We calculated that 8% of Communications Directors are proficient in Web Content, Press Releases, and Internal Communications. They’re also known for soft skills such as Leadership skills, Problem-solving skills, and Speaking skills.
We break down the percentage of Communications Directors that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Web Content, 8%
Direct multiple editorial content management schedules while administering all aspects of communication including lead generation, follow-up, and nurture.
- Press Releases, 8%
Oversee agency efforts implementing volunteers and agency communications to include website content, brochures, press releases and all communications materials.
- Internal Communications, 8%
Lead internal communications events and communication forums, including cross-team collaboration with other communications professionals with the department across the Company.
- Customer Service, 7%
Design, develop and implement customer service and customer retention processes and continuously review procedures for streamlining and process improvement opportunities.
- External Communications, 4%
Developed and implemented internal/external communications initiatives designed to reinforce company's image and complement and contribute toward company's strategic objectives.
- Project Management, 4%
Experienced in direct client communication and project management, presenting concepts and overseeing project from initial requirements gathering through successful launch.
Some of the skills we found on communications director resumes included "web content," "press releases," and "internal communications." We have detailed the most important communications director responsibilities below.
Arguably the most important personality trait for a communications director to have happens to be leadership skills. An example from a resume said this about the skill, "public relations and fundraising managers often lead large teams of specialists or fundraisers and must be able to guide their activities." Additionally, other resumes have pointed out that communications directors can use leadership skills to "received overwhelmingly positive feedback from hr, corporate leadership and the presenter trainees. " Another trait important for fulfilling communications director duties is problem-solving skills. According to a communications director resume, "managers sometimes must explain how the company or client is handling sensitive issues." Here's an example of how communications directors are able to utilize problem-solving skills: "perform all necessary hr functions including conflict resolution, annual performance reviews, and counseling. " Communications directors are also known for speaking skills, which can be critical when it comes to performing their duties. An example of why this skill is important is shown by this snippet that we found in a communications director resume: "public relations and fundraising managers regularly speak on behalf of their organization" We also found this resume example that details how this skill is put to the test: "represented both internal and hr communications on the aol crisis management team. " In order for certain communications director responsibilities to be completed, the job requires the skill "writing skills." According to a communications director resume, "managers must be able to write well-organized and clear press releases and speeches" As an example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies: "managed media relations by cultivating relationships with media outlets, writing effective press releases, and proactively pitching/writing stories for publication. " Another common skill for a communications director to be able to utilize is "communication skills." Managers deal with the public regularly; therefore, they must be friendly enough to build a rapport with, and receive cooperation from, their media contacts and donors. A communications director demonstrated the need for this skill by putting this on their resume: "established communications and marketing strategy, including development of public relations and community outreach program for new electric utility. " Another skill commonly found on communications director resumes is "organizational skills." This description of the skill was found on several communications director resumes: "public relations and fundraising managers are often in charge of running several events at the same time, requiring superior organizational skills." Here's an example from a resume of how this skill could fit into the day-to-day communications director responsibilities: "anticipated and planned communication strategies for organizational changes and specific organizational events: new services, product launches and hr issues. " See the full list of communications director skills.
We've found that 70.0% of communications directors have earned a bachelor's degree. Furthermore, 13.2% earned their master's degrees before becoming a communications director. While it's true that most communications directors have a college degree, it's generally possible to become one with only a high school degree. In fact, one out of every eight communications directors did not spend the extra money to attend college.
Those communications directors who do attend college, typically earn either a communication degree or a business degree. Less commonly earned degrees for communications directors include a journalism degree or a political science degree.
Once you've obtained the level of education you're comfortable with, you might start applying to companies to become a communications director. We've found that most communications director resumes include experience from FPI Management, American Heart Association, and Anthem. Of recent, FPI Management had 37 positions open for communications directors. Meanwhile, there are 13 job openings at American Heart Association and 12 at Anthem.
But if you're interested in companies where you might earn a high salary, communications directors tend to earn the biggest salaries at Microsoft, Adobe, and VMware. Take Microsoft for example. The median communications director salary is $141,346. At Adobe, communications directors earn an average of $140,985, while the average at VMware is $139,956. You should take into consideration how difficult it might be to secure a job with one of these companies.
View more details on communications director salaries across the United States.
The industries that communications directors fulfill the most roles in are the non profits and education industries. But the highest communications director annual salary is in the technology industry, averaging $108,512. In the retail industry they make $104,733 and average about $101,085 in the finance industry. In conclusion, communications directors who work in the technology industry earn a 40.7% higher salary than communications directors in the education industry.
