Communications director job description.
If you're hiring a Communications Director or considering the role for your next move, this Communications Director job description outlines what the role involves — including leadership responsibilities, communication strategy, required skills, career progression opportunities, and typical UK salary ranges.
What does a communications director do?
A communications director leads how a business communicates internally and externally. They set messaging strategy, oversee brand reputation, and ensure all communications reflect the company’s values and goals. The role is pivotal in aligning leadership with employees, media, investors, and customers.
They typically manage PR, internal communications, crisis response, and executive communications. The position requires collaboration across marketing, HR, and legal to ensure consistent and timely messaging. Strong stakeholder management and the ability to navigate sensitive topics are critical.
In startups or businesses undergoing transformation, the communications director may build the function from scratch. In larger organisations, the focus is often on leading specialist teams and influencing long-term strategy at board level.
Key responsibilities of a communications director.
The responsibilities of a communications director vary depending on the organisation’s size and priorities, but typically include:
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Developing and implementing internal and external communication strategies
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Managing media relations, press releases, and crisis communication protocols
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Crafting messaging that aligns with brand identity and executive tone
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Overseeing internal comms across newsletters, intranet, and staff updates
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Supporting leadership visibility and thought leadership content
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Leading PR initiatives, media outreach, and interview preparation
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Coordinating with marketing, HR, and legal teams on sensitive messaging
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Managing external agencies, freelancers, or in-house communication teams
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Monitoring media coverage and reputation metrics
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Advising senior leadership on risk, reputation, and stakeholder engagement
This role blends messaging strategy with leadership counsel and stakeholder communication.
Skills and requirements for a communications director
Communications directors need strategic oversight, senior-level leadership, and a deep understanding of internal and external comms. Employers typically look for:
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10+ years of experience across corporate or agency communications
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Strong background in PR, media relations, crisis management, and internal comms
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Proven ability to develop and execute communications strategies at scale
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Experience leading and mentoring comms or brand teams
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Excellent written and verbal communication skills
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Strong stakeholder management, including C-suite and board level
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Ability to manage agency relationships and external suppliers
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Familiarity with employee engagement, ESG, and reputational risk
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Experience with communication platforms, CMS, and analytics tools
Most communications directors have worked across multiple sectors or large organisations, often reporting into the CMO or CEO. A degree in communications, journalism, or marketing may be expected.
Average salary for a communications director.
In the UK, the average salary for a communications director typically ranges from £80,000 to £120,000, depending on experience, organisation size, and industry.
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Mid-level communications directors tend to earn between £80,000 and £100,000
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Senior communications directors or those overseeing large teams and multi-channel strategies often earn between £101,000 and £120,000
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Roles within global corporations or high-growth tech businesses may offer higher compensation packages and performance incentives
Salaries are generally higher in London and other major cities, especially in sectors such as corporate comms, technology, public affairs, and strategic consultancy.
Career progression for a communications director
A communications director plays a key strategic role within a business, responsible for leading internal and external communications. This role often represents the final step in functional leadership but can progress into executive or cross-functional positions. A typical career path includes:
Communications executive
Supports media relations, PR activity, and content delivery. Builds foundational experience in messaging and stakeholder coordination.
Senior communications executive
Leads campaigns and supports crisis comms, investor relations, or thought leadership. Begins to own messaging strategy.
Communications manager
Manages channels, teams, and projects. Develops multi-channel plans and works directly with business units.
Communications director
Leads the function and manages teams, agencies, and strategic narrative. Aligns comms with brand and commercial objectives.
VP of communications / Head of function
Oversees global strategy and stakeholder influence. Works cross-functionally with brand, marketing, and leadership.
Chief communications officer (CCO)
Sits at board level, managing reputation, narrative, and global communications across all business lines.
salary guide
Our UK marketing salary guide.
Looking to hire a Communications Director but not sure what a competitive offer looks like? With experienced leaders in high demand, salary plays a huge role in whether someone decides to join your business.
Our 2025 UK Marketing Salary Guide includes detailed benchmarks for communications leadership roles across the country. Use it to shape offers that attract the right people and support long-term growth.
FAQS
Communications director FAQs.
Communications Directors are in demand across a wide range of sectors including tech, healthcare, education, government, finance, and consumer brands. Any organisation with a public presence, internal workforce, or stakeholder base can benefit from strategic comms leadership — meaning opportunities are vast and varied.
While a PR foundation is common, many Communications Directors transition from senior roles in journalism, content strategy, or corporate marketing. What's essential is a strong grasp of narrative, reputation management, and stakeholder communications — regardless of the original career path.
Titles often vary by organisation. In some businesses, the terms are interchangeable. In others, “Director” suggests a more senior or board-level remit, particularly when the role reports directly to the CEO or CMO. Always review the role scope to understand reporting lines and team size.
Location can influence salary expectations and sector focus. London, Manchester, and Birmingham are hotspots for senior comms roles, especially in tech, finance, and consultancy. However, with hybrid work now common, top candidates may not be limited by geography — especially for strategic or global roles.
If you're building the function from scratch, prioritise candidates with experience launching comms strategies and setting frameworks. Look for versatility, cross-functional influence, and a history of building teams or leading change. Their ability to balance proactive messaging with reactive comms is also critical.
Managing reputation in a fast-paced digital environment is a top challenge. Directors must also balance executive visibility with employee engagement, navigate misinformation, and lead comms through organisational change or crisis scenarios. Strong judgment and strategic calm are key.
Yes — increasingly so. While traditionally led by HR or sustainability teams, Communications Directors often craft and distribute messaging around Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) efforts and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) priorities. Their role is crucial in shaping perception and trust both internally and externally.