what is an internal communications manager?
As an internal communications manager, you ensure the employees are well-informed and driven. While the specific responsibilities depend on the company, you must ensure internal communications align with the organisation's strategy. Internal communication is done through various channels like the staff intranet, regular newsletters, email bulletins and social media pages.
what does an internal communications manager do?
Internal communications managers work with senior executives of a company and relay feedback on various issues to employees. Creating organisational messages keeps staff involved in the company's developments. For instance, if there is a change in company ownership, you formulate the internal response to minimise misinformation. You also keep people calm during crises and ensure the employees understand the situation. If the business suffers losses, you need to address impending structural changes with extra care to avoid ruining employees' morale. After retrenchments, you must also address the layoffs to ensure employees understand the logic behind the difficult decisions.
Most internal communications managers work in large companies in both the private and public sectors. Some work in charities and not-for-profit organisations. Internal communications managers are also vital in educational institutions like colleges and universities. They coordinate the flow of information between departments and create guidelines for communicating with staff and partners on different issues in the institution.
Would working as an internal communications manager suit your writing and communication skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in an internal communications manager role.
average internal communication manager salary
According to ONS, the average salary of an internal communications manager is £42,982 per year. Entry-level positions attract a salary of £37,414 annually since you have minimal skills and experience. However, experienced internal communications managers have a compensation package of £58,827 per year.
The role is in senior management. Hence, you will receive multiple benefits and allowances. For instance, most companies provide medical insurance and house and transport allowances. You also enjoy vacation days and paid sick leave. Some companies have bonuses and share benefits with internal communications managers.
what factors affect the salaries of internal communications managers?
As an internal communications manager, your salary depends on your qualifications and years of experience. When you have over five years of experience, you will earn more than someone starting the role. You also bring more transferable skills when you have additional qualifications. Hence you can demand a higher salary.
The salary structures for the public and private sectors differ, which means you can earn more in private companies with additional resources. However, some public sector communication roles attract higher salaries due to the job's complexity. The compensation package for internal communications managers in charities and not-for-profit organisations depends on their size and resources.
types of internal communications managers
The types of internal communications managers depend on the sector they work for and the mode of communication they specialise in. Some include:
- private internal communications manager: as an internal communications manager working in the private sector, you ensure the employees are motivated by keeping them informed on company development. You also handle internal communications during a restructuring and major company changes.
- public internal communications manager: as an internal communications manager in the public sector, you work for local authorities or the national government. Your job is to keep government employees on policy changes and communicate other important information like new salary structures or policies.
working as an internal communications manager
An internal communications manager promotes the company's strategy and ensures the messaging aligns with the organisation's policies and vision. Let's explore some of internal communications managers' roles and career prospects.
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internal communications manager job description
Some of the roles of an internal communications manager:
- developing and executing communication plans: as an internal communications manager, you create and execute a strategic internal communications plan. You align internal messaging with the company's mission, vision and product positioning. You have to attend executive meetings and create internal messages to keep the workers updated on the company's functions. You will work cross-functionally with human resources and marketing teams to execute the communications initiatives.
- creating employee communication guidelines: as an internal communications manager, you are in charge of creating the internal and executive communications. You determine the method of communication and create the content. Sometimes, the information requires the development of presentations, blog posts or newsletters. You can create announcements to relay simple messages to the entire team.
- managing the company's communication channels: as an internal communications manager, you maintain and supervise the internal communications channels. You approve the content shared in the channels and create a plan to keep the platforms active. You also maintain the editorial calendar by ensuring blogs and newsletters are posted and sent to staff on time. You should research and develop quotes to keep employees motivated or post stories on social media pages. If the company is preparing for a major announcement, you will prepare the team for the announcement through the intranet.
- supporting leadership and company meetings: an internal communications manager supports the executive by crafting the right messaging. You also assist in employee meetings or conferences by organising agendas, logistics and speaker selection.
- advising senior executives: as an internal communications manager, you gather information from employees and relay it to the executives. When top-level management makes decisions that could affect employees, you advise on the best approaches to minimise the impact on employees. Since you participate in the meetings, you ensure communication consistency and help the executives build trust with their workers.
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work environment
As an internal communications manager, you work in an office environment. You spend most of the day in meetings or crafting content on your desk. You also liaise with various department heads to assist in crafting internal messages. Sometimes, you have to attend conferences in other locations. If you work in a multinational, sometimes you have to travel overseas. You also wear formal office attire daily, depending on the office culture. While you can complete some tasks from home or at a remote location, meeting with employees from time to time is important. Speaking with workers gives you insights into their goals and what they think of the changes in the company.
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who are your colleagues?
When you are an internal communications manager, your colleagues may include human resource managers, marketing managers and communications specialists. You may also work with public relations officers and communication directors, as well as other specialists that could include executive assistants, team leaders, chief executive officers, general managers and marketing directors.
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work schedule
The work schedule of an internal communications manager runs the regular 9 am to 5 pm work hours. That means you will work over 40 hours weekly on a normal workweek. Sometimes, you have to work additional hours to cover overtime work or attend company events and meetings. Most internal communications manager roles are full-time, and part-time roles are rare. However, some companies provide flexible working schedules like hybrid work and teleworking.
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job outlook
When you are an internal communications manager, you have the potential to become a senior executive in the company. You can work towards becoming the communications director or join other roles. You can become the VP of marketing or the chief executive officer. Some become consultants after many years of experience.
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advantages of finding an internal communications manager job through randstad
Finding your internal communications manager 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 an internal communications manager 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
To become an internal communications manager, you need the educational qualifications below:
- undergraduate degree: you need to complete a bachelor's degree in public relations or communications or other related courses like English or history to get a strong start on your career. Degrees in business and strategic management also increase your career prospects and help you climb up the ranks faster.
- work experience: you need many years of experience to become an internal communications manager. That means you need internships and entry-level jobs in communications to grow your skills and experience level.
skills and competencies
Some of the skills of an internal communications manager include:
- writing skills: as an international communications manager, you need exceptional writing skills. You should be an expert in crafting various types of content, from blog posts to newsletters and internal announcements. You also need editing and proofreading skills and the journalistic ability to source stories.
- speaking skills: as an internal communications manager, you make multiple presentations to staff. Hence, you need strong presentation and speaking skills. You need to be sensitive to employees' goals and values and relay the message in line with the company's vision.
- interpersonal skills: as an internal communications manager, you collaborate with multiple departments to ensure the flow of information within the company. Interpersonal skills help you relate well with others and communicate with different staff members.
- organisational skills: since the company uses multiple communication channels, you need organisational skills to ensure the editorial calendar is up to date. You should plan your schedule and time to keep up with the meetings and other events.
- creativity: as an internal communications manager, you need to be creative to devise exciting communication strategies. Familiarity with information technology is also essential in creating internal messages.
FAQs
FAQs about working as an internal communications manager
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what is the role of internal communications?
An internal communications manager ensures employees are aware of developments within a company. They publish internal announcements and newsletters.
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is internal communications part of hr?
The internal communications manager isn't part of the HR team, but they collaborate with other workers from HR to keep employees informed.
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what are the skills of an internal communications manager?
You need exceptional writing skills and creativity to engage employees in different departments. You also need to collaborate with various teams.
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how do I apply for an internal communications manager vacancy?
Applying for an internal communications manager job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our internal 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!
