Communications Manager Job Description: Salary, Top Companies, and Future

Communication Manager Job Description Summary: A Communications Manager crafts and executes messaging that shapes brand identity, oversees media relations, and drives stakeholder engagement. Crucial responsibilities include developing and distributing press releases, managing crisis‑response protocols, designing and launching internal and external communication plans, monitoring performance metrics, and supervising content creation.

🚀 Did you know? India’s Media and Entertainment industry surged past INR 2.5 trillion in 2024, a 3.3% jump from 2023. That’s not all! The global Public Relations revenue is projected to climb past USD 112.98 billion in 2025. A Bachelor's degree in communication, or a related field or enrolling in digital marketing courses to master digital marketing channels and analytics, can help build the necessary skills to make the most of rising opportunities.

This article explores the complete communications manager job description, covering daily duties, required skills, essential tools, career paths, compensation benchmarks, and sectoral outlook to guide your professional journey.

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Who is a Communications Manager?

Definition – Communications Manager: A Communications Manager oversees all channels of corporate messaging, sets communication calendars, manages content budgets, and cultivates relationships with media outlets, industry influencers, and internal stakeholders to maintain a positive organizational image.

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 What is the Role of a Communications Manager? Key Performance Indicators for Communications Managers

Job Objective: A Communications Manager drives the execution and evaluation of messaging programs, guiding teams to deliver content that resonates with target audiences and supports organizational goals. To track success, they monitor critical digital marketing statistics and metrics, listed below, before iterating on future initiatives.

• Media Mentions: Frequency of brand coverage across print, online, and broadcast outlets.
• Engagement Rate: Percentage of audience interactions, including likes, shares, and comments on digital content.
• Email Open Rate: Share of recipients who open newsletters and announcements.
• Campaign ROI: Ratio of revenue or conversions generated versus communication spend.
• Share of Voice: Brand’s portion of total industry conversations compared to competitors.
• Social Follower Growth: Net increase in followers across key social platforms over a set period.

Types of Communications Managers

Organizations structure communication functions in various ways, leading to specialized roles, listed below, tailored to specific audiences and channels.

• Digital Communications Manager: Designs and implements digital content plans for websites, email, and social platforms.
• Internal Communications Manager: Develops employee newsletters, intranet updates, and internal events to build team alignment.
• Sales Communications Manager: Crafts sales collateral and messaging that supports lead generation and customer acquisition.
• External Communications Manager: Manages press releases, media outreach, and PR campaigns to shape public perception.
• Corporate Communications Manager: Oversees executive announcements, annual reports, and cross‑departmental communications.

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Communications Manager Job Description - Roles and Responsibilities

Did you know? According to Gartner’s Communications Function & Team Leadership report, just 8% of communications leaders believe their teams have the right skill sets to meet organizational demands.

Communications Managers wear many hats, executing a spectrum of tasks to ensure every message aligns with business goals and resonates with its audience.

Here are the core communications manager job duties:

• Strategic Communication Planning: Develop and implement comprehensive internal and external communication strategies that align with business objectives and reinforce brand identity.
• Brand Voice & Guidelines Management: Define the organization’s tone and voice. Create, maintain, and enforce brand communication style guides.
• Content Creation & Editorial Oversight: Write, edit, and supervise the production of press releases, newsletters, blogs, website copy, white papers, reports, and multimedia collateral.
• Media Relations & Public Outreach: Cultivate and maintain relationships with journalists, media outlets, and influencers. Handle press inquiries, arrange interviews, and organize press conferences.
• Digital & Social Media Management: Plan and execute campaigns across social platforms, email, SEO, and other digital channels. Schedule posts, monitor engagement, and track audience trends.
• Internal Communication & Employee Engagement: Craft employee newsletters, intranet updates, and internal events to build alignment and share updates.
• Change Management Communications: Develop targeted messaging plans for organizational restructurings, policy shifts, and other internal change initiatives.
• Crisis Communication: Design and activate response plans to protect reputation during emergencies, ensuring timely, transparent stakeholder updates.
• Campaign Measurement & Analytics: Define key metrics (open rates, engagement, ROI, share of voice), track performance, analyze data, and recommend optimizations.
• Budgeting & Resource Management: Oversee communication budgets, allocate resources across channels, and ensure cost‑effective execution relative to campaign goals.
• Policy & Guidelines Development: Draft and update corporate communication policies, editorial standards, and procedural documentation.
• Team Leadership & Collaboration: Lead and mentor in‑house teams and external agencies — graphic designers, copywriters, and PR firms — while collaborating with marketing, sales, and HR partners.
• Cross‑Functional Alignment: Partner with senior leadership and department heads to identify cross‑marketing opportunities and maintain consistent messaging across all functions.
• Event Planning & Execution: Coordinate corporate events, product launches, conferences, webinars, and promotional activities to enhance brand visibility and stakeholder engagement.
• Stakeholder & Partner Engagement: Engage with internal clients and external partners to understand their needs, tailor communications accordingly, and maintain ongoing dialogue.
• Training & Communications Coaching: Educate colleagues and executives on messaging best practices, media training, and effective stakeholder communication techniques.

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What Skills Do You Need to Be a Communications Manager?

Success in this position depends on blending strong interpersonal abilities with mastery of modern communication tools.

These competencies divide into two categories: soft skills and technical skills. Let’s explore both.

Technical Skills for Communications Managers

Using digital platforms and analytics tools empowers you to target audiences precisely and measure impact. 

Here are the key technical skills that’ll help you excel as a communication manager: 

• Digital & Social Media Proficiency: Use platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram to execute campaigns.
• SEO & Online Analytics: Embed keywords strategically and analyze performance with tools like Google Analytics.
• CMS Expertise: Publish and manage digital assets using WordPress, Drupal, or Joomla.
• Email Marketing: Design, deploy, and analyze campaigns through Mailchimp, Sendinblue, or Campaign Monitor.
• Web & Visual Design Fundamentals: Support content creation with basic skills in Adobe Creative Suite or Canva.
• PR & Media Monitoring Tools: Track coverage and distribute releases via Cision, Meltwater, or Sprout Social.

Soft Skills for Communications Managers

Connecting with diverse stakeholders and guiding teams through clear, purpose‑driven messaging sets the foundation for every initiative. And you need great soft skills for that!

Here are the soft skills that set good communications managers apart:

• Excellent Writing & Editing: Produce clear, error‑free press releases, reports, and articles.
• Verbal Communication & Presentation: Deliver engaging speeches, interviews, and internal briefings.
• Creative Storytelling & Message Development: Shape narratives that connect with diverse audiences.
• Productivity & Time Management: Coordinate tasks and meet deadlines across multiple initiatives.
• Organizational & Planning: Structure content calendars and allocate resources efficiently.
• Leadership & Team Collaboration: Guide in‑house teams and external agencies and partner with other departments.
• Stakeholder & Client Engagement: Listen to and address the needs of internal clients and external partners.
• Problem‑Solving & Adaptability: Tackle unexpected challenges and adjust communication plans as needed.
• Attention to Detail: Ensure consistency in voice, formatting, and brand standards.
• Creativity & Innovation: Generate fresh ideas for campaigns, events, and content formats.

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Tools and Technologies Used by Communications Manager

Communications managers orchestrate messages across multiple channels and rely on specialized software to streamline content creation, distribution, and performance tracking.

Below are the essential platforms and tools they use:

• Content Management Systems (CMS): WordPress, Drupal, Joomla
• Social Media Management: Hootsuite, Buffer, Sprout Social
• Web Analytics: Google Analytics, SEMrush, Hotjar
• Project Management: Trello, Asana, Jira, Monday.com
• Content Creation & Digital Asset Management: Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, Sketch, Bynder, Widen
• Public Relations & Media Monitoring: Cision, Meltwater, Prowly
• Email Marketing Platforms: Mailchimp, Sendinblue, Campaign Monitor
• Survey & Feedback Tools: SurveyMonkey, Typeform, Google Forms
• AI & Generative Content Tools: Microsoft 365 Copilot, ChatGPT, DALL·E, Midjourney, Eleven Labs

What Are the Qualifications and Educational Background of a Communications Manager?

As reported on BLS, Public relations and communications managers typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, or business. Many also hold a master’s in public relations, journalism, fundraising, or nonprofit management. 

Needless to say, strong academic credentials and targeted training form the foundation for effective messaging and brand stewardship.

Below are the key qualifications and educational benchmarks:

• Bachelor’s Degree: Entry into the field generally requires a bachelor’s in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, English, or business administration.
• Preferred Majors: Employers favor majors that emphasize writing, media studies, corporate communications, or strategic marketing.
• Master’s Degree: Mid to senior‑level roles often demand advanced degrees in communication management, public relations, digital communication, marketing communications, or business administration.
• Professional Certifications: Certifications in digital marketing and communication demonstrate hands-on expertise with today’s channels and tools.
• Continuing Education: Workshops, webinars, and short courses in social media advertising, CRM, content management systems, and AI‑powered content creation keep skills current.
• Relevant Experience: Most positions require 3–5 years of communications, PR, or marketing experience. Leadership tracks often call for 5+ years in similar roles.

Communications Manager vs Other Media Roles

Organizations often feature multiple communications-related positions, each with its own focus and scope. Understanding the distinctions helps you choose or collaborate with the right role to meet your objectives.

Below are side‑by‑side comparisons of a Communications Manager with two key media positions.

Communication Manager vs a Marketing Manager

A Marketing Manager spearheads market research, customer acquisition campaigns, and promotional strategies to drive sales growth. In contrast, a Communications Manager crafts consistent brand narratives, manages media relations, and oversees stakeholder engagement.

This table answers your question, ‘What is the difference between a marketing and communications manager?’ in detail:

 Communications Manager vs Communication Specialist

A Communications Specialist focuses on executing day‑to‑day messaging tasks like drafting copy, distributing releases, and supporting events. By comparison, a Communications Manager develops overarching plans, measures performance, and leads teams.

This table answers your question, ‘What is the difference between a communication specialist and a communication manager?’ in detail:

What is the Salary of a Communications Manager in India in 2025?

Average Annual Salary for Communications Managers in 2025: INR 15.2L

Compensation for Communications Managers in India varies by experience, industry, and location. Knowing these benchmarks will help you set realistic expectations and negotiate confidently.

 Communications Manager Salary by Experience

Here’s a tabulated snapshot of the average annual salary range of communications managers in India:

Source: AmbitionBox

 Communications Manager Salary by Industry 

Let’s check out how much communications managers across different industries earn: 

Source: AmbitionBox

Communications Manager Salary by Geography

Now, let’s see how the salaries vary based on the location:

Source: AmbitionBox

Communications Manager Salary in India vs The World 

Here’s a snapshot of how salaries for communications managers in India compare to salaries in the US, UK, Germany, Canada, and Australia. 

*Please Note: Global salaries for communications managers can vary in real time due to fluctuations in currency conversion charges. 

Source: Glassdoor, AmbitionBox, PayScale

 How to Become a Communications Manager?

Launching a career in communications calls for a structured path that combines formal study, practical assignments, and strategic connections. Mapping out each phase ensures you build the right foundation and stand out to hiring teams.

Follow these clear steps to position yourself for a Communications Manager role:

• Step 1: Complete a Relevant Bachelor’s Degree: Pursue a BA in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, or business administration to gain core theory and writing practice.
• Step 2: Gain Hands‑On Experience: Secure internships or entry‑level roles in PR agencies, corporate communications, or digital teams. Take charge of small projects like writing newsletters, blog posts, and press releases to showcase results.
• Step 3: Build Your Professional Network: Join industry bodies, attend communications conferences, and connect with journalists and peers to learn best practices and discover job leads.
• Step 4: Earn Specialized Certifications: Deepen your skill set with targeted credentials such as an Advanced Certificate in Digital Marketing & Communication (MICA) or CopilotCraft AI Marketing Mastery to master today’s channels and tools.
• Step 5: Develop Core and Technical Skills: Practice writing, media relations, crisis response, CMS management, SEO, analytics, and social‑media planning via real‑world assignments or workshops.
• Step 6: Lead Key Projects: Volunteer for or propose internal campaigns, crisis‑response drills, or stakeholder surveys to demonstrate your ability to plan, execute, and measure communications initiatives.
• Step 7: Pursue Advanced Training: Consider a master’s degree in communication management, public relations, or an MBA with a communications focus to prepare for senior roles.
• Step 8: Commit to Continuous Learning: Stay current on AI content tools, emerging platforms, and industry research through webinars and bootcamps.

Career Progression For Communications Managers

Achieving consistent results in messaging and stakeholder engagement sets the stage for roles with greater scope, leadership, and strategic influence.

Common progression paths alongside their average annual salaries include:

• Communications Consultant: INR 12.2L
• Communications Manager: INR 15.2L
• Senior Communications Manager: INR 18L
• Communications Director: INR 25L
• VP of Corporate Communications: INR 41.1L

Which Companies Have a Communications Manager? Top Sectors that Hire Communications Managers

Organizations across diverse fields rely on Communications Managers to articulate brand values, manage reputation, and engage key audiences.

Below are the top industries actively recruiting for Communications Manager roles:

• Corporate Enterprises: Large and mid‑size companies in finance, technology, and consulting.
• Non‑Profit & NGOs: Foundations, research institutes, and social‑impact organizations.
• Government & Public Sector: Ministries, regulatory bodies, and public agencies.
• Healthcare & Research Institutions: Hospitals, clinics, and specialized medical research centers.
• Tech Startups & IT Firms: Fast‑growing companies in software development, platforms, and digital services.
• E‑commerce & Retail: Online marketplaces, brick‑and‑mortar retailers, and consumer brands.
• Pharmaceutical & Medical Devices: Drug manufacturers, biotech firms, and medical‑equipment producers.
• Manufacturing & Mining: Industrial producers and resource‑extraction companies.
• Media & Public Relations Agencies: PR consultancies, advertising firms, and media houses.
• Education & Academia: Universities, colleges, and professional training providers.
• Advertising & Marketing Agencies: Creative studios and digital marketing partners.
• Consumer Goods & FMCG: Food, beverage, and daily‑use product manufacturers.

Here are some top organizations that recruit Communications Managers in India:

Future Job Outlook for Communications Managers: Growth in India and Worldwide

🚀 There’s excellent news for Communications Managers from the Job Front: According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment of Public Relations and Fundraising Managers is projected to grow 7% from 2023 to 2033, with roughly 8,900 new openings each year during the forecast period. 

🚀 In another report by Foundit, it was discovered that fresher hiring trends in Marketing & Communications account for 8% of total fresher job postings in India. 

Here are the key drivers behind this positive outlook:

• Heightened Demand for Digital Expertise: As organizations double down on online channels, they need communicators skilled in social media, SEO, email marketing, and web analytics.
• Emphasis on Brand Reputation & Crisis Readiness: The 24/7 news cycle and social platforms make proactive and reactive reputation management critical, elevating the Communications Manager’s role.
• Integration of Data‑Driven Strategies: Companies expect measurable results like tracking engagement, ROI, and share of voice. So, communicators who can analyze and act on data are in high demand.
• Adoption of AI & Automation: Generative AI tools like Copilot and ChatGPT accelerate content workflows, allowing teams to scale campaigns and focus on strategic storytelling. 

Conclusion

Stepping into the Communications Manager role empowers you to shape narratives that engage audiences, safeguard reputation, and drive business results. By mastering brand voice, crisis response, media relations, data‑driven insights, and AI‑enhanced workflows, you’ll lead teams with confidence and deliver measurable impact across every channel.

To build on these foundations, you can expand your digital marketing and communication toolkit through specialized digital marketing programs and certifications in content strategy, social media, SEO, email campaigns, and analytics. Take advantage of upGrad’s free career counseling services and let our experts guide your next steps, polish your resume, and prepare you for interviews.

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