Communications directors play an active role in shaping the image a company presents to the public. As a communications director, it is expected that you have excellent oral and written communication skills, with an ability to successfully impact your target audience. Communications directors may also work with larger companies to provide a consistent message to staff in satellite offices.
Education
To work as a director of communications requires at least a bachelor's degree and a minimum of 10 years' experience within a given industry. Communications directors need to be familiar with the terminology, standard practices and procedures of a given industry to propose effective communication strategies. Since communications directors may also coordinate outside research activities, the ability to develop an effective means to collect the desired data is an essential skill.
Compensation
Communications directors with the appropriate education and experience average a salary of $124,032 as of March, 2011 and reported by Salary.com. Larger cities that support larger businesses requiring experienced communications directors had salaries above the national average. San Francisco salaries averaged $150,920; New York salaries averaged $146,606. Other markets offer compensation lower than the national average, like Des Moines, Iowa ($116,660), and Charlotte, North Carolina ($123,090).
Contributing Factors
Other than geography, the size of a company for which a communications director works can impact salary and additional benefits. The more experience you have as a communications director in a particular industry, the more valuable an asset you are. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that positions like public relations managers and other positions with strong communications needs are highly competitive.
Working Environment
Communications directors frequently work in high-pressure environments. They must be able to manage multiple priorities simultaneously and accurately interpret research data. Communications directors play a key role in shaping the image of a company both to the public and within employee ranks. As a result, communications must be carefully crafted to reflect the desired company values and message.
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