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What is a communications project manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted experts
Annemarie Franczyk,
Meaghan Goodman Ph.D.
introduction image

Communications project managers work is a mid-level, managerial position for those with at least seven years of field experience. They develop, execute, and oversee communications systems, whether internal or external, that effectively describe and promote the company and its goods. This position offers oversight and guidance to employees and also functions in collaboration with the marketing department. Usually, they report to the director of the unit or department.

Communications project managers conduct a range of activities, such as print and internet advertisements design and production, email marketing, and website maintenance and content development. They are in charge of press releases, by-line posts, white papers, corporate videos, and marketing collateral, marketing budget implementation, and expense control. They also assist in the planning of presentations and/or speeches directed at employees.

Effective communications project managers rely on comprehensive expertise and intuition to prepare and achieve their objectives. It is important for candidates in this position to have strong writing and publishing skills including the ability to present concepts verbally. Most communications project managers have a degree in English, Journalism, Marketing or Communications.

What general advice would you give to a communications project manager?

Annemarie FranczykAnnemarie Franczyk LinkedIn profile

Associate Professor, Buffalo State College

They may be entering an industry that increasingly will require practitioners to be highly motivated to work efficiently and effectively away from an office location. Whatever the students are learning about being a successful remote learner, -- being highly organized, a self-starter, independent worker -- they will need to take that into their future workplaces.
ScoreCommunications Project ManagerUS Average
Salary
6.7

Avg. Salary $85,174

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
9.7

Growth rate 12%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
3.4
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.66%

Asian 9.05%

Black or African American 7.69%

Hispanic or Latino 12.90%

Unknown 4.71%

White 65.00%

Gender

female 58.44%

male 41.56%

Age - 47
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 47
Stress level
9.7

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.8

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance
5.0

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Communications project manager career paths

Key steps to become a communications project manager

  1. Explore communications project manager education requirements

    Most common communications project manager degrees

    Bachelor's

    73.1 %

    Master's

    14.5 %

    Associate

    7.5 %
  2. Start to develop specific communications project manager skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Project Management19.59%
    PowerPoint7.81%
    Web Content7.44%
    Status Reports5.27%
    SharePoint4.37%
  3. Research communications project manager duties and responsibilities

    • Manage SEO outreach activities to develop visibility.
    • Manage SharePoint front page for company-wide news and departmental updates using original and curate content.
    • Maintain strong working relationships across all departments to manage successful on-site opportunities, content and multimedia asset development and spokesperson requests.
    • Revise, edit and reformat PowerPoint decks and training manuals.
  4. Prepare your communications project manager resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your communications project manager 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 project manager 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 project manager resume templates

    Build a professional communications project manager 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 project manager resume.
    Communications Project Manager Resume
    Communications Project Manager Resume
    Communications Project Manager Resume
    Communications Project Manager Resume
    Communications Project Manager Resume
    Communications Project Manager Resume
    Communications Project Manager Resume
    Communications Project Manager Resume
    Communications Project Manager Resume
  5. Apply for communications project manager jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a communications project manager job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first communications project manager job

Zippi

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Average communications project manager salary

The average communications project manager salary in the United States is $85,174 per year or $41 per hour. Communications project manager salaries range between $59,000 and $121,000 per year.

Average communications project manager salary
$85,174 Yearly
$40.95 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do communications project managers rate their job?

-/5

5 stars

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Communications project manager reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2020
Pros

I enjoy problem-solving and identifying a path to completing a complex project. I like to ensure that moving parts come together smoothly and communicating successes and celebrating with the team.


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A zippia user wrote a review on Mar 2020
Pros

Project concept, execution - meeting business and Customer expectations.


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A zippia user wrote a review on Jan 2020
Cons

Negativity - you have to be positive to get things done


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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