Learn how to become a head of communications, the person who manages the communication strategies of an organization. Find out the skills, experience, and education you need and how to showcase them.

To become the head of communications, focus on gaining relevant experience in public relations, corporate communications, and media relations. Develop strong communication, leadership, and strategic planning skills. Build a network in the industry and stay updated on current trends. A solid educational background in communications or a related field can also be beneficial. Seek opportunities for professional development and demonstrate a track record of successful communication campaigns.

This is excellent advice. Be a sponge for information. Take a 360-degree approach to mentors and mentoring. Participate with professional associations. Always be curious.

How do you become a head of communications?

Becoming a head of communications is a challenging but rewarding career path that requires a combination of skills, experience, and leadership. As the person responsible for managing the internal and external communication strategies of an organization, you need to be able to craft compelling messages, engage diverse audiences, and handle complex situations. In this article, we will explore some of the steps you can take to pursue this role and what it entails.

1 Assess your strengths and gaps

The first step to becoming a head of communications is to evaluate your current skills and identify your areas of improvement. A head of communications should have a strong background in business communications, including writing, editing, presenting, and media relations. You should also have a solid understanding of the industry, the organization, and the stakeholders you will be communicating with. Additionally, you should have some experience in managing projects, teams, and budgets, as well as dealing with crises and conflicts. To assess your strengths and gaps, you can use self-assessment tools, seek feedback from others, or consult a mentor or coach.

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Dr. Prasanth Nair

Ph.D. in Management ♦ Agile & Strategic HR Leader ♦ Global Talent Acquisition ♦ Performance & Retention Management ♦ HR Transformation ♦ Training & Development
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Assess your strengths, including strategic thinking, crisis management, successful communication and a strong understanding of the organization's goals. Identify any skill or knowledge deficiencies that may hamper your role performance. Consider getting applicable qualifications, further education and experience in public relations, internal communications and digital media. Continue learning about industry trends and new technologies. A strong communications network and mentorship from experienced professionals can provide useful insights and assistance. Leadership, adaptability and a proactive approach in existing employment can prepare you for the tough and dynamic tasks of strategic communications leadership.

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Todd Blecher

Strategic Communications Leader | C-Suite Collaborator | Media Relations | Crisis Communications | Finance Communications | Public Policy | Employee Engagement | Thought Leadership
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I’d add one thing. The ability to succinctly explain how your expertise enables achievement of the organization’s goals is critical. Your credibility with the c-suite largely depends on that.

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2 Develop your portfolio and network

The next step to becoming a head of communications is to showcase your achievements and build your connections. A portfolio is a collection of your work samples, such as press releases, newsletters, speeches, or social media posts, that demonstrate your communication skills and impact. A network is a group of people who can support your career development, such as colleagues, clients, mentors, or peers. To develop your portfolio and network, you can look for opportunities to take on challenging projects, volunteer for causes you care about, join professional associations, or attend events and workshops.

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Abhijeet Shukla 🇮🇳

Co-Founder YIM | Ex-SAERA | Ex-INSPIRE intern DST | Ex-Intern Indian Railways | 200k+ content views | IMED | MBA | Content Writer | Social Entrepreneur | Freelancer | 2x IR Awardee by Govt. Of India | 2011 DST Awardee
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In my opinion, to become a head of communications, create a good collection of your work, like writing and managing PR. Make connections in the field by going to events and meeting people. Talk to experienced people for advice and maybe get extra qualifications. Doing these things will help you get leadership roles in communications.

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3 Advance your education and certification

The third step to becoming a head of communications is to enhance your knowledge and credentials. A head of communications should have at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as communications, journalism, public relations, or marketing. However, some employers may prefer or require a master's degree or a specialized certificate. To advance your education and certification, you can enroll in online or offline courses, programs, or degrees that match your interests and goals. You can also consider obtaining a certification from a recognized organization, such as the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) or the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA).

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4 Apply for senior roles and positions

The fourth step to becoming a head of communications is to pursue higher-level roles and positions that will prepare you for the ultimate responsibility. A head of communications typically has several years of experience in various communication functions, such as corporate communications, internal communications, external communications, or public affairs. You should also have proven leadership skills and the ability to oversee multiple projects and teams. To apply for senior roles and positions, you can update your resume and cover letter, research potential employers and opportunities, and prepare for interviews and assessments.

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5 Learn from the best and keep growing

The final step to becoming a head of communications is to learn from the best and keep growing. A head of communications should always be on top of the latest trends, best practices, and innovations in the communication field. You should also be open to feedback, challenges, and new ideas. To learn from the best and keep growing, you can follow industry leaders and experts, read books and blogs, listen to podcasts and webinars, or attend conferences and seminars. You can also seek mentorship, coaching, or peer support to enhance your skills and performance.

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Todd Blecher

Strategic Communications Leader | C-Suite Collaborator | Media Relations | Crisis Communications | Finance Communications | Public Policy | Employee Engagement | Thought Leadership
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This is excellent advice. Be a sponge for information. Take a 360-degree approach to mentors and mentoring. Participate with professional associations. Always be curious.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Dr Sumit Pundhir

Vice President Sales & Marketing at Connectwell Industries | PhD, Business Development & Channel Management
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To become the head of communications, focus on gaining relevant experience in public relations, corporate communications, and media relations. Develop strong communication, leadership, and strategic planning skills. Build a network in the industry and stay updated on current trends. A solid educational background in communications or a related field can also be beneficial. Seek opportunities for professional development and demonstrate a track record of successful communication campaigns.

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How do you become a head of communications?

1

2

3

4

5

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1 Assess your strengths and gaps

2 Develop your portfolio and network

3 Advance your education and certification

4 Apply for senior roles and positions

5 Learn from the best and keep growing

6 Here’s what else to consider

Business Communications

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How do you become a head of communications?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Assess your strengths and gaps

2 Develop your portfolio and network

3 Advance your education and certification

4 Apply for senior roles and positions

5 Learn from the best and keep growing

6 Here’s what else to consider

Business Communications

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