On Twitter
If you have a question about going to college online, Melissa can help. Get direct access to our expert on Twitter.
Online College FAQ
How Are Online Colleges Different From Traditional Colleges?
How Do I Know Whether Online College Is Right for Me?
What Are the Benefits of Going to College Online?
Inside Online Learning
The Latest
Should We Drop the “e” in “eLearning”?Adding the e to learning, emphasizes the technological delivery of content, communication, and activities, which was a critical distinction in the early days of online learning, but perhaps less so today. It could all be considered learning – …
Career Profile: Director of Communications
Interviews
- Michael Stein - Account Executive
- Bill Kennedy - Accountant
- Daniel Kerr - Claims Adjuster
- Michelle Nault - Creative Director
- Jeff Moskovitz - Finance Director
- Russell Bailyn - Financial Adviser
- Trevor Clinard - Financial Analyst
- Deirdre Honner - Human Resources Manager
- Warner Phelps - Insurance Sales Agent
- Mike Jacka - Internal Auditor
- Cesar Magnaye - Investment Banker
- Elizabeth Barry - Marketing Manager
- Samantha Willis - Outside Sales Representative
- Daniel Gordon - Sales Director
- Ernest Chan - Securities Trader
- Fawaz Alomran - Training and Development Manager
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 by 2016, 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.
Other Jobs in Business
Job Opportunities
- Account Executive
- Accountant
- Budget Analyst
- Business IT Analyst
- Claims Adjuster
- Commercial Property Manager
- Creative Director
- Director of Communications
- Finance Director
- Financial Advisor
- Financial Analyst
- Hotel General Manager
- Human Resources Manager
- Insurance Sales Agent
- International Management Analyst
- Investment Banker
- Marketing Manager
- Outside Sales Representative
- Public Relations Manager
- Purchasing Agent
- Quality Control Engineer
- Sales Agent
- Sales Director
- Securities Trader
- Senior Internal Auditor
- Training and Development Manager
Interviews with industry experts
- Michael Stein - Account Executive
- Bill Kennedy - Accountant
- Daniel Kerr - Claims Adjuster
- Michelle Nault - Creative Director
- Jeff Moskovitz - Finance Director
- Russell Bailyn - Financial Adviser
- Trevor Clinard - Financial Analyst
- Deirdre Honner - Human Resources Manager
- Warner Phelps - Insurance Sales Agent
- Mike Jacka - Internal Auditor
- Cesar Magnaye - Investment Banker
- Elizabeth Barry - Marketing Manager
- Samantha Willis - Outside Sales Representative
- Daniel Gordon - Sales Director
- Ernest Chan - Securities Trader
- Fawaz Alomran - Training and Development Manager



An Education Writer for OC.org, Melissa's background includes work in higher education...