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What is a communications/senior communications manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
5 min read
Quoted expert
Jeyoung (Jenny) Oh Ph.D.
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A communications/senior communications manager handles a company's internal and external communications. They oversee communication strategies, messaging, media relations, and brand consistency. A senior communications manager typically has more experience and responsibilities. They may also manage a team of communication associates. The role requires strong writing, organizational, and interpersonal skills, as well as adaptability and a deadline-oriented mindset. Successful communication managers shape a company's reputation and maintain positive relationships with stakeholders.

What general advice would you give to a communications/senior communications manager?

Jeyoung (Jenny) Oh Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Communication, University of Michigan-Flint

If you work from home, it could be hard to separate your work time from your personal time. Make sure to take some time off to take care of yourself. It is important not only for your work performance but also for your well-being. Also, remember that there are many people who are there to support you, so do not hesitate to ask for help and ask questions. Be proactive and reach out to your colleagues. Set a virtual coffee time with your colleagues or manager to get to know them. If possible, join as many virtual workshops provided to you as you can. Those will help you understand the culture of your organization, and it will also be a great way to get to know your colleagues.
ScoreCommunications/Senior Communications ManagerUS Average
Salary
7.8

Avg. Salary $107,315

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
8.7

Growth rate 8%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
4.5
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.42%

Asian 5.10%

Black or African American 5.88%

Hispanic or Latino 9.04%

Unknown 4.66%

White 74.91%

Gender

female 61.36%

male 38.64%

Age - 41
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 - 41
Stress level
8.7

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
9.4

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance
3.8

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a communications/senior communications manager?

Pros

  • High level of responsibility and autonomy

  • Potential for high salary and benefits package

  • Opportunities for career advancement within the company or industry

  • Exposure to senior leadership and decision-making processes

  • Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the organization's success

Cons

  • High stress and pressure to deliver results on tight deadlines

  • Long hours and potential for work-life imbalance

  • Potential for negative feedback or criticism from stakeholders

  • Difficulty in measuring the impact of communication efforts on the company's bottom line

  • Potential for conflicts between different departments or stakeholders with competing interests

Communications/senior communications manager career paths

Key steps to become a communications/senior communications manager

  1. Explore communications/senior communications manager education requirements

    Most common communications/senior communications manager degrees

    Bachelor's

    69.9 %

    Master's

    12.9 %

    Associate

    9.6 %
  2. Start to develop specific communications/senior communications manager skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Strategic Communications8.44%
    PowerPoint6.82%
    Project Management6.61%
    Corporate Communications5.13%
    External Communications4.60%
  3. Complete relevant communications/senior communications manager training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New communications/senior communications managers 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/senior communications manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real communications/senior communications manager resumes.
  4. Research communications/senior communications manager duties and responsibilities

    • Manage communications for the DoD's premier manufacturer of ammunition.
    • Manage and overseen housing operations, administration of HUD programs, supervise maintenance and/or improvements of residential properties.
    • Manage and develop marketing, communication, and implementation process improvements for training curricula and the department's intranet website.
    • Lead execution of a brand-focuse sweepstakes that include management of a Facebook application, social advertising/boosting and management of UGC.
  5. Get communications/senior communications manager experience

    Generally, it takes 2-4 years to become a communications/senior communications manager. The most common roles before becoming a communications/senior communications manager include communications manager, property manager team lead and communications director.
  6. Prepare your communications/senior communications manager resume

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

    Build a professional communications/senior communications 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/senior communications manager resume.
    Communications/Senior Communications Manager Resume
    Communications/Senior Communications Manager Resume
    Communications/Senior Communications Manager Resume
    Communications/Senior Communications Manager Resume
    Communications/Senior Communications Manager Resume
    Communications/Senior Communications Manager Resume
    Communications/Senior Communications Manager Resume
    Communications/Senior Communications Manager Resume
    Communications/Senior Communications Manager Resume
  7. Apply for communications/senior communications manager jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a communications/senior communications 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/senior communications manager job

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Average communications/senior communications manager salary

The average communications/senior communications manager salary in the United States is $107,315 per year or $52 per hour. Communications/senior communications manager salaries range between $73,000 and $157,000 per year.

Average communications/senior communications manager salary
$107,315 Yearly
$51.59 hourly

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How do communications/senior communications managers rate their job?

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5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

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Communications/senior communications manager reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Nov 2019
Pros

People relations Results behavioural change

Cons

marketing especially retailing products and or fundraising


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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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