Head of communications job description.

What does a head of communications do?

 

A head of communications oversees the messaging strategy across all public-facing and internal channels. This includes media relations, executive comms, internal messaging, crisis comms, and employer branding.

 

They set the tone for how a company communicates — not just to the press, but also to customers, employees, investors, and other stakeholders. The role typically includes managing PR teams or agencies, advising senior leadership, and ensuring that messaging is clear, consistent, and aligned with company goals.

 

For employers, this role provides strategic leadership across all communications touchpoints. For candidates, it’s a chance to drive messaging at an organisational level and shape public perception.

 

Key responsibilities of a head of communications.

 

Responsibilities will vary based on the business, but most heads of comms will lead across: 

• Developing and delivering company-wide communication strategies

• Leading media relations and managing external press engagement

• Overseeing internal communications and employee messaging

• Supporting executive communications, including speeches and public statements

• Advising senior stakeholders on tone of voice, narrative, and reputation

• Managing crisis communication plans and reputation risk mitigation

• Overseeing agency relationships and managing external consultants

• Collaborating with HR, brand, legal, and investor relations teams

• Ensuring consistency of messaging across all owned, earned, and shared channels

• Measuring communication effectiveness and reporting performance

This is a strategic leadership role that often sits at the intersection of marketing, people, and operations.

 

Skills and requirements for a head of communications.

 

This is a senior-level role that demands strong leadership, stakeholder influence, and cross-functional planning. Common requirements include:

• 8+ years of experience in communications, PR, or corporate affairs

• Experience managing internal and external communications at scale

• Proven ability to handle crisis comms and complex stakeholder messaging

• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling ability

• Experience working with executive teams, spokespeople, or media training

• Familiarity with reputation management tools and media monitoring platforms

• Ability to lead teams or agencies, manage budgets, and prioritise messaging under pressure

• Confidence working across departments — especially HR, legal, and brand

• Experience delivering comms strategy in regulated or high-stakes sectors is a bonus 

Most employers value strategic thinking, commercial awareness, and trusted judgment over formal qualifications.

Average salary for a head of communications.

 

In the UK, the average salary for a head of communications typically ranges from £65,000 to £90,000, depending on experience, industry, and scope of responsibility.

• Smaller or regional businesses may offer between £65,000 and £75,000

• Larger organisations or those in high-profile sectors such as finance, tech, or public sector often pay £80,000 to £90,000 or more

• Some roles may include bonus schemes, LTIPs, or equity

Salary will vary significantly based on team size, stakeholder exposure, and whether the role includes global communications or policy responsibility.

Career progression for a head of communications.

 

This role is typically the last step before entering executive leadership. Many move on to lead corporate affairs or oversee the full marketing and communications function. A typical path includes:

 

PR or communications manager

 

Leads earned media or messaging for specific campaigns or departments.

 

Senior communications

 

Manages reputation, advises leadership, and owns internal and external narratives.

 

Head of communications

 

Leads strategy, manages stakeholders, and oversees teams and agencies across all communication channels.

 

Communications director

 

Owns messaging across the entire business, often with budget responsibility and board-level exposure.

 

Chief communications officer (CCO)

 

Leads corporate reputation, investor messaging, crisis comms, and global communications. Often a key advisor to the CEO.

 

Some also pivot into public affairs, ESG communications, or strategy and transformation roles, depending on industry direction.