How to become a Head of Communications

A Head of Communications plays a key role in shaping how an organisation communicates with employees, customers, stakeholders and the wider public.

From developing communication strategies and managing crisis communication to protecting brand reputation and leading internal and external communications, the role combines strategic leadership with strong communication expertise.

There is no single route to becoming a Head of Communications. Many professionals begin their careers in public relations, journalism, marketing communications or internal communications before progressing into management and senior leadership positions.

Building a broad range of experience, developing leadership skills and understanding how the communications function supports wider business objectives are all important steps towards securing the role.

Exploring current communications jobs can also help you understand the skills, experience and responsibilities employers are looking for as you plan your next career move.

What does a Head of Communications do?

A Head of Communications is responsible for developing and delivering communication strategies that support an organisation’s goals. While responsibilities vary between organisations, the role often includes:

• Developing communication strategies that align with business objectives
• Leading internal and external communications across the organisation
• Managing media relations and public relations activity
• Overseeing content creation, press releases and executive communications
• Supporting crisis communication and protecting the organisation’s public image
• Managing communications budgets and measuring campaign effectiveness
• Working closely with senior leaders on strategic communication initiatives
• Leading communications teams and supporting professional development

Many Heads of Communications also work closely with marketing, HR and leadership teams to ensure messaging is consistent across every audience and channel.

What qualifications do you need?

There is no specific qualification required to become a Head of Communications, but many employers look for an undergraduate degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing or a related subject.

Some professionals choose to complete a master’s degree, particularly if they are looking to specialise in strategic communication or strengthen their leadership credentials. However, practical work experience and a proven track record of delivering successful communications programmes are often valued just as highly.

Professional certifications and ongoing learning can also demonstrate a commitment to career development, particularly as communications continues to evolve alongside digital channels and changing audience expectations.

Build experience across different communications disciplines

Most Heads of Communications have developed experience across multiple areas of communications before moving into senior leadership.

You may begin your career through graduate programmes or internships before progressing into roles such as Communications Executive, Communications Manager, Digital Communications Manager or Press Officer.

As your career develops, gaining exposure to a broad range of responsibilities will strengthen your experience, including:

• Internal communications
• Marketing communications
• Public relations
• Media relations
• Content creation
• Social media management
• Crisis communication
• Stakeholder engagement

Building experience across these disciplines demonstrates your ability to manage both day-to-day communications activity and long-term strategic initiatives.

Develop the skills employers look for

Technical communications expertise is essential, but employers also look for professionals who can influence senior stakeholders and lead high-performing teams.

Key skills include:

• Excellent communication skills
• Strategic thinking
• Leadership skills
• Project management
• Crisis management
• Media relations
• Stakeholder engagement
• Interpersonal skills
• Writing and editing
• Communication planning

As organisations become increasingly data-driven, experience using digital reporting tools such as Google Analytics can also help communications leaders measure campaign performance and demonstrate business impact.

Develop commercial and strategic experience

As you progress towards a Head of Communications role, your responsibilities become increasingly strategic.

Rather than focusing solely on delivering campaigns, you’ll be expected to advise senior leaders, shape communication strategies and ensure communications supports wider business objectives.

This often involves:

• Developing internal communication strategies that improve employee engagement
• Protecting and enhancing brand awareness and public image
• Managing communications during periods of organisational change
• Advising leadership during crisis communication situations
• Managing communications budgets and prioritising resources
• Working closely with marketing managers, the Head of Marketing and senior executives on cross-functional initiatives

Employers increasingly look for communications professionals who understand how effective communication contributes to organisational performance, reputation and long-term growth.

Building and maintaining trust has become a strategic priority for organisations. The Edelman Trust Barometer consistently highlights the importance of trust, transparent communication and credible leadership in strengthening stakeholder confidence.

Build leadership experience

Moving into a Head of Communications role requires more than technical expertise.

You’ll be expected to lead teams, mentor colleagues and influence decision-making across the organisation.

Opportunities to manage projects, supervise team members and present recommendations to senior stakeholders all help demonstrate your readiness for leadership.

Building these experiences before applying for senior roles will strengthen your CV and prepare you for the broader responsibilities of leading a communications function.

Research published in the State of the Global Workplace continues to highlight the impact strong leadership has on employee engagement, making leadership capability an increasingly important skill for senior communications professionals.

Continue developing your professional network

Communications is constantly evolving, making continuous professional development essential.

Attending networking events, following industry publications, listening to communications and leadership podcasts and engaging with professional associations can help you stay informed about emerging trends and best practice.

Developing a strong professional network can also provide valuable career opportunities, mentoring relationships and insight into how communications leadership is evolving across different industries.