How To Become a Chief Communications Officer: Step-by-Step Guide
Learn about the steps important to pursuing a career as a chief communications officer, including education, skills, salary and more.
The chief communications officer (CCO) is responsible for the overall communications strategy of an organization. This includes developing and implementing plans to improve the organization’s image and reputation. The CCO is also responsible for managing the flow of information between the organization and the public. If you are interested in a career in communications, becoming a CCO may be a good option. In this article, we discuss what a CCO does, the average salary of a CCO and the steps you can take to become one.
What Does a Chief Communications Officer Do?
A chief communications officer (CCO) is responsible for the development and execution of an organization’s internal and external communication strategy. The CCO is in charge of conveying the company’s message to various stakeholders, including employees, shareholders, customers, partners, media and the general public.
The duties of a CCO may include:
- Developing and implementing communication plans and strategies
- Managing crisis communication efforts
- Writing speeches for company executives
- Drafting press releases and other marketing materials
- Coordinating interviews and other media relations activities
- Overseeing the development and production of corporate publications
- Planning and organizing special events
- Serving as a liaison between the company and its various stakeholders
- Monitoring public opinion of the company and its products or services
- Supervising the work of subordinate staff members
Chief Communications Officer Salary and Job Outlook
The average salary for a chief communications officer is $78,795. This figure can vary based on the size of the company, industry, and geographical location.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects job prospects for chief communications officers to grow at an average rate over the next decade. This is due to many factors such as the growing use of social media in marketing and the need for companies to effectively communicate their brand message to consumers.
How to Become a Chief Communications Officer
Here are several steps you should take to become a chief communications officer.
1. Earn a bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, or a related field
A chief communications officer (CCO) usually requires a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations or a related field. A degree in journalism is not necessary but can be helpful if you want to work as a reporter for a newspaper or television station before moving into the corporate world.
If you are interested in working in government relations, then a political science degree may be more appropriate. If you want to specialize in digital marketing and social media, consider pursuing an online master’s degree in strategic communications from Northwestern University.
2. Gain experience working in communications, public relations, or a related field
Most chief communications officers have several years of experience in the field before they are promoted to this position. Entry-level positions for those who want to become a chief communications officer include public relations assistant, public relations writer and public relations coordinator.
Working as an assistant or writer allows you to gain hands-on experience writing press releases, managing social media accounts and drafting other communications materials. Working as a coordinator helps you learn how to manage multiple projects and work with different departments within an organization.
3. Develop strong writing, editing, and communication skills
Strong writing and editing skills are essential for a chief communications officer. You must be able to write clear, concise messages that inform your audience about the company’s products or services in an interesting way.
You also need to have excellent proofreading and editing skills to ensure all of your company’s written materials are free of errors. Additionally, you may often speak publicly on behalf of your organization, so you need to develop strong public speaking skills as well.
4. Understand the principles of marketing and advertising
The chief communications officer works closely with the marketing department to promote a company’s products and services. To do this effectively, it is important for you to understand how marketing and advertising work. You should be familiar with concepts such as target audiences, branding and sales pitches. This knowledge will help you collaborate more effectively with the marketing team.
5. Be proficient in using technology to communicate
The chief communications officer role often requires the use of technology to communicate with a wide audience. For example, you may need to create and distribute press releases or develop social media content for your company’s various platforms.
It is important to be familiar with different types of software and tools that can help you manage these tasks. You should also have an understanding of how to use analytics to track the effectiveness of your efforts.
6. Stay up to date on changes in the industry
The communications industry is always changing, so it’s important for chief communications officers to stay up to date on the latest trends and developments. Regularly reading trade journals and following industry leaders can help you learn about new ideas and techniques that could benefit your organization.
You may also want to attend conferences or workshops to enhance your skills and knowledge. Attending these events can also help you network with other professionals in the field who may be able to provide you with job opportunities or recommendations.
7. Join professional organizations such as the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA)
The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) is a professional organization that offers training and certification in public relations. Membership in PRSA can help you learn about industry best practices, network with other professionals and develop your career. You can join PRSA as an associate member when you earn your bachelor’s degree, then upgrade to professional membership after you have two years of experience working in communications or public relations.
