaders as necessary.
  • Coordinate interviews and photo shoots.
  • Develop a crisis communication plan for the organization.
  • Ensure websites, social media, and other digital channels are aligned to PR efforts and are up to date with news releases, articles, etc. Work with digital marketing to create a digital newsroom.
  • Partner with colleagues, freelancers and agencies to create content and thought leadership in a variety of formats (articles, videos, infographics). Manage our content marketing efforts, overseeing the editorial calendar and content development process. Plan our content calendar, execute and report results.
  • Evaluate and identify events that we should be attending/sponsoring to reach our target audiences. Determine our presence and manage logistics. Create and manage cross-channel pre- and post-event communications to drive awareness & connections.
  • Ensure all leads are captured, uploaded to our CRM system and followed-up on in a timely manner; evaluate the quality of the event and determine if we should invest again.

    Required Skills & Experience:

  • Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, public relations or similar degree.
  • Minimum 5 to 7 years of relevant and progressively more responsible experience in public relations, communications and/or social media roles, preferably in healthcare and/or diagnostics industries.
  • Strong writing and editing skills, with a capacity for SEO-friendly headlines and content
  • Experience driving strategic programs that deliver results, both in-house and with an agency.
  • Demonstrated results getting story placements and media coverage.
  • Experience engaging varied audiences such as providers, payers, retailers, investors, as well as general consumers.
  • Experience managing and optimizing events to generate leads and new business.
  • Strong project management, collaboration, and presentation skills.

    Additional Requirements:

  • Experience using CRM to capture and manage leads (Zoho, Salesforce)
  • Experience using project management tools (e.g. Smartsheet, Aha, Asana)
  • Understanding of social platforms, algorithms and engagement best practices

    Babson Diagnostics embraces diversity and inclusion and ensures that all qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age (other than minimum age of 18), race, ethnicity, national origin, color, religion, political ideology, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or veteran status. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. To learn more about Babson Diagnostics visit us at [website]

    Job Type: Full-time

    Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance
    Schedule:
  • Monday to Friday

    Education:
  • Bachelor's (Preferred)

    Experience:
  • Executing strategic marketing programs: 2 years Location: One location
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    Example 2

    Director OF Communications

    Principal Function

    The primary role of the Director of Communications is to design and curate church-wide communications and media for digital, print, and campus platforms. The Director of Communications leads and is a part of a two-person team and works alongside senior leadership (clergy, staff, and Leadership Council) to collaborate in creating and executing major congregational initiatives. In one sentence, the purpose of this role is to capture and promote how God and the congregation are moving together (and have moved together and are hoped to move together).

    Hours & Salary

    The position is a full-time, exempt position who works in-office a minimum of 40 hours per week. Occasional evening and/or weekend hours will be necessary when special projects or events are involved. The salary range for the position is $45,000-52,000 and includes vacation time and benefits.

    Experience

    Applicants must hold a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Design, Graphic Arts, Visual Communications, Media or other related field of study, and must have the following:
  • Experience in design and production for print and video media involving text, graphics, and video;
  • Strong copywriting skills for church announcements and publications;
  • Demonstrated capacity to produce high-quality design with quick turn-around;
  • Experience designing for print and video media with Adobe Creative Suite

    Responsible To

    Senior Pastor

    Qualities Desired
  • A strong love of God and people and an active, growing, and mature relationship with Jesus Christ; dedicated to the spiritual growth of self and others
  • Close theological alignment with the belief and practices of Clear Lake United Methodist Church and its mission
  • Commitment to professional and personal excellence
  • Collaborative approach and a team mentality
  • Ability to multitask, organize multiple projects, and meet deadlines
  • Creative spirit and a passion for innovation
  • Ability to accept direction and feedback
  • Ability to “self-start” (i.e., recognize a need and initiate an appropriate response)

    To Apply

    All applicants will need to send a portfolio (layout designs, graphic art, produced videos, etc.) to complete your application. You may send a link to your portfolio or attach files.

    Job Type: Full-time

    Pay: $50,000.00 - $55,000.00 per year

    Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance
    Schedule:
  • Monday to Friday

    Ability to commute/relocate:
  • Houston, TX 77062: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

    Application Question(s):
  • Please send a portfolio (online link or attached files) to Rev. Preston Morgan ([website]).

    Education:
  • Bachelor's Location: One location
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    Example 3

    Purpose: To further the mission of Westminster Presbyterian Church of worshipping with tradition, raising 21st century disciples, connecting as a church family and engaging in mission by creating inward and outward communication and providing some admin support.

    Accountability: Reports to the Associate Pastor Chief of Staff

    Relationships: A member of the program team. Works collaboratively with staff and church members to gather content for communications. Provides admin support to pastors and Clerk of Session.

    Qualifications:

    · Commitment to Westminster’s mission stated above.

    · Ability to grasp and embrace the mission, tone, and voice of the church.

    · Bachelor’s degree strongly desired. Preference given to those with communications or related degree.

    · Excellent writer

    · Proficiency with social media management (YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.)

    · Familiarity with and ability to be proficient in adobe InDesign

    · Proficiency with website management and design, specifically Squarespace

    · Knowledge of video editing and publishing desired

    · Ability to become proficient with Pro Presenter presentation creation

    · Strong communication skills, able to communicate effectively with people on all levels of the organization.

    · Professionalism, friendliness, and poise when communicating with those at all levels.

    · Attention to detail and ability to multi-task.

    · Strong organizational skills & the capacity to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

    · Strong emotional intelligence.

    Responsibilities:

    · Oversee, design, and create the digital and print communication.

    · Create and maintain a digital presence

    · Create and maintain paid advertising

    · Create press releases and submissions to area websites

    · Provide some admin support to the pastors (less than 20% of position)

    Tasks:

    Communications

    · Weekly

    o Gather content for and create weekly email and print news blast

    o Prepare weekly bulletin

    o Prepare weekly Pro Presenter Script for worship broadcast

    o Update outdoor digital sign

    o Edit and post Pastor Scott’s daily devotionals

    o Maintain church calendar, walk staff through two-week calendar in staff meeting

    o Create social media posts

    · Monthly

    o Gather committee minutes to send a packet to Elders for Session Meeting

    · Annually

    o Assist Clerk of Session in filing annual PC(USA) reports

    o Propose budget for communications

    o Prepare annual report for congregational meeting

    o Support October stewardship campaign with print and digital communication

    · Periodically

    o Create posters for all-church events, like Fine Arts, Vacation Bible School

    o Design event banners for front lawn

    o Create and print brochures - Fine Arts, Anchor Coffee House, and other major events, also the basic Welcome Brochure for the Sanctuary

    o Print and mail letters to the congregation

    o Cancellations - Contact the local media and post on website when cancellations occur for severe weather, power outages, etc.

    o Take photos of new members, or have them taken

    o Create tickets for Anchor Coffee House

    o Create sign up forms for events

    · Ongoing

    o Photograph or secure others to photograph church events

    o Maintain the website

    o Maintain constant contact lists

    Admin Support

    · Answer phones and greet people who walk in, together with Director of Missions and Outreach and volunteer receptionists

    · Maintain schedule of liturgists for Sunday worship

    · Maintain Schedule of sanctuary Flowers for Sunday worship

    · Prepare weekly attendance summary sheet

    · Order office supplies through Office Depot

    · Check for pastoral care messages on Friday afternoons

    · Set the telephone message on the answering machine

    · Baptisms & Weddings

    o Provide families with forms for baptism and wedding requests when needed. Coordinate with pastors on their approval.

    o Keep wedding coordinators informed of approved weddings

    · Funerals

    o Support pastors in planning funerals

    o Work with custodians for funeral set-ups

    o In some cases, prepare funeral bulletins

    o Coordinate with funeral reception

    General

    · Participate in weekly program team meeting

    · Participate in weekly staff meeting

    · Weekly supervision meeting with Chief of Staff

    Compensation and Evaluation: Pay range $16-18 per hour depending on qualifications and experience. Employee health insurance, PTO, 401k matching, and other benefits provided per Employee Handbook. Evaluated annually by the Chief of Staff. Compensation reviewed annually by the Human Resources Committee.

    Days and Hours:This is a full-time 40-hour per week position. Schedule is negotiated with the Chief of Staff but is generally Monday through Friday during business hours and Sunday mornings 8:30 – 10:30. Hours adjust to responsibilities.

    Job Type: Full-time

    Pay: $16.00 - $18.00 per hour

    Benefits:
  • Flexible schedule
  • Flexible spending account
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Parental leave
  • Professional development assistance
  • Retirement plan
  • Tuition reimbursement
    Schedule:
  • 8 hour shift
  • Monday to Friday

    Experience:
  • Writing skills: 1 year Location: One location
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    What Does a Director of Communications Do?

    Directors of Communications work in a leadership role on the communications side of the company, which typically consist of the marketing, sales and public relations departments. They work to ensure the organization maintains a positive image by overseeing and approving any company information or announcements before they’re released to the public. Communications Directors view any promotional or marketing materials to ensure they represent a positive company image before being published.

    Director of Communications Skills and Qualifications

    A successful Director of Communications will have a strong set of written and verbal skills as well as problem-solving capabilities. These professionals should be comfortable working on and delivering messages through a variety of platforms. They should also have the confidence and managerial skills to guide a team of communications staff. Other important skills include:

    • Teamwork and the ability to lead and motivate their staff to produce high-level, brand-driven content
    • Written, verbal and digital communication skills
    • Analytical skills to solve problems and find the best way to convey a message
    • The creativity to produce exciting and interesting content
    • Organizational skills and the ability to multitask and prioritize projects while working on a deadline or in a fast-paced environment
    • The technological ability to work on a variety of digital platforms and also create web and mobile content

    Director of Communications Salary Expectations

    A director of communications’ average salary is $71,761 per year, but may range depending on experience, location and the type of company. The part-time Director of Communications for a small nonprofit, for instance, will be on the lower end of this range, while that of a large global organization will be on the high end.

    Director of Communications Education and Training Requirements

    A Director of Communications should have at least a bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, public relations, journalism, English or a related field. Some will have a master’s degree in communications programs; these individuals will be more highly qualified for the job and might have more extensive leadership and business skills. 

    A successful Director of Communications might take professional development courses and seminars to learn current industry trends and new technologies. They might also be certified or trained on information exchange programs or creative and publishing software.

    Director of Communications Experience Requirements

    A Director of Communications should have at least five, and probably close to 10, years of professional experience in a communications, public relations or marketing role. Ideally, this person will also have several years of managerial or leadership experience. They should be able to demonstrate their ability to lead a team effectively and show examples of high-level written work.

    Job Description Samples for Similar Positions

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    Frequently asked questions about Directors of Communications

     

    What's the difference between a Director of Communications and a Director of Marketing?

    While they both handle similar responsibilities of releasing campaigns and communication efforts to the public, they hold some key differences in their job duties. A Marketing Director oversees the entire process of creating and implementing a marketing campaign, while the Director of Communications is primarily responsible for ensuring the materials portray a positive representation of the company before they’re released to the public. 

    When the Director of Marketing finishes their campaign, they’ll show it to the Director of Communications before it’s published to ensure it follows the Communications Director’s proposed communications strategy and portrays the company in a positive light. 

     

    What makes a good Director of Communications?

    A strong Director of Communications should have extensive knowledge of and expertise in marketing and public relations campaigns, so experience working in either of these departments is often preferred. They must also be effective leaders, as they’re often overseeing multiple departments and offering guidance on how to improve various campaigns. 

    Since they’re regularly reacting to and resolving any public image crises or setbacks that the organization may experience, a great Director of Communications should have impressive critical thinking and problem solving skills and must operate well in a high-stress, fast-paced environment.  

     

    Who reports to the Director of Communications?

    Any departments that involve regularly communicating with the public often report to the Director of Communications to receive approval of any company information to be released. This can include the sales, marketing and public relations departments. The Director of Communications typically builds a communication strategy and guidelines policy for all the employees to follow. 

    They may regularly meet with employees to communicate any updates to their policy and address any questions employees may have about it. Before the employees publish their communications or campaigns to the public, the Communications Director carefully reviews them and suggests any changes to add that helps them more positively represent the company. 

     

    Do Directors of Communications have different responsibilities in different industries?

    Directors of Communications can work in a wide array of industries, performing similar duties of acting as the face of the organization and overseeing the messaging in communications materials. They may work in an office maintaining the communication efforts of one company or they can work for public relations or marketing agencies handling the communications and promotional materials for several different companies at once. 

    Some Communications Directors may work for nonprofit or fundraising organizations planning and hosting fundraising events, panel discussions and press conferences. Others may serve in politics, representing political figures and working to maintain their positive image and communications with the public.

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