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Anyone who has ever played a childhood game of “telephone” knows how difficult it can be to ensure clear, consistent communication when multiple parties are involved. Transmitting a message from one person to the next may seem simple enough, but the more people that become involved in the communication chain, the greater risk there is of error or misconception. This principle holds true for large corporations, which by definition have many people involved in giving and receiving communication.

The role of the corporate communications manager is to help larger entities keep their messaging accurate, succinct and relevant, not just internally but also externally. The person in this role oversees all communication activity within an organization, which means they frequently interact with senior executives, employees and investors or other stakeholders. Because this is an essential leadership position with responsibilities for planning and management, an advanced education in communication can be a valuable asset to succeeding in the role.

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The corporate communications manager is tasked with providing direction for both internal and external communication efforts to ensure clarity, consistency and adherence to brand guidelines. The person in this role represents the company not just to the general public but specifically to shareholders. Typically, the person in this role will supervise an entire team of communications professionals.

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Corporate communications managers face a number of key duties and responsibilities as they work to manage and improve communications within an organization. While these duties can vary from one corporation to the next, a typical job description includes:

• Managing communications personnel, overseeing their ongoing compliance with brand messaging guidelines
• Collaborating with corporate leaders to devise and present the right messaging at any given moment
• Supervising communication efforts through a range of channels, including social media, websites and press releases
• Monitoring perceptions of the company within the global marketplace and tailoring messaging accordingly
• Creating clear, open lines of internal communication, including channels for employees to offer feedback or ask questions

In some cases, the corporate communications manager also serves as the company’s official spokesperson for media inquiries and interviews.

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The role of corporate communications manager is generally not available at the entry level. Rather, it is an advanced leadership position that requires a significant amount of training and experience. A typical career trajectory might include:

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Obtaining an undergraduate education is an important first step toward foundational skills in both verbal and written communication. This may be a degree in communication or a related field, such as English or marketing.

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Before supervising an entire communications department, it is essential to understand how communications departments actually work. Aspiring managers should develop entry- and mid-level experience working in roles like a copywriter, communications associate or social media manager, or taking on jobs that provide hands-on experience with human resources, public relations or marketing.

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Management-level positions may call for more advanced degrees. Seeking high-level training in communication, such as through USC’s online Master of Communication Management (MCM) program, can develop expertise in technical concepts like data and analytics as well as leadership abilities. Earning an advanced degree may also open the door to positions with greater authority or higher salary ranges.

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Before assuming a position as corporate communications manager, it may be necessary to gain some experience working in a supervisory role. This may mean pursuing work as a team leader within the marketing or communications department.

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Through the combination of education and professional experience, aspiring managers can focus on cultivating pivotal skills that will translate into managerial success. These skills include personnel management, organization and attention to detail.

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According to data obtained from Payscale in June 2023, the annual median corporate communications manager salary is approximately $86,700.

There are a number of factors that might affect this salary range. Those with greater experience or more advanced levels of education will typically command higher rates of pay. Geographic location and the size of the organization can also have an influence. Larger corporations may have a director of communicatiosn at the C-suite or vice-president level, a role that might come with greater responsibility and higher expectations for experience and compensation.

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Every business benefits from having clear and consistent communication, not just internally but also with shareholders and the general public. The corporate communications manager can play a vital role in facilitating that kind of communication, ultimately helping a business achieve its goals through sound messaging.

Those who aspire to this role will want to consider their options for an advanced education, garnering the skills necessary for successful leadership. Consider the online MCM program at USC, which provides comprehensive exposure to communication skills, strategies, trends and technologies. The program’s curriculum is designed for broad application across many different communications roles, including high-level leadership positions.

Find out more about the program, and take the next steps toward a rewarding career in corporate communications.