The Top 20 Communications Job Titles [Includes PR!]

• Organizations with both a Chief Communications Officeranda Chief Marketing Officer encompass:
  • Netflix
  • Univision
  • Dun and Bradstreet

If you’re interested in viewing our assessment of Marketing titles, we carried out a comparable analysis here: The Top 25 Marketing Job Titles [Ranked by Search Volume].

PR and Communications Job Titles Structure

Here’s a standard organizational chart for a Communications team. Following that are extensive examples of job titles for the 6 main tiers of Communications roles:

Communications Job Titles for Executives

The leader of Communications typically reports to the CEO unless Communications is integrated into marketing. For instance, at Intel, Chief Communication Officer Claire Dixon reports to Chief Marketing Officer Michelle Johnston Holthaus (source: Intel Appoints Claire Dixon as Corporate Vice President and Chief Communications Officer)

Examples of job titles for communications executives include:

1. Chief Communications Officer (CCO)
2. Chief Communication Officer (CCO)
3. Public Relations Officer (PRO)
4. Corporate Communications Officer (CCO)
5. Head of Communications & Public Policy (e.g., Rachel Wetstone (now Chief Communications Officer for Netflix) held the role of Senior Vice President of Communications & Public Policy at Google and Uber before that.
6. Head of PR
7. Head of Public Affairs
8. Chief Experience Officer (Comerica’s James H. Weber occupies this position overseeing Marketing and Communications)
9. Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO)

VP of Communications Job Titles

Instances of Vice President level Communications titles include:

1. VP of Communications
2. Vice President Corporate Communications
3. VP of Marketing Communications
4. Vice President External Affairs
5. VP of Corporate Affairs
6. Vice President of Public Relations
7. VP Media Relations

Director of Communications Job Titles

Here are suggestions for director-level Communications titles:

1. Director of Communications
2. Public Relations Director
3. Director of External Communications
4. Director of Internal Communications
5. Marketing Communications Director
6. Director of Corporate Communications
7. Media Director
8. Director of Public Affairs
9. Corporate Affairs Director
10. Director of External Affairs
11. Director of Media Relations

Manager of Communications Job Titles

Examples of manager-level Communications titles encompass:

1. Communications Manager
2. Marketing Communications Manager
3. PR Manager
4. Media Relations Manager
5. Public Affairs Manager
6. Online Communications Manager
7. PR & Events Manager
8. PR & Communications Manager
9. External Affairs Manager
10. Communication and Marketing Manager
11. Corporate Affairs Manager
12. Internal Communications Manager
13. PR and Events Manager
14. Manager of Public Relations
15. Technology Communications Manager

Individual Contributor PR or Communications Job Titles

Examples of individual contributor Communications titles include:

1. Communications Coordinator
2. Communications Specialist
3. Marketing Communications Associate
4. Corporate Communications Specialist
5. PR Specialist
6. Publicist
7. Public Relations Coordinator
8. Spokesperson
9. Marketing Communications Specialist
10. Public Affairs Specialist
11. Public Affairs Officer
12. Communications Officer
13. Public Information Officer
14. PR Account Coordinator
15. Public Information Specialist
16. Media Relations Coordinator

Entry-Level Communications Job Titles

Instances of entry-level Communications titles and entry-level communications roles encompass:

1. Communications Assistant
2. Public Relations Trainee
3. Communications Intern
4. PR Intern
5. PR Assistant
6. Public Information Assistant
7. Public Relations Administrative Assistant

Top 20 PR and Communications Job Titles (Candidates)

Top 12 PR Job Titles and Definitions/Communications Jobs Descriptions

(Employers)

Below are the top 12 PR job titles for which employers seek job descriptions on Google.

I’ve included a brief communication job description

for each as well as the # of job title inquiries every month.

Communications Coordinator

A Communications Coordinator advocates for an organization or a product. A Communications Coordinator composes press statements and collaborates with journalists for the release of news articles. Additional responsibilities of a Communications Coordinator encompass researching and drafting reports or other informational documents about an organization and disseminating them accordingly.

# of job title inquiries per month: 400

Communications Manager

The Communications Manager employs internal and external communication tactics to enhance the brand’s image. They oversee the creation of content for press statements, speeches, newsletters, social media updates, and blog articles. With the assistance of PR and marketing professionals, they implement strategies to engage employees, customers, media representatives, significant stakeholders, and the general populace. They control communication platforms such as employee forums, social media, and company websites. During crises, they coordinate communication strategies to guarantee the organization’s prompt and precise responses, aiding in the preservation of its favorable reputation.

Director of Communications

A Director of Communication manages both internal and external communications for an organization. This position develops internal printed or digital content to promote communication within the organization. A Director of Communications also aids in formulating marketing and communication strategies and leads the creation of external communication materials that are disseminated to journalists or other outside partners to advocate for the organization and its objectives.

# of job title inquiries per month:350; Communications Director: 300

Public Information Officer

The Public Information Officer disseminates information among organizations, governmental bodies, and the public. They create press releases and respond to media inquiries. Additionally, they launch awareness campaigns to educate the public on specific matters, governmental initiatives, or public services. They conduct town hall meetings and press briefings to share significant news with the public, address their inquiries, and heed their concerns. During natural disasters, public health emergencies, or other crises, they provide real-time updates to ensure the public remains well-informed.

Chief Communications Officer

The Chief Communications Officer (CCO) governs the organization’s internal and external communications. They report directly to the CEO and lead the communications team. Furthermore, they influence the company’s brand, reputation, and communication strategies, ensuring all messages correspond with its objectives. They may craft campaigns and distribute press releases to the media. Additionally, the CCO may arrange media interviews for the CEO to discuss the latest offerings or services. They also handle internal communications such as emails, newsletters, product announcements, video presentations, or special initiatives.

Media Director

A Media Director manages the communication process between a company and the media. Hence, they establish vital partnerships with external entities and oversee the execution of strategic communication plans. A Media Director also:

• Oversees the tracking of media coverage
• Organizes press briefings
• Acts as a company spokesperson
• Manages crisis communication strategies

# of job title inquiries per month: 250; Marketing Communications Director: 70

Public Relations Specialist

A Public Relations Specialist generates media releases and formulates social media strategies for an organization. A Public Relations Specialist is also tasked with creating and maintaining the public persona of an organization. Daily responsibilities of a Public Relations Specialist include responding to media inquiries, guiding clients in effectively engaging with the public, drafting speeches, organizing media interviews, and upholding a company’s positive reputation and identity.

# of job title inquiries per month: 200; PR Specialist: 200; Public Relations Coordinator: 100

Publicist

A Publicist oversees publicity efforts for companies, public figures, celebrities, and films. A Publicist effectively conveys a brand’s message to its target audience by performing the following tasks:

• Composing press releases
• Crafting media kits
• Generating social media content
• Organizing publicity events
• Monitoring media coverage

# of job title inquiries per month: 200

Marketing Communications Manager

A Marketing Communications Manager, also known as a MarCom Manager, spearheads market research efforts and formulates pricing and budgeting strategies for an organization. A Marketing Communications Manager devises and executes strategies to elevate a company’s market presence. Other responsibilities of a Marketing Communications Manager involve aligning an organization’s messaging with its partners and approving marketing and communication materials.

# of job title inquiries per month: 200

PR Manager

A PR Manager, typically referred to as a Public Relations Manager, heads the public relations department or a PR agency. PR Managers coordinate the public relations team and oversee the planning of external communication materials. A PR Manager serves as a bridge between the public relations team and the media or external marketing agencies promoting a product or organization.

# of job title inquiries per month: 150

Public Relations Director

A Public Relations Director is accountable for leading and overseeing the development of strategic public relations campaigns for a client or organization. A Public Relations Director manages the coordination of interviews with the media and may also act as the primary spokesperson. Another duty of a Public Relations Director is to supervise team members responsible for creating press releases, media kits, and key talking points for speeches.

# of job title inquiries per month: 150; Director of Public Relations: 80

Communications Officer

A Communications Officer, often found in governmental bodies, is in charge of event planning, media interactions, and public affairs issues for organizations. They also generate and disseminate internal communications for an organization. Moreover, a Communications Officer evaluates the effectiveness of communication and provides suggestions for enhancements to senior management.

# of job title inquiries per month: 150; Public Information Officer: 150

Communications Specialist

A Communications Specialist assists the public relations department within an organization and is responsible for drafting both internal and external communications. Thus, they create newsletters, respond to media inquiries, and compose press releases under the leadership of a PR manager. A Communications Specialist may also be responsible for scheduling and organizing press-related events.

# of job title inquiries per month: 100; Marketing Communications Specialist: 100

Spokesperson

A spokesperson represents the organization, public figure, or government entity.

entity. They supervise and disseminate crucial announcements to the public, media, and stakeholders. Additionally, they engage with the press, design PR campaigns, conduct interviews, and develop slideshow presentations. They might arrange public engagements to reveal significant company information. The spokesperson’s objective is to convey company values and messages to assist in creating a positive public perception.

Vice President of Communications

A Vice President of Communications oversees all brand reputation messaging for the organization. They might deliver public speeches and presentations and respond to inquiries from the media. Furthermore, they coordinate events and initiatives to enhance the company’s image to the public. They also establish messaging for newsletters and company websites and formulate PR and marketing tactics. They recruit and lead a communications team to execute these strategies.

Chief Communications Officer

A Chief Communications Officer, or a CCO, is in charge of directing the communications or public relations department for an organization. A CCO collaborates with senior management to devise and implement communication strategies and objectives. A Chief Communications Officer serves as a spokesperson for an organization by addressing media inquiries and making public appearances to discuss their organization’s mission.

# of job title searches per month: 80

Public Affairs Specialist

A Public Affairs Specialist acts as a consultant to senior management regarding communications-related matters. This position is responsible for portraying an organization’s identity and objectives positively in the media. A Public Affairs specialist frequently collaborates with a public relations team to oversee the creation and distribution of external communication materials to the media, potential partners, or government agencies.

# of job title searches per month: 80

Public Relations Assistant

A public relations assistant undertakes clerical and administrative responsibilities for the PR team or a PR manager. They assist in creating marketing materials and managing social media accounts. They also organize PR calendars and schedules and keep contact details up to date. The PR assistant organizes media kits and press releases. They conduct customer surveys and research on media trends and competitor actions to contribute to PR brainstorming and campaigns. Additionally, they help in organizing press conferences, product launches, and public appearances.

Press Secretary

A Press Secretary engages with the public on behalf of their employer, usually a government official or organization. They work to uphold a positive image for their employer or enhance public perception of the official. Their aim is to ensure that messages are coherent and aligned with their employer’s objectives. They provide strategic communication counsel to management and assist with communication during crises. They compose press releases and speeches, answer journalists’ inquiries, and coordinate media events.

Director of Communications

A Communications Director supervises all facets of an organization’s communications, publicity, and marketing. They are accountable for developing and executing a communications strategy that serves as a blueprint for cultivating relationships with partners and managing public relations. Moreover, they ensure that messaging aligns with the organization’s objectives, brand identity, and long-term vision. They lead PR and marketing events. A communications director manages the creation and dissemination of communication materials to the public, digital campaigns, and social media. They also review and sanction press releases and prepare public relations statements to address organizational changes.

Remote and Hybrid Communications Roles

The emergence of remote work has greatly influenced communications roles, altering both job titles and responsibilities. Currently, positions such as Virtual Communications Manager and Digital Engagement Lead are becoming increasingly prevalent. These roles continue to emphasize effective communication, yet primarily utilize digital platforms. Organizations now require professionals who can oversee projects remotely, utilizing tools like email, video conferencing, and social media platforms to ensure fluid communication across various channels.

New Job Duties and Titles

With the transition to remote work, numerous traditional communications roles have adapted to encompass new job responsibilities. As a result, a Corporate Communications Manager or Senior Communications Specialist operating in a hybrid or remote setting may focus more on digital communication and global outreach. These professionals are also charged with formulating strategies that function across various platforms while maintaining consistent messaging.

Job titles such as Email Marketing Manager, Social Media Manager, and Digital Content Strategist are essential in today’s remote landscape. These roles drive brand recognition through social media campaigns, emails, and other digital initiatives. Therefore, it is crucial for HR teams to adapt and recruit for these new responsibilities.

Adjusting Career Paths and Hiring Strategies

Organizations should evaluate how these transformations affect their hiring strategies. While traditional positions like Communications Associate or Marketing Coordinator continue to hold significance, there is a rising demand for professionals with transferable skills who can excel in remote environments. Hence, consider widening your talent pool by searching for candidates experienced in content creation, brand communication, and the execution of communication strategies across digital platforms.

To build an effective remote communications team, recruiting from adjacent fields like digital marketing, event management, and public engagement can yield a broader selection of candidates. Consequently, job titles may need to be redefined to align with the current remote work landscape. For example, a Director of Communications Strategy may concentrate more on managing remote teams and overseeing the execution of communication strategies via digital platforms.

Skills and Qualifications to Prioritize

When recruiting for remote or hybrid communications positions, it’s vital to emphasize specific skills. Candidates with proficiency in digital communication, social media management, and email marketing are crucial for achieving success in a virtual environment. Thus, seek individuals who possess strong leadership abilities and experience in strategic planning, as they will need to navigate the intricacies of remote team oversight.

Although many professionals in communications hold a bachelor’s degree in mass communication or a communications degree, don’t dismiss those with backgrounds in digital marketing, human resources, or even brand management. These diverse skill sets can provide valuable transferable skills for managing the critical role that communications teams fulfill in remote settings.

Updating job titles and refining your recruitment strategies can assist you in establishing a communications team that’s well-prepared to flourish in today’s remote and hybrid work environments. This strategy will help ensure your company’s communications department can effectively manage public speaking, marketing strategies, and internal communications across all types of careers and various platforms.

Thank you, Experts on PR Titles!

In addition to the sources cited above, special appreciation to these specialists on PR titles:

1. SuccessAtSchool.org for their article on How to Become a Communications Coordinator
2. Charlotte from Welcome to the Jungle for her Oh My Job – Director of Communications article
3. Jennell Talley for her articles on What Does a Media Relations Director Do? and What Does a Publicist Do?
4. Career Girls for their article on Public Relations Specialist – What You Need to Know
5. WayUp for their article on What is a Communications Specialist?
6. Carl Zangerl for his article on What Does It Take To Become a Chief Communication Officer?

Why I wrote this?

My Ongig team and I share this research on Communications job titles to assist you in optimizing your own titles. This supports our mission to reshape job descriptions. Check out Ongig.com to discover more.

September 23, 2024 by Rob Kelly in Job Titles