Main Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Communications Manager

A Communications Manager is a professional who plays a vital role in an organization's success by overseeing its communication efforts. They are responsible for developing and implementing effective communication strategies to promote the organization's brand, engage with stakeholders, and manage its reputation. In this blog post, we describe the primary responsibilities and the most in-demand hard and soft skills for Communications Managers.

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Main Responsibilities of a Communications Manager

The following list describes the typical responsibilities of a Communications Manager:

Administer

Administer the highest level of quality control.

Adopt

Adopt data-driven best practices and modern tools to streamline and scale collateral.

Aid in

Aid in supporting relevant key speaking opportunities for executive spokespeople.

Analyze

Analyze current and future environment and develop a plan of action for minimizing skills gaps.

Anticipate

Anticipate and solve problems.

Assist with

Assist digital marketing consultant with monitoring metrics for social accounts and websites.
Assist with goal setting, territory management, and talent development.
Assist with media, influencer and blogger visits, including itineraries and reservations.
Assist with the development and execution of quality in-person events that delight our partners.
Assist with the production and coordination of photo and video shoots.
Assist with the production and design of The MusicianShip's Annual Report.
Assist with thought leadership content and videos.

Brainstorm

Brainstorm new and creative growth strategies.

Build

Build and execute thought leadership in alignment with US team.
Build and maintain relationships with journalists, influencers, and key stakeholders.
Build collaborative partnerships.
Build, manage and improve lead generation campaigns, measuring results.
Build monthly and quarterly content plans, email marketing campaigns, newsletters.
Build partnerships and collaborates across teams.
Build relationships with industry media partners.
Build relationships with thought leaders to grow industry awareness.
Build strong partnerships across the Employee Experience team in EMEA.
Build strong relationships with media, agencies and stakeholders.

Collaborate with

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment in communication efforts.
Collaborate with internal product teams to create landing pages and optimize user experience.

Communicate

Communicate results to the business unit consistently for continuous improvement.
Communicate up, across, and within the team with clarity and purpose.

Conduct

Conduct market research and analyze communication trends.
Conduct market research on potential market sectors, areas and trends.

Content

Content creation and management across different channels, such as social, email and our website.
Content curation for client events and working with other OpCos on joint events.

Contribute

Contribute professional writing, editing and proofing for various projects as needed.

Coordinate

Coordinate and manage internal and external newsletters.
Coordinate internal communication efforts and ensure consistent messaging.
Coordinate the design, content creation and distribution of an affiliate newsletter.
Coordinate with external agencies, such as advertising and public relations firms.
Coordinate with other functions for appropriate representation to relevant media.

Craft

Craft compelling messages for various channels and audiences.

Create

Create and enable reinforcement mechanisms and celebrations of success.
Create and maintain relationships with other communications functions through partnerships.
Create and maintain the organization's brand identity.
Create and send Shareable's weekly newsletter and email welcome series for new subscribers.
Create compelling and provocative content with a purpose.
Create content to support business and social media efforts.
Create impactful nurture programs to improve conversion rates.
Create key project wins / milestone news releases with regional PR and regional marketing staff.

Define

Define and oversee the execution of Colonies' social media strategy.

Design

Design visual content, including presentations, social media posts and reports.

Develop

Develop and execute comprehensive communication plans.
Develop and execute corporate PR plan to enhance or protect corporate reputation.
Develop and execute employee communication initiatives.
Develop and execute the overall external communication plan for Amazon operations in Canada.
Develop and implement operational marketing (Outbound, Inbound).
Develop and maintain a crisis communication plan.
Develop and maintain relationships with internal stakeholders.
Develop and maintain the website.
Develop and manage communications calendar for Florence suite of products.
Develop and manage PR & communications calendar for Florence suite of products.
Develop and manage stakeholder contact programme for key Doctorlink executives.
Develop and refine CEO tone of voice and thought leadership (content and subject matter).
Develop authentic internal partnerships with key stakeholders and employees.
Develop a working knowledge of key department programs.
Develop, design, create and manage content for company intranet and internet sites.
Develop editorial calendar for web and social media content.
Develop job aids to help staff retain key style manual information.
Develop messaging to drive alignment around strategy and its key priorities.
Develop, oversees, monitors and reports on Agency annual fundraising plan.
Develop Parkopedia's overall messaging and thought leadership positioning.
Develop proactive media relations campaigns around trends and news of the day.
Develop strategic presentations for the Communications, Strategy and Outreach team.
Develop strong relationships with the master agents and master partner directors.
Develop Talent - Developing people to meet both their career goals and the organization's goals.

Devise

Devise specific communications materials and campaigns.
Devise specific project marketing strategies and support staff to implement them.

Direct

Direct incoming media inquiries, support media requests for interviews, statements, etc..
Direct Work - Providing direction, delegating, and removing obstacles to get work done.

Document

Document process flows for current / proposed processed, workflows, and data flows.
Document template development and management, including company Statement of Qualifications.

Draft

Draft marketing campaign materials, brochures, invitations, and other official collateral.
Draft messages or scripts from senior executives for presentation to employees.
Draft press releases for local, national and international media.

Drive

Drive all change management communications with clarity and empathy.
Drive development of evidence based publication plan and study publication plan and update as needed.
Drive improvements on our comms globally to make sure we are hitting our business goals and targets.
Drive internal communications efforts.
Drive the end-to-end Email Marketing Communications strategy, plan, and process.

Employ

Employ a strategic approach to determining the right mix of communication channels.

Ensure

Ensure consistent branding across all communication channels.
Ensure creative marketing materials undergo regular review and adhere to brand guidelines.
Ensure daily assigned reviews are completed on time and 100% error-free.
Ensure our internal communications are consistent with our external communications strategy.

Establish

Establish an internal communications strategy in conjunction with our coordinators.
Establish partnerships and consults with key business stakeholders and team members.

Execute

Execute D&I internal communications that build awareness and celebrate success.
Execute direct marketing campaigns and interact directly with customers.
Execute US influencer activity in line with the global strategy.

Expertise

Expertise in advising, developing and executing communication projects and strategies.

Forecast

Forecast sales based on statistics and marketing actions.

Foster

Foster relationships with community organizations and advocacy groups.

Guide

Guide the development of developer email communications.

Help

Help develop digital communications strategies for the businesses.

Identify

Identify, analyze and prepare risk mitigation tactics.
Identify and leverage opportunities for positive media exposure.
Identify and leverage opportunities to further amplify our partner messaging in new, innovative ways.
Identify areas of efficiency and process change across the team and execute against them.
Identify opportunities for shared promotions with partners and collaborators.
Identify opportunities to create integrated go to market themes from individual product plays.
Identify process and operational roadblocks.

Implement

Implement processes so the Office of the CEO can scale over time.

Increase

Increase leads created in CRM and growing the CRM contacts list.

Interface between

Interface between business and technical teams and translate technical and business requirements.

Keep

Keep organized press lists, experience pitching radio and TV is a plus.

Lead

Lead and provide strategic support for new business efforts, including proposal efforts.
Lead or contribute to proposal development, scientific papers, and technical reports.
Lead, organize and coordinate the marketing and communication team.
Lead our PR efforts across all markets, pitching media our brand stories.
Lead projects of moderately to complex risks and resource requirements.
Lead projects up, down and across the company.
Lead quarterly performance reporting session with internal stakeholders.
Lead strategic communications planning for the area, incorporating goals of wider organization.
Lead through example, inspiring high levels of excitement and performance.
Lead training of "HUB admin coordinators” to ensure all campus sites are up-to-date.

Leverage

Leverage existing media relationships and cultivate new contacts within the industry.

Maintain

Maintain and update the Caravan website.
Maintain close ties with TELUS' business and community partners.
Maintain key physician database to represent each of the medical / clinical programs.
Maintain media lists and relationships.
Maintain multi-year lifecycle management investment schedule and shares with business leaders.
Maintain the agency's grant proposal information and provides reports quarterly to the CEO.

Manage

Manage all consumer events – product launch and always-on.
Manage and deliver PR campaigns for cross-border.
Manage and develop strong relationships with key social media influencers.
Manage and evaluate donation and sponsorship requests and make recommendations to senior leaders.
Manage approved HC budget for specific brand.
Manage budgets and allocate resources effectively.
Manage budgets and campaign ROI.
Manage creative briefs with agencies / vendors.
Manage crisis communication and develop strategies to protect the organization's reputation.
Manage enterprise programs and maintain global project portfolio.
Manage inquiries from media, potential partners and other organizations.
Manage key internal communication (newsletters, intranet, glossary of terms, etc.).
Manage media relations and act as a spokesperson when necessary.
Manage media relations, secure and evaluate press opportunities.
Manage multiple projects while holding the team accountable.
Manage our relationships with our agency partners in Australia and New Zealand.
Manage paid placements of content and advertising for reputation communications.
Manage Social CRM and Marketing Automation Platforms to generate, nurture and qualify leads.
Manage social media marketing plan.
Manage social media planning, execution and reporting.
Manage the marketing budget for The Gatehouse Theatre.

Measure

Measure and analyze PR program results.

Monitor

Monitor, analyze and report PR results monthly and quarterly.
Monitor and respond to customer feedback and inquiries.
Monitor blogs relevant to industry and luxury market.
Monitor communication plan milestone completion.
Monitor, Measure, analyze the various campaigns and actions and suggest areas for improvement.
Monitor media coverage and provide timely responses.
Monitor social media conversations relevant to industry, luxury and local market.

Negotiate

Negotiate fees and manage the work of vendors.

Oversee

Oversee content deployment and scheduling using tools like Sprinklr and Newscred.
Oversee media planning and buying with our media agency.
Oversee reporter stays at Sonder properties, including both proactive and reactive requests.
Oversee the company's marketing budget.
Oversee the internal communications needs of the company.
Oversee the organization's social media presence and engage with followers.

Own

Own all hand tools and accurate usage of them.

Pitch

Pitch and secure coverage with media, bloggers, podcasts, etc..
Pitch news media in print, broadcast, radio, trades, social media, and multicultural media outlets.

Plan

Plan 5 monthly external newsletters for the firm's models and talents.
Plan and execute events, including press conferences, product launches, and community outreach programs.
Plan, implement, and manage all public relations programs.

Predict

Predict emerging trends and understand, analyze and simplify complex problems.

Prepare

Prepare drafts of CEO communications from item 1 above.

Produce

Produce and publish multimedia content, including written, visual and digital assets.

Propose

Propose and track key performance indicators and budget for communications activities.

Provide

Provide coaching and strategic communications counsel to leaders.
Provide guidance and support to team members and stakeholders.
Provide hands-on support in writing corporate and trade media releases.
Provide up-to-date scientific information and intelligence report to TA and BU colleagues routinely.

Recommend

Recommend action(s) in response to crises and current events.

Record

Record and analyze customer insights and data relative to campaign success.

Recruit

Recruit new freelance writers and editors as needed.

Redefine

Redefine and deliver a best-in-class Product Security internal communication strategy.

Research

Research and develop grant proposals in partnership with other staff.

Respond to

Respond to feedback from staff and adjust communications content accordingly.

Stay abreast of

Stay abreast of emerging communication technologies and tools.
Stay informed about legal and ethical considerations related to communication.
Stay updated with industry news and trends.

Suggest

Suggest and execute changes & optimizations to the triggered messaging stream.
Suggest work packages to fulfill a solution within scope of others.

Support

Support HR to design and run an employee recognition scheme.
Support monthly global publication team meetings, write meeting minutes.
Support the Director of PR on PR / marketing initiatives.
Support the management and maintenance of our brand standards and guidelines.
Support the senior manager of corporate communications as needed.
Support top regional strategic pursuits, driving strategy with leadership.
Support update of scientific communication and publication dashboards.

Tackle

Tackle special projects and initiatives as assigned.

Track

Track and analyze the effectiveness of communication campaigns.
Track and quantify results to compile monthly reports.
Track publication plan milestones.
Track record of finding creative ways to tell technical stories.
Track record of success with online fundraising programs or other non-profit development experience.

Train

Train and prepare spokespersons for media interviews.
Train and prepares staff and volunteer spokespersons throughout the region.

Understand

Understand the clinical development process.
Understand the importance of SEO and link building, creating guidelines for all parties.
Understand the industry, competition and the factors that differentiate the organization.

Unify

Unify, create and execute content strategy across channels.

Utilize

Utilize the power of data to inform decisions.

Work with

Work closely with and provide content for PR and partnerships teams.
Work collaboratively with SAP customers and partners to create technology case studies.
Work in a fast-paced & dynamic environment, breaking new ground in evolving advertising mediums.
Work in partnership with corporate external communications team and leader.
Work well with others and take direction / criticism in a positive manner.
Work with Executive Director to send the monthly Shareable Insider newsletter to donors.
Work with marketing to raise the standard of core business development collateral.
Work with our PR firm to pitch news stories to the media, write press releases.

Write

Write and edit comms materials for multiple channels including social media, blog and PR campaigns.
Write and edit press releases, articles, speeches, and other communication materials.
Write blog posts to announce key product launches, partnerships, or to comment on sport moments.
Write company announcements and employee communications and develop presentations.
Write, edit and manage messaging and outreach.
Write real-time executive-level incident communications, including at the CEO level.

Most In-demand Hard Skills

The following list describes the most required technical skills of a Communications Manager:

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Proficiency in copywriting and editing.
Strong understanding of branding and messaging.
Media relations expertise.
Knowledge of digital marketing and social media platforms.
Experience with content management systems and email marketing tools.
Data analysis and reporting skills.
Familiarity with graphic design software.
Proficiency in video editing and production.
Understanding of search engine optimization (SEO) techniques.
Knowledge of media monitoring and analytics tools.
Familiarity with customer relationship management (CRM) software.
Project management skills.
Proficiency in public speaking and presentation skills.
Experience with crisis communication strategies.
Understanding of market research methodologies.
Knowledge of website analytics and tracking tools.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite.
Familiarity with industry-specific regulations and compliance.
Experience with event planning and management.

Most In-demand Soft Skills

The following list describes the most required soft skills of a Communications Manager:

Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
Excellent leadership and team management abilities.
Effective problem-solving and decision-making skills.
Exceptional organizational and multitasking skills.
Adaptability and flexibility in a fast-paced environment.
Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
Excellent time management and prioritization skills.
Creativity and innovative thinking.
Empathy and understanding of diverse
Empathy and understanding of diverse perspectives.
Conflict resolution and negotiation skills.
Strong presentation and public speaking skills.
Active listening and effective communication skills.
Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
Collaboration and teamwork skills.
Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
High level of professionalism and integrity.
Ability to adapt communication style for different audiences.
Resilience and ability to handle criticism or feedback.
Cultural competency and sensitivity.

Conclusion

A Communications Manager plays a crucial role in shaping an organization's communication strategies, managing its reputation, and building relationships with stakeholders. This blog post outlined the main responsibilities of a Communications Manager, ranging from developing comprehensive communication plans to managing media relations and crisis communication. Additionally, it highlighted the most in-demand hard skills, including proficiency in written and verbal communication, media relations expertise, and knowledge of digital marketing tools. Lastly, it emphasized the importance of soft skills, such as interpersonal skills, problem-solving abilities, and adaptability, in effectively fulfilling the role of a Communications Manager.