How Do I Become a Director of Communications?

To become a director of communications, it typically requires at least a bachelor's degree and a number of years experience working in lower level positions in a private or public communications department. The credentials required depend heavily upon the size of the company. This position at a large corporation has significant responsibilities, and extensive experience would be mandatory. Smaller companies tend to have more hiring flexibility.

The communications or public affairs department controls a company's internal and external correspondence and messaging. It sets the tone for the written narrative contained in employee handbooks, marketing materials, letters, memos, email, and anything else that conveys the corporate message and affects its image. Communications also plans the strategy behind interactions with constituencies, such as deciding how frequently the company's newsletter should go out and who should receive it. The department handles both public and media relations, and a staff member can act as the spokesperson and point of contact for the press.

Most major colleges and universities have a school of communications that offers degrees in areas relevant to this position. These schools offer a bachelor's degree in communications and specialties in communication-based fields, such as public relations. You usually need to obtain at least an undergraduate degree to become a director of communications. In some instances, an advanced degree in a relevant field would be helpful, such as an M.B.A., particularly if you want to work for a major corporation.

You must also gain relevant experience to eventually become a director of communications. Many small companies and nonprofit organizations have a one person communications staff, and that type of climate often enables an employee to obtain experience in a broad range of functional areas. Working for government agencies, political campaigns, and political offices can also help build a communications resume, especially positions in public affairs, constituency services, and press secretarial duties. You can always start at the bottom of a communications department at a large corporation or public relations firm by taking an entry level position and working your way up.

It is also important to develop your soft skills if you want to direct a communications department. To become a director of communications, you must set the standard for representing the company. Poise, eloquence, temperament, and composure are all relevant to the job. Make sure to supplement hard skills with activities that highlight leadership and show you have the ability to represent a company in an appropriate manner.