Torchora
Back to Home

Head of Communications

💰 $150,000 - $250,000

CommunicationsPublic RelationsMarketingLeadership

🎯 Role Definition

The Head of Communications is the principal architect and guardian of the organization's voice, narrative, and reputation. This senior leadership role is responsible for developing and executing a sophisticated, multi-channel communications strategy that aligns with core business objectives, engages key stakeholders, and builds a powerful brand presence. As the chief storyteller, you will craft and disseminate compelling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences—from employees and customers to investors and the media. This position requires a blend of strategic vision, creative execution, and influential leadership to navigate the complex media landscape, manage corporate reputation, and inspire both internal and external communities. You are the strategic counsel to the executive team on all communication-related matters, ensuring clarity, consistency, and impact in every message.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Director of Communications or Public Relations
  • Senior Communications Manager
  • Head of Corporate Communications in a smaller organization

Advancement To:

  • Chief Communications Officer (CCO)
  • VP, Global Communications
  • Chief Marketing & Communications Officer (CMCO)

Lateral Moves:

  • Head of Corporate Affairs
  • Head of Marketing
  • Head of Investor Relations

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Develop and execute a comprehensive, integrated strategic communications plan that advances the company's brand identity, broadens awareness of its mission, and drives long-term business objectives.
  • Lead the creation, evolution, and stewardship of the company's core narrative, ensuring a consistent and compelling story is told across all internal and external communication channels.
  • Direct all media relations and public relations functions, proactively building and maintaining strong, trusted relationships with key journalists, editors, bloggers, and industry influencers.
  • Serve as a primary corporate spokesperson and trusted advisor, leading media training for C-suite and other key executives to ensure confident, consistent, and effective messaging.
  • Design and manage the organization's crisis communications framework, preparing for potential reputational threats and leading the response swiftly and strategically to protect the brand.
  • Steer the internal communications strategy to foster a connected and engaged workforce, drive cultural alignment, and ensure transparent, authentic communication from leadership.
  • Oversee a robust executive communications program, including the development of thought leadership platforms, keynote speeches, bylined articles, and social media presence for senior leaders.
  • Command the company's digital communications ecosystem, including the corporate website, blog, and social media channels, ensuring content is dynamic, engaging, and aligned with brand voice.
  • Forge a strong partnership with the marketing team to ensure communications and marketing strategies are fully aligned, creating a cohesive and powerful brand experience across all touchpoints.
  • Manage the departmental budget with fiscal discipline, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to achieve strategic goals and deliver a measurable return on investment.
  • Lead, mentor, and cultivate a high-performing team of communications professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, continuous learning, and professional growth.
  • Establish, track, and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the effectiveness of all communication initiatives, delivering data-driven insights and regular reports to the executive team.
  • Oversee the creation and quality control of all external-facing collateral, including press releases, annual reports, corporate brochures, newsletters, and executive presentations.
  • Manage the selection and performance of external public relations agencies and consultants, ensuring they serve as effective extensions of the in-house team and deliver on key objectives.
  • Provide expert strategic counsel to senior leadership on all matters related to public perception, reputation management, and stakeholder engagement.
  • Architect and drive a proactive thought leadership strategy that positions the company and its executives as influential voices and experts within the industry.
  • Direct the communications strategy for major corporate milestones, including product launches, market expansions, mergers and acquisitions, and funding announcements.
  • Ensure all corporate communications adhere to legal guidelines and regulatory requirements, working closely with legal counsel to mitigate risk.
  • Maintain a deep, proactive understanding of industry trends, the competitive landscape, and shifting audience sentiment to anticipate challenges and capitalize on opportunities.
  • Champion the company's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) narratives, effectively communicating the company's positive impact to all stakeholders.

Secondary Functions

  • Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and press briefings to enhance brand visibility and network with key stakeholders.
  • Collaborate with the People/HR team to develop and promote a strong employer brand that attracts and retains top-tier talent.
  • Oversee the selection and implementation of communications technology and tools, such as media monitoring, social media management, and analytics platforms.
  • Contribute directly to the organization's strategic planning process by providing critical insights on market perception, brand positioning, and communication opportunities.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Crisis Communications Management: Proven ability to lead and navigate high-stakes, complex reputational challenges with sound judgment and a steady hand.
  • Media Relations & Network Building: Deep, established relationships with top-tier media and the ability to pitch and place stories that shape public opinion.
  • Corporate Storytelling & Narrative Development: Expertise in crafting and articulating a compelling, cohesive corporate story that resonates with diverse audiences.
  • Digital & Social Media Strategy: Sophisticated understanding of how to leverage digital platforms, social media, and content to build community and drive engagement.
  • Content Strategy & Creation: Ability to oversee a content engine that produces high-quality, on-brand materials across various formats (written, video, visual).
  • Public Relations (PR) Measurement & Analytics: Proficiency in using data and analytics tools (e.g., Cision, Meltwater) to measure communications impact and inform strategy.
  • Budget Management & Financial Acumen: Experience developing and managing significant departmental budgets and demonstrating the ROI of communications activities.
  • Executive Communications & C-Suite Counsel: Skill in advising senior executives, crafting their messaging, and building their public profiles.

Soft Skills

  • Strategic Thinking & Vision: The ability to see the bigger picture, connect communications to business outcomes, and anticipate future trends and challenges.
  • Executive Presence & Influence: A confident, credible, and persuasive demeanor that commands respect and inspires confidence among senior leaders and external stakeholders.
  • Leadership & Team Mentorship: A natural ability to lead, develop, and inspire a team of professionals, fostering a positive and high-performance culture.
  • Exceptional Written and Verbal Communication: Flawless, articulate, and versatile communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex information for any audience.
  • Stakeholder Management: Adept at building consensus and navigating complex relationships with a wide range of internal and external partners.
  • Adaptability & Resilience: Thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and remains calm and focused under pressure.
  • Judgment & Discretion: Demonstrates impeccable judgment and the ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with the utmost discretion.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree

Preferred Education:

  • Master's Degree (MBA, M.S. in Communications, Public Relations, or Journalism)

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Communications
  • Public Relations
  • Journalism
  • Marketing
  • English
  • Business Administration

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 12-15+ years

Preferred: A significant and proven track record in a senior leadership capacity within a corporate communications function or a public relations agency. Extensive experience developing and executing successful, large-scale communication strategies for complex organizations is essential. Must have demonstrated experience managing and mentoring high-performing teams, controlling substantial budgets, and providing strategic counsel directly to C-level executives. Experience in the relevant industry (e.g., tech, finance, healthcare) is highly advantageous.

Explore More Careers