A communications manager shapes how a company talks to the world — managing press releases, media relationships, internal communications, and crisis response. They report to a VP of Communications, CMO, or CEO in smaller organisations. A typical week might involve drafting a press statement, briefing a journalist from the FT, preparing an executive for a speaking slot, and writing a company-wide update from the CEO. Tech companies, financial institutions, NGOs, and large retailers all employ communications managers.
Hannah Lewis
Communications Manager
📍 London, UK✉️ hannah.lewis@email.com
Summary
Strategic Communications Manager with 7 years of experience in public sector and charity communications. Expert at crisis management, media relations, and stakeholder engagement at scale.
Work Experience
Communications Manager at NHS EnglandMar 2021 — Present
Lead internal and external communications strategy for NHS England reaching 1.3M staff and 56M public
Managed crisis communications during 4 major incidents, maintaining public trust and media accuracy
Senior Communications Officer at British Red CrossJun 2018 — Feb 2021
Managed media relations securing 200+ positive coverage pieces annually in national and regional press
Led internal communications for 4,000 staff and 20,000 volunteers across the UK
Communications Manager CVs need to demonstrate strategic thinking, not just writing ability. Recruiters want to see evidence of campaign planning, media relationship management, and crisis response.
Key Skills to Include
PR strategy, crisis communications, media relations, internal communications, press release writing, stakeholder engagement, brand management, and social media strategy.
Common Mistakes
Describing yourself as a "strong communicator" without evidence. Instead show the scale and impact of your communications work with specific numbers.
Formatting Tips
One to two pages. Use a professional, polished template. Lead with your strategy overview, then demonstrate execution in your experience bullets.
Average Salary — Communications Manager
United States
$70,000 – $115,000
United Kingdom
$50,000 – $80,000
Germany
$48,000 – $72,000
UAE / Dubai
$55,000 – $90,000
Canada
$62,000 – $95,000
Australia
$68,000 – $100,000
Figures in USD. Ranges reflect mid-level experience (3–7 years). Senior roles and major metro areas typically sit at the top of these bands.
Top 5 Interview Questions — Communications Manager
1Tell me about a communications crisis you managed. What was your approach?
Walk through the timeline clearly. Cover the initial response, stakeholder alignment, key messages, media handling, and post-crisis review. This question is about your judgment under pressure, not just your writing.
2How do you tailor messaging for different audiences — employees, media, and investors?
Give a concrete example of the same news story communicated three different ways. Show you understand what each audience cares about and what risks exist if messaging is inconsistent.
3How do you build and maintain relationships with journalists?
Go beyond "I send them press releases." Talk about providing exclusives, being a reliable source for comment, following their beat closely, and respecting their deadlines. Real relationships are built over time.
4Walk me through how you would prepare a CEO for a difficult media interview.
Cover message development, likely questions, bridging techniques, what's off-limits and why, and mock interview practice. Show you protect the executive while still being honest with them.
5Describe a time you changed a senior leader's mind about a communications decision.
This tests your ability to influence upward. Be specific about your reasoning, how you presented the risk, and how you handled the conversation if they pushed back.
How to Tailor Your CV
Edelman, Weber Shandwick, Google, Unilever, and financial institutions like Barclays all hire experienced communications managers. PR agencies like Edelman and Weber Shandwick want a track record of earned media placements and client management experience. Google and Unilever want in-house candidates with global campaign experience and the ability to work across legal, policy, and marketing teams. Financial services firms emphasise regulatory compliance in communications and crisis readiness.