what is a head of communications?
As the head of communications, you are an expert in all communication and marketing channels a company uses. You need to be exceptional in writing press releases and making speeches at public events. Your job involves providing high-level leadership regarding messaging and outreach on various platforms. You oversee internal and external communications and supervise all staff working in public relations or communications. For instance, a public relations officer may draft a press release to address an issue, but the head of communications needs to review and approve it.
what does a head of communications do?
As a head of communications, your job is to ensure all communication functions align with the company's overall messaging and outreach strategy. You pay close attention to the brand's values and how they are expressed in writing or verbally by the company's representatives. You ensure internal memos to employees are on-brand, and public relations maintain a positive image.
Since the role is fast-paced and dynamic, you need to be a quick thinker and a great communicator to articulate your thoughts well. You also need to thrive in high-pressure environments to lead teams of communication specialists in responding to public relations crises. In a large company, the head of communications mostly delivers the message to the press or at an event. However, in smaller companies, the head of communications is involved in formulating the message.
Would working as head of communications suit your communication prowess and versatility? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in the head of communications role.
average salary of a head of communications
According to ONS, the average salary of heads of communications in the UK is £52,500 per year. When you are new to the role, your earnings start at £44,717 annually. The compensation package gradually increases as you improve your skills and expertise. Most experienced heads of communications take home a salary of over £70,937 per year.
Apart from the basic salary, you receive various allowances and benefits. Most employers have medical insurance, house and transport allowance and annual leave days. You also receive bonuses, and some companies provide share benefits.
ways to boost your salary as a head of communications
Head of communications is a senior role that requires top-level expertise since you handle complex responsibilities. Your compensation package primarily depends on your experience level and qualifications. You can negotiate higher pay when you have the highest educational qualifications and many years of experience. Having additional certifications also improves your salary prospects.
The location and company size impact your salary. For instance, if you work for a multinational company with unlimited resources, you earn more than in smaller companies. Working in large cities also increases your salary prospects due to the high demand for heads of communications.
types of heads of communications
Some of the types of heads of communications include:
- head of digital communication: as the head of digital communication, you supervise internal and external communication through digital channels. You ensure the messaging suits the company's reputation and brand image.
- regional head of communications: when you are the regional head of communications, you monitor and manage a company's public relations in a specific region. You ensure press releases and information sent to customers promote brand awareness and a positive company image.
- international head of communications: as the international head of communications, you are responsible for the company's global outreach. You must ensure that all outgoing information matches the company policy and promotes the company's reputation.
working as a head of communications
When you are the head of communications, your focus is on controlling and managing all aspects of marketing, public relations and communication. You must ensure that the materials viewed by customers and the public follow the brand's messaging guidelines. Here are some of the duties and work schedules of heads of communications:
-
head of communications job description
Some of the tasks of the head of communications include:
- building a communications plan: as the head of communications, you are in charge of developing the communications strategy for the company. Your job is to plan the objectives of the company's communication strategy and editorial calendar and determine the best channels for disseminating information. You create the policy that determines the messaging guidelines and information to provide the customer. You also develop key performance indicators for measuring the success of the communication efforts.
- reviewing newsletters and press releases: as the head of communications, you supervise all internal and external communications channels. That means you have to write press releases, newsletters and brochures or review content written by the communications team to ensure it resonates with the brand message. You also approve all media-related documents.
- monitoring the company's digital platforms: as the head of communications, you need to oversee the content on digital platforms managed by the company. You must check the website and social media accounts to ensure the content aligns with established brand guidelines.
- formulating a company's messaging guidelines: as the head of communications, you are responsible for the branding guidelines. You determine the tone and values that the company should represent. When developing a good brand message, all sales materials and digital marketing channels should follow the company's values and vision.
- planning and coordinating public events: as the head of corporate communications, you are in charge of any press briefings the company plans. You prepare the materials and ensure the stakeholders are informed of the press conference. If the company is hosting a panel discussion, you are the spokesperson for the company. You also coordinate conferences for the communication teams and plan public events.
- preparing crisis management procedures: when the company faces a public relations crisis, you need to have a plan to handle the press. You also regulate information inflow and outflow during the crisis to minimise its impact.
-
work environment
The head of communications works in an office setting. That means you spend most of the day on your computer writing or proofreading press releases and communication materials. You also attend conferences and meetings. Sometimes, the role involves working outdoors while hosting press conferences or attending public events. As the head of communications, you have to attend panel discussions and television interviews. While you can complete some tasks remotely or work from home, you must attend press conferences and other public engagements since you are the company's spokesperson.
-
who are your colleagues?
You can work in private companies and marketing consultancies as the head of communications. Hence, your colleagues might include communications directors, communications specialists and public relations officers. You may also work in close proximity to the head of marketing and head of sales, as well as other specialists that could include marketing managers, product managers and chief executive officers.
-
work schedule
Most heads of communications work full-time positions since part-time opportunities are rare. The head of communications works an average of 40 hours a week. That means you work regular business hours. However, the role requires more work hours to cover the additional workload, like meeting company partners and stakeholders. Besides, television interviews are sometimes done in the evenings or early in the morning.
-
job outlook
When you are the head of communications, you are a senior-level manager in the company involved in strategic decisions. In some companies, you perform the roles of the communications director or the vice president of communications. However, in large companies, you report to the vice president of communications. You can also progress to be the chief executive officer. Consultancy opportunities are available when you have many years of experience.
-
advantages of finding a head of communications job through randstad
Finding your head of communications job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a head of communications is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
education and skills
Some of the educational qualifications include:
- undergraduate degree: to become the head of communications, you need a bachelor's degree in public relations or communications. You may also need a master's degree since it is a senior-level position. The degree courses equip you with the knowledge and expertise to plan a company's communication strategy.
- work experience: you need a few years of work experience to qualify as the head of communications. You can start with entry-level roles like marketing executive before becoming a communications specialist. You should have some managerial experience in middle-level management to land a good job.
skills and competencies
Some of the qualities of the head of communications include:
- advertising skills: as the head of communications, you need refined skills in advertising to ensure you portray the company's services and products in a positive light. Advertising skills also help with public relations since you must sell the company's products at every press conference.
- creativity: as the head of communications, you must be creative to come up with unique ideas that attract customers' attention. The audience should look forward to your press briefings due to their originality and creativity.
- teamwork: as the head of communications, you need interpersonal and leadership skills to work with various teams and people skills to relate to every team member. People skills make you a good listener, and you can incorporate the team's ideas into the communications plan.
- communication skills: you need strong writing and speaking skills to understand the company goals and values and translate them to the audience. You need exceptional verbal, non-verbal and written communication skills.
FAQs
FAQs about working as a head of communications
-
what is the role of the head of communications?
The head of communications is responsible for planning the brand messaging and ensuring the company maintains a positive reputation.
-
what makes a good head of communications?
A good head of communications has exceptional communications skills. You also need to be a strategic planner with great organisational skills.
-
how do you become a communication head?
You need an undergraduate degree in communication. You also require a master's in a related field and some years of work experience.
-
who reports to the head of communications?
Communication specialists and public relations officers report to the head of communications. As the head of communications, you report to the chief executive officer and operations officer.
-
how do I apply for a head of communications vacancy?
Applying for a head of communications job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our corporate communications job offers. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!
