How to hire a vice president, corporate communications

How to hire a vice president, corporate communications, step by step

Here's a step-by-step vice president, corporate communications hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a vice president, corporate communications job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new vice president, corporate communications
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a vice president, corporate communications do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring a vice president, corporate communications, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A vice president, corporate communications's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, vice presidents, corporate communications from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   The following list breaks down different types of vice presidents, corporate communications and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Vice President, Corporate Communications	Description	Hourly rate
   Vice President, Corporate Communications	Public relations managers plan and direct the creation of material that will maintain or enhance the public image of their employer or client. Fundraising managers coordinate campaigns that bring in donations for their organization.	$26-59
   Director Of Public Affairs	Directors of Public Affairs are executives who manage the public relations and communications initiatives of the company. They oversee all external communications that are intended for broadcast... Show more	$33-89
   Media Director	A media director spearheads and oversees a company's entire media-related activities, including marketing and advertising campaigns. They are in charge of setting goals and guidelines, liaising and building positive relationships with external parties, conceptualizing plans for projects and campaigns, and developing strategies to optimize operations... Show more	$35-82

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Crisis Communications
   • Press Releases
   • External Communications
   • Investor Relations
   • Issues Management
   • Executive Communications
   • Corporate Communications Strategy
   • Reputation Management
   • Employee Engagement
   • Intranet
   • Communications Programs
   • Public Affairs
   • Communications Efforts
   • External Audiences

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Maintain strong working relationships across all departments to manage successful on-site opportunities, content and multimedia asset development and spokesperson requests.
   • Launch an initiative to completely redesign the company's intranet site to improve internal communications and increase colleague engagement.
   • Deliver up-to-date information regarding organizational strategies, initiatives and progress toward goals through creation and maintenance of organizational intranet site.
   • Maintain strong working relationships across all departments to manage successful on-site opportunities, content and multimedia asset development and spokesperson requests.
   • Create and executing CSR program that aligns with the company's business and employee volunteerism.
   • Lead communication planning, copywriting, editing, and publishing using a variety of media.

   More vice president, corporate communications duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your vice president, corporate communications job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A vice president, corporate communications can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, vice presidents, corporate communications' average salary in florida is 43% less than in nevada.
   • Seniority. Entry-level vice presidents, corporate communications 56% less than senior-level vice presidents, corporate communications.
   • Certifications. A vice president, corporate communications with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a vice president, corporate communications's salary.

   Average vice president, corporate communications salary

   $83,101yearly

   $39.95 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level vice president, corporate communications salary

   $55,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 13, 2025

   Average vice president, corporate communications salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	California	$104,169	$50
   2	Oregon	$97,869	$47
   3	Massachusetts	$97,265	$47
   4	Georgia	$91,323	$44
   5	Washington	$88,098	$42
   6	New York	$85,987	$41
   7	Arizona	$85,546	$41
   8	Wisconsin	$82,841	$40
   9	Colorado	$79,500	$38
   10	Illinois	$73,979	$36
   11	Missouri	$73,506	$35
   12	Florida	$65,343	$31

   Average vice president, corporate communications salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group	$142,836	$68.67
   2	Fanatics	$137,036	$65.88	15
   3	AnaptysBio	$131,829	$63.38	1
   4	Barclays	$127,940	$61.51	1
   5	Weber Shandwick	$122,261	$58.78	18
   6	Anomali	$117,396	$56.44
   7	Teradata	$117,004	$56.25	96
   8	Metropolitan Family Health Network	$115,638	$55.60
   9	Salesforce	$113,826	$54.72	67
   10	Sony Pictures	$103,260	$49.64	22
   11	Brookfield, LLC	$97,295	$46.78	7
   12	FleishmanHillard	$86,295	$41.49	50
   13	Mesa Airlines	$85,249	$40.99
   14	Sage Therapeutics	$85,163	$40.94
   15	LPL Financial	$84,048	$40.41	187
   16	Woodward	$80,961	$38.92
   17	Home Partners of America	$80,911	$38.90
   18	EverCommerce	$80,019	$38.47
   19	Legendary Entertainment	$79,948	$38.44	1
   20	Fireblocks	$79,393	$38.17

4. Writing a vice president, corporate communications job description

   A vice president, corporate communications job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a vice president, corporate communications job description:

   Vice president, corporate communications job description example

   We're one of the largest financial institutions in the world with operations in approximately 40 markets. We're a purpose-driven company that helps our individual and institutional customers build a more confident future. We're constantly adapting to deliver value for our stakeholders. What we need: an all-purpose communications pro with the experience and passion to tackle every challenge a global financial enterprise can face.
   The Role:
   
   The Assistant Vice President of Corporate Communications is a highly skilled communicator who can cover the various aspects of enterprise communications: sustainability, MetLife Foundation, issues and crisis, financial and M&A, policy and regulatory, reputation management, diversity, equity and inclusion, and global brand sponsorship. A skilled strategist, press secretary and speechwriter, this person will report to the Head of Financial Communications and be an integral member of the team that tends to the communications needs of the “Inc.” part of MetLife.
   
   Responsibilities
   Partner with the Head of Financial Communications to manage all communications issues facing MetLife, Inc., both proactively and reactively. Bring a strategic mindset that understands how to assess risks and opportunities and formulate communications plans that serve the company's interests. Collaborate with and serve as communications advisor to senior leaders in the Office of the CEO, Finance, Sustainability, Government Relations, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, MetLife Foundation, Global Brand & Marketing, and other parts of the company to effectively manage communications challenges and opportunities. Understand how communications creates value for the company through its ability to craft the right messages for the right audiences to achieve the right outcomes. Employ the full toolbox of communications skills - strategic planning, writing, media relations, crisis communications, social media - to achieve mastery over the challenges and opportunities facing us. Bring a strong executive presence and the confidence to counsel senior leaders. Have a bias for action and a desire to continually raise the bar. Collaborate with the team to curate the daily media intelligence report for MetLife's senior leaders.
   
   Experience & Competencies:
   12+ years of experience in communications Experience developing and executing communications plans Proven track record of successful media relations Bachelor's degree in relevant field An analytical eye, and a keen attention to detail Demonstrable experience of delivering impactful results for high-profile clients and campaigns Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines A strong creative streak
   
   Leadership Competencies:
   Thinks Strategically - Sets direction aligned to the company's strategy, applying external and global perspective to meet local and global needs. Drives Results - Sets aggressive goals and is accountable for continuously driving improved performance, leading change and ensuring high standards. Focuses on Customers - Promotes customer centricity and ensures focus on creating great customer experiences to achieve competitive advantage. Motivates People - Gains people commitment to achieve business objectives through clear communication of the company's vision and flexing leadership styles to inspire high performance.
   
   MetLife:
   
   MetLife, through its subsidiaries and affiliates, is one of the world's leading financial services companies, providing insurance, annuities, employee benefits and asset management to help its individual and institutional customers navigate their changing world. Founded in 1868, MetLife has operations in more than 40 countries and holds leading market positions in the United States, Japan, Latin America, Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
   
   We are one of the largest institutional investors in the U.S. with $642.4 billion of total assets under management as of March 31, 2021. We are ranked #46 on the Fortune 500 list for 2021. In 2020, we were named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) for the fifth year in a row. DJSI is a global index to track the leading sustainability-driven companies. We are proud to have been named to Fortune magazine's 2021 list of the “World's Most Admired Companies.”
   
   MetLife is committed to building a purpose-driven and inclusive culture that energizes our people. Our employees work every day to help build a more confident future for people around the world.
   
   The wage range for applicants for this position is $175,000 to $210,000. The role is eligible for incentive compensation under the sales incentive plan for your position. MetLife offers a comprehensive benefits program, including healthcare benefits, life insurance, retirement benefits, parental leave, legal plan services and paid time off. All incentives and benefits are subject to the applicable plan terms.
   
   We want to make it simple for all interested and qualified candidates to apply for employment opportunities with MetLife. For further information about how to request a reasonable accommodation, please click on the Disability Accommodations link below.
   
   MetLife is a proud Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer dedicated to attracting, retaining, and developing a diverse and inclusive workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment at MetLife without regards to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, national origin, marital or domestic/civil partnership status, genetic information, citizenship status, uniformed service member or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
   
   MetLife maintains a drug-free workplace.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find vice presidents, corporate communications for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any vice presidents, corporate communications they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level vice presidents, corporate communications with the right educational background.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your vice president, corporate communications job on Zippia to find and attract quality vice president, corporate communications candidates.
   • Use niche websites such as pr news job board, pr council, prsa job center, hoojobs.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit vice presidents, corporate communications, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new vice president, corporate communications

   Once you've selected the best vice president, corporate communications candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new vice president, corporate communications. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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