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Head of Communications job description
Searching for a Head of Communications? Find our job description template below!
This page details everything you need to know about the Head of Communications job title. From core responsibilities through to how to approach communications recruitment.
Looking for more advice? Get in touch with our expert recruiters for a no-strings-attached chat.
What does a Head of Communications do?
A Head of Communications is responsible for planning and implementing an effective communications strategy. Managing the communications team, they are instrumental in maintaining a consistent brand voice, raising awareness of a company and ensuring appropriate internal communications.
Key responsibilities
While the job title's responsibilities can vary depending on the company and industry, the core responsibilities usually include:
- Engage external and internal audiences through clear and consistent messaging
- Manage a team of communications specialists to execute campaigns
- Nurture, build and influence relationships with PR agencies, journalists and media outlets to identify opportunities
- Work collaboratively with marketing, legal and HR to ensure aligned external and internal communications strategies
- Develop strategies for crisis management and identify and advise senior leaders on any communications issues that arise
Skills and requirements
The ideal candidate will have the following skills and experience on their CV:
- 10+ years of experience in a communications and/or marketing role
- Track record in leading communications teams to execute external and internal comms strategies
- The ability to implement and manage communications processes across different channels
- Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing communications strategies aligned with business goals
- Understanding of how to target audiences across a wide range of platforms, including social media, print, video and audio
Salary expectations
Salaries vary based on experience required, industry, and company size. For more in-depth advice, download our communications salary guide.
The average salary across the UK is:
- London: £80,000 - £120,000
- Manchester: £70,000 - £90,000
When to hire a Head of Communications?
In enterprise businesses, the Head of Communications role will often report into a Communications Director. Some businesses will hire a Head of to direct a specific channel. For example, a company might engage a Head of Internal Communications to specifically drive employee engagement.
If the Director job title doesn't exist in your company, the Head of Comms will report directly to the C-suite - typically the CMO.
Depending on the structure of the team, the Head of will either have part or full control over the strategy. However, the Head of role tends to be more hands-on than a Director. Whether you need a Director or Head of Communications, usually depends on the level of experience you need.
How should you hire a Head of Comms?
Learn more about each option below, or get in touch with the team for more advice.
Contract
There are a couple of scenarios in which you might need a contract Head of Communications:
1. Introducing a senior communications role to your business
You might not know what level of experience you need. Hiring someone for a short period allows you to assess if this role is the right fit for your organisation.
2. Require project-based support
With their level of experience, contractors are able to make an immediate impact. For instance, if you're making internal changes - i.e. amending your hybrid working policy - you might hire a Head of Internal Communications on a 6-12 month contract. In this capacity, they can deliver a strategic employee engagement project to create a smooth transition.
Permanent
Hiring a Head of Communications allows you to integrate the role into your team. On a permanent basis, they're able to lead your team of Communications Managers, plan and execute your strategy.
Communications Director
With enough experience in a 'Head of' role, Comms Leaders and pursue the Director title. This role works closely with the C-suite to lead external and internal communications strategies. An excellent next step for those looking to expand their career in comms and public relations.
Head of Content
Lots of senior communications professionals find their skills are transferable into content marketing jobs. Heads of Communications can transition into the Head of Content role. This is perfect for those who enjoy content production and want to focus on this output.
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