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What is a communications department head and how to become one
As a Communications Department Head, your job is to define, develop, and oversee the effective implementation of communications strategy and programs to increase awareness of the company's products and services. You will be responsible for organizing briefings with key media, press events, selecting target media for special events, and individual communications opportunities to promote the company's brand. Additionally, you will monitor and report on media coverage and brand mentions, along with evaluating the impact of communications strategy and programs. Sometimes, you will work with other teams to identify and implement opportunities.
For this position, you need at least a bachelor's degree in journalism, business, communications, or marketing with a minimum of six years of experience in a related role. Applicants must possess communication, multitasking, organization, leadership, and interpersonal skills. You'd earn an average salary of $141,628 when you start working as a communications department head. It varies from $77,000 to $262,000.
What general advice would you give to a communications department head?
Angie Faller
News Director, University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Avg. Salary $95,503
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 8%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.59%
Asian 5.30%
Black or African American 10.05%
Hispanic or Latino 11.94%
Unknown 5.09%
White 67.03%
Genderfemale 48.14%
male 51.86%
Age - 40American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 40Stress level is high
7.1 - high
Complexity level is advanced
7 - challenging
Work life balance is poor
6.4 - fair
Communications department head career paths
Key steps to become a communications department head
Explore communications department head education requirements
Start to develop specific communications department head skills
Skills Percentages Communications Strategy 17.05% External Communications 16.42% External Stakeholders 13.85% Direct Reports 10.16% Corporate Communications 8.89% Complete relevant communications department head training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New communications department heads learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a communications department head based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real communications department head resumes.Research communications department head duties and responsibilities
- Manage and develop marketing, communication, and implementation process improvements for training curricula and the department's intranet website.
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- Compose themed bi-weekly bulletins on Facebook to publicize performances.
- Develop digital and social media strategy and launch internal and external websites and Facebook page.
Prepare your communications department head resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your communications department head resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a communications department head resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose from 10+ customizable communications department head resume templates
Build a professional communications department head resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your communications department head resume.
Apply for communications department head jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a communications department head job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first communications department head job
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Average communications department head salary
The average communications department head salary in the United States is $95,503 per year or $46 per hour. Communications department head salaries range between $54,000 and $168,000 per year.
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Updated January 8, 2025
