{{Multiple issues, {{more footnotes, date=October 2020{{refimprove, date=October 2020 A communications manager, sometimes called ''public relations manager'' or ''pr manager'', is a person entrusted with the

management Management (or managing) is the administration of an organization, whether it is a business, a nonprofit organization, or a government body. It is the art and science of managing resources of the business. Management includes the activities o ...

(planning, implementation and controlling) of strategic, goal-oriented communication processes between organizations (companies, associations, authorities, NGOs, etc.) and their respective stakeholders. Typical job titles for communications managers are - depending on their level - ''Communications manager'',

Communications Director Director of communications is a position in both the private and public sectors. A director of communications is responsible for managing and directing an organization's internal and external communications. Directors of communications supervis ...

, ''Vice President Communications'' and

Chief Communications Officer The public relations officer (PRO) or chief communications officer (CCO) or corporate communications officer is a C-suite level officer responsible for communications, public relations, and/or public affairs in an organization. Typically, the CCO ...

(CCO). The activity is not to be equated with that of the press or media

spokesperson A spokesperson, spokesman, or spokeswoman, is someone engaged or elected to speak on behalf of others. Duties and function In the present media-sensitive world, many organizations are increasingly likely to employ professionals who have receiv ...

, who is only responsible for communication with the media (

media relations Media Relations involves working with media for the purpose of informing the public of an organization's mission, policies and practices in a positive, consistent and credible manner. It can also entail developing symbiotic relationships with medi ...

). However, the area of media relations makes up a large (but declining) area of work for communication managers.Zerfass, A., Verhoeven, P., Moreno, A., Tench, R., & Verčič, D. (2020). European Communication Monitor 2020. Ethical challenges, gender issues, cyber security, and competence gaps in strategic communication. Results of a survey in 44 countries. Brussels: EUPRERA/EACD, p. 77. Online
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Fields of work

Communication managers work in commercial enterprises, government organizations/authorities,

non-governmental organizations A non-governmental organization (NGO) or non-governmental organisation (see spelling differences) is an organization that generally is formed independent from government. They are typically nonprofit entities, and many of them are active in h ...

(associations and other NGOs), scientific institutions, parties and other organizations. The areas in which communication managers work include the following communication disciplines: *

Media relations Media Relations involves working with media for the purpose of informing the public of an organization's mission, policies and practices in a positive, consistent and credible manner. It can also entail developing symbiotic relationships with medi ...

Internal communications Internal communications (IC) is the function responsible for effective communications among participants within an organization. The scope of the function varies by organization and practitioner, from producing and delivering messages and campaigns ...

Marketing communications Marketing Communications (MC, marcom(s), marcomm(s) or just simply communications) refers to the use of different marketing channels and tools in combination.Tomse, & Snoj, 2014 Marketing communication channels focus on how businesses communicate ...

* Public affairs (representation of interests and lobbying) * Sales communications *

Investor relations Investor relations (IR) is a strategic management responsibility that is capable of integrating finance, communication, marketing and securities law compliance to enable the most effective two-way communication between a company, the financial com ...

Typical tasks and objectives include: * overall management of strategic communications * the evaluation of communication activities and measurement of success (communication controlling) * brand communications * internal advice and training * CSR communications

Professional associations

Communications manager is a profession, with professional organizations on international, national and regional levels: * European Association of Communication Directors (EACD), the professional association for senior communication managers (communication directors) in companies, headquartered in Brussels

Prominent examples

Prominent examples of high-level communications managers include: * the current

White House Communications Director The White House communications director or White House director of communications, also known officially as Assistant to the President for Communications, is part of the senior staff of the president of the United States. The officeholder is resp ...

* the current

Downing Street Director of Communications The Downing Street director of communications is the post of director of communications for the prime minister of the United Kingdom. The position is held by an appointed special adviser. In September 2022, as part of the incoming Truss mini ...

to the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

Weblinks

* Zerfass, A., Verhoeven, P., Moreno, A., Tench, R., & Verčič, D. (2020). European Communication Monitor 2020. Ethical challenges, gender issues, cyber security, and competence gaps in strategic communication. Results of a survey in 44 countries. Brussels: EUPRERA/EACD. Online
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References

Public relations people by role Management occupations Corporate titles Communications management