What Does an Internal Communications Manager Do?

Internal communications managers are responsible for managing the flow of information within an organization. They work with senior leadership to determine which topics and issues should be communicated to employees, then develop strategies for getting this information out in a clear and consistent way.

Internal communications managers may also be tasked with developing and maintaining relationships with outside stakeholders—such as vendors or suppliers—who play a role in the day-to-day operations of their company.

Internal Communications Manager Job Duties

An internal communications manager typically has a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:

• Developing and implementing communication strategies within an organization based on its goals and objectives
• Communicating with stakeholders outside the organization such as shareholders, customers, members of the media, and community leaders
• Developing an effective internal communications strategy to meet the needs of employees across all levels in an organization
• Overseeing the design of printed materials such as brochures, flyers, pamphlets, newsletters, or postcards
• Coordinating the organization’s online presence through websites, blogs, and social media accounts such as Facebook and Twitter
• Developing and executing communication plans to promote new products and services to customers, clients, and other audiences
• Providing training to employees on topics related to organizational culture, workplace policies, best practices for productivity, and other topics
• Monitoring media coverage of an organization and responding to negative coverage by contacting reporters and providing information about the company’s position on the issue
• Coordinating the development and implementation of internal events such as workshops, seminars, and conferences

Internal Communications Manager Salary & Outlook

Internal communications managers’ salaries vary depending on their level of education, years of experience, and the size and industry of the company. They may also earn additional compensation in the form of bonuses.

• Median Annual Salary: $100,000 ($48.08/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $202,000 ($97.12/hour)

The employment of internal communications managers is expected to grow faster than average over the next decade.

Employment growth will be driven by the increasing importance of internal communication and employee engagement in organizational success. Organizations will continue to recognize the value of communicating with employees in a variety of ways, such as through social media and mobile devices, rather than just through traditional means, such as newsletters and meetings.

Related: Internal Communications Manager Interview Questions and Answers

Internal Communications Manager Job Requirements

The following are some of the requirements for obtaining a position as an internal communications manager:

Education: Internal communications managers are typically required to have a bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism or another related field. These programs teach students the fundamentals of communication, including writing, research, media and interpersonal skills.

Training & Experience: Internal communications managers typically receive on-the-job training. This training may include learning about the company’s culture, values and mission statement. It may also include learning about the company’s communication strategies and how to use the internal communications software.

Certifications & Licenses: Certifications can improve the candidate’s chances of being selected for a position, especially for high-level roles. Internal communications managers can earn certifications to gain more practical knowledge of their daily responsibilities, test their professional skills and further advance their career.

Internal Communications Manager Skills

Internal communications managers need the following skills in order to be successful:

Communication: The ability to communicate effectively is a crucial skill for an internal communications manager. You must be able to convey messages to employees in a way that they understand and find engaging. You can do this by using clear language, providing examples and using visuals. You can also use communication tools such as email, video conferencing and social media to communicate with employees.

Leadership: Leadership skills can help you develop and implement an effective internal communications strategy. You can use your leadership skills to motivate your team, create a vision for your department’s internal communications and motivate your team to achieve that vision. Leadership skills can also help you delegate responsibilities and motivate your team to complete their tasks.

Teamwork: A common responsibility of an internal communications manager is to lead a team of employees. This role requires you to be a team player who can work with others to achieve common goals. You can use your teamwork skills to foster a positive work environment where employees feel valued and appreciated.

Conflict resolution: Conflict resolution is the ability to identify and understand the source of conflict, then find a solution that satisfies all parties involved. As a communications manager, you may be responsible for resolving conflicts between employees, departments or teams. Your ability to identify and resolve conflicts can help you build a more cohesive team.

Technology: The ability to use technology to communicate with employees is an important skill for an internal communications manager. You may use technology to send emails, create social media posts, create presentations and more. You may also need to know how to use various software programs to create documents, presentations and other materials.

Internal Communications Manager Work Environment

The internal communications manager works in an office environment and typically works a regular 40-hour week. However, the job may require working additional hours to meet deadlines or to coordinate with employees in other time zones. The internal communications manager may travel to company locations to meet with employees and to conduct training sessions. The job may be stressful at times, due to the need to meet deadlines and the possibility of employee resistance to change.

Internal Communications Manager Trends

Here are three trends influencing how internal communications managers work. Internal communications managers will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.

The Need for a More Integrated Approach

As businesses become more complex, the need for an integrated approach to internal communications becomes increasingly important. This means that internal communications managers will need to be able to work with other departments to create a cohesive message that is aligned with the company’s goals.

In order to be successful, internal communications managers will need to be able to communicate effectively and collaborate with others. They will also need to be able to understand the needs of different stakeholders within the company and develop strategies that meet those needs.

The Rise of Employee Advocacy

Employee advocacy is on the rise as more and more employees are becoming aware of the benefits of social media. Internal communications managers can take advantage of this trend by creating programs that encourage employee advocacy.

This can include providing training on how to use social media platforms effectively, as well as offering rewards for employees who generate positive buzz about the company. In addition, internal communications managers should focus on creating a culture where employees feel comfortable sharing their opinions.

More Focus on Diversity and Inclusion

Diversity and inclusion have become major focuses in business over the past few years, and this trend is likely to continue into the future. As internal communications managers, you need to be aware of this trend and make sure that your team is prepared to handle it.

This includes developing a better understanding of diversity and inclusion, as well as learning how to create a workplace that is welcoming to all employees. Additionally, you should be prepared to address any issues that may arise as a result of this trend.

How to Become an Internal Communications Manager

Internal communications managers have a unique opportunity to shape the way their company communicates with its employees. They can help create an environment where employees feel valued and engaged, which is critical for driving business success.

To be successful in this role, it’s important to understand the different ways that people receive information. Some people prefer text messages, some people prefer email newsletters, and some people prefer face-to-face conversations. Internal communications managers need to be able to reach all of these audiences effectively.

They also need to be able to write clearly and concisely so that their messages are easy to read and understand. And they need to be able to think creatively about new ways to communicate with their employees.

Advancement Prospects

The internal communications manager is responsible for developing and managing the internal communications strategy for an organization. They work to ensure that employees are kept up to date on company news and developments, and that they have the information they need to do their jobs effectively.

The internal communications manager typically reports to the head of communications or the head of human resources. They may also have a team of internal communications specialists working under them.

As with most managerial positions, the internal communications manager can advance to a higher-level position within their organization, such as head of communications or head of human resources. They may also have the opportunity to move into a similar position with a different organization.

Internal Communications Manager Job Description Example

At [CompanyX], we are looking for an Internal Communications Manager who will be responsible for developing and executing internal communications plans that engage, inform and motivate employees. The Internal Communications Manager will work closely with the leadership team and other departments to ensure that employees have the information they need to do their jobs well and feel connected to the company’s mission, values and goals. The ideal candidate will have excellent writing, editing, and project management skills, as well as the ability to think strategically and execute tactically. He or she will be a creative problem solver with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop and execute internal communications plans that align with business objectives, using a variety of channels including but not limited to email, intranet, video, town halls, and social media
• Write, edit, and distribute engaging content that informs and inspires employees, such as announcements, newsletters, Q&As, employee spotlights, and success stories
• Serve as a project manager for complex, multi-faceted internal communications initiatives, working with cross-functional teams to ensure timely execution and delivery
• Manage the company’s intranet content and site navigation, ensuring a user-friendly experience for all employees
• Monitor and report on metrics related to internal communications programs, making recommendations for improvement where necessary
• Act as a liaison between the communications team and other departments, providing counsel and guidance on how best to communicate messages internally
• Stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices in internal communications, sharing insights and ideas with the team on a regular basis
• Collaborate with the external communications team on projects and initiatives that require coordination between the two groups
• Assist with the development and implementation of employee engagement surveys, focus groups, and other research efforts
• Provide communications support during times of crisis or change, working closely with the leadership team to develop and execute an appropriate plan
• Manage the internal communications budget, ensuring efficient and effective use of resources
• Supervise and provide mentorship to internal communications specialists and coordinators

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or related field
• 7-10 years of experience in corporate communications, public relations, or a related field
• Proven track record of developing and executing successful internal communications campaigns
• Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills
• Strong project management skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and with a team to meet deadlines
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Master’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or related field
• Experience working in a global company
• Experience with video production and editing
• Familiarity with graphic design principles
• Proficiency in another language