Career Profile: Director of Communications

Why Is Director of Communications a Job of Tomorrow?
Directors of communication are needed to handle both internal and external communications with staffers, prospective hires and the public. Employment opportunities for directors of communication are expected to increase 17 percent, according to CNN Money. Directors of communication earn an average salary of $78,300 annually.

What Does a Director of Communications Do?
Directors of communication work with an organization's public relations and marketing departments to develop a favorable image for the public to see. The most recognizable duty of a director of communications is acting as a media contact. If a media outlet, such as a newspaper or television production company, wishes to contact the organization for an interview or to obtain permission to film on its property, it would first contact the group's director of communications. The director of communications for an organization typically is well educated in its history, current events and future prospects. For this reason, many directors will provide interviews to media outlets seeking information about the organization. However, if media outlets need a specific source from within the organization, the director of communications will often help provide the contact information. They also hold news conferences and write press releases. Directors may also work in politics as a press secretary.

What Kind of Training Do I Need to Become a Director of Communications?
Directors of communications must have at least a bachelor's degree in public relations or another related field. A bachelor's degree takes four years to earn, and courses may cover marketing strategies and consumer trends. Those wishing to increase their marketability should earn a graduate degree in business, journalism or communications. A master's degree would take an additional two to three years to earn after a bachelor's, and a doctorate would take an additional four years.