How to Become a Corporate Communications ManagerHow to Become a Corporate Communications ManagerHow to Become a Corporate Communications Manager

Effective communication is vital to business success. Conversely, poor communication can be costly, as the writing software company Grammarly reported in 2022. The company estimated that ineffective communication costs U.S. businesses about $1.2 trillion annually in squandered labor hours. It also noted that 72% of business leaders surveyed said their businesses had encountered difficulty in communicating effectively.

Encompassing both external communications with the public and internal communication with employees, corporate communication is a critical function that businesses can’t afford to overlook. Organizations always need individuals who possess expertise in communicating effectively and who know how to use technology in communications, such as writers, editors, public relations officers, digital media coordinators, and corporate communications managers.

Individuals considering a career in the growing field of communications may be interested in learning more about how to become a corporate communications manager, corporate communications manager responsibilities, and the corporate communications manager’s salary.

The primary role of a corporate communication manager is to oversee an organization’s internal and external communications. This involves responsibilities that range from developing communications strategies to hiring communications staff, according to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), a professional association for human resources professionals. SHRM offers the following examples of corporate communications manager responsibilities:

In addition, individuals who manage corporate communications often work closely with an organization’s marketing department, as the employment website Betterteam has noted. This could involve the following:

Overseeing social media can also be the responsibility of a manager of corporate communications. For example, corporate communications management can encompass duties such as managing an organization’s social media platforms and the content on the corporate website.

To become a manager of corporate communications, an individual needs to satisfy certain educational and experiential requirements. While developing writing and language skills is paramount, most communications managers have also taken the following educational and career steps:

Earning a bachelor’s degree can build a firm foundation to become a corporate communications manager. Degrees that are well suited for the position include communications, journalism, business, advertising, English, and public relations.

Earning a bachelor’s degree enables individuals to build their skills and expertise in areas that are beneficial for working in communications — from writing, media, and research to psychology and statistics. A degree such as Maryville University’s online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Communication may be particularly useful for those interested in corporate communications, providing a background in the digital and strategic media needs of modern organizations.

Working as a team member in a function such as communications, journalism, advertising, marketing, or public relations is a good way to acquire the work experience necessary to build toward the corporate communications manager position. While working in those functions, it’s also important to find opportunities to gain leadership experience, for example, on individual projects or in organizing events.

Management experience is also helpful and may be required for many positions. SHRM recommends seven years of experience in communications before taking on the corporate communications manager role and notes that management experience is preferred. According to Betterteam, individuals typically need at least five years of experience in a similar role before they can begin managing corporate communications.

Earning a master’s degree isn’t always required to work as a manager of corporate communications, but it’s a great way to expand expertise and demonstrate a commitment to the communications profession. Working on a master’s in communication could also enable an individual to become knowledgeable about the latest trends in the field.

As of November 2022, the median annual corporate communication manager salary was about $86,000, according to Payscale. Individuals in the lowest 10% of the salary range earned a median annual salary of about $61,000, while those in the highest 10% of the salary range earned a median annual salary of about $118,000. Salaries can vary based on factors such as experience, geographic location, position, and industry.

The role of the corporate communications manager is becoming more valuable, according to a 2022 report from the nonprofit business and research organization The Conference Board. Specifically, CEOs are expanding their roles in representing their organizations in social, environmental, and political arenas. As a result, they’re relying more on corporate communications professionals to advise them on creating appropriate and effective narratives. This could have an effect on the compensation of corporate communications managers.

Organizations large and small — including nonprofits and government agencies — derive many benefits from strong corporate communications management. Those benefits can accrue both internally with employees and externally with customers and the public, as Forbes reported in 2022. Examples of these benefits are highlighted below.

Creating a solid internal communications function can enable an organization to:

Developing an effective external communications function can enable an organization to:

Every day, corporate communications managers use their skills and expertise to help organizations express their messages and build strong connections with consumers and employees. Communications can be a rewarding field in which individuals with the right expertise can make lasting contributions to organizations of all kinds.

Individuals who have an interest in working in communications can explore Maryville’s online BA in Communication degree program to learn how the program can help them achieve their professional goals. Offering tracks in strategic communication and emerging media strategy, the program can set the foundation for a fulfilling career. Start on the communications career path today. 

Choosing a Career Path: Communication vs. Business Degree

Future Communications Trends: An In-Depth Look

Strategic Communication vs. Emerging Media Strategy

Betterteam, Communications Manager Job Description

The Conference Board, CEO Insights Newsletter, October 26, 2022

Forbes, “Communication: The Key to Improving Employee Satisfaction and Engagement”

Forbes, “Five Ways Your Business Can Leverage Strategic Communications”

Grammarly, The Unofficial 4-Day Workweek: How Ineffective Communication Is Costing Your Business

Indeed, Communications Manager Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

Novos, “7 Transferable Skills That Can Take You from Journalism to Digital PR (or Vice Versa)”

Payscale, Average Corporate Communications Manager Salary

Society for Human Resource Management, Manager of Corporate Communications