Director of communications

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Director of communications is a position in the private and public sectors. A director of communications is responsible for managing and directing an organization's internal and external communications. She or he supervises public relations staff, creates communication strategies, and serves as the key spokesperson and media contact for the organization.

A director of communications may also be called a communications director, or press secretary.

The director of communications usually reports directly to the chief executive officer (CEO) of the organization, and advises the board of directors on all communications work.

In an organization, the director of communications directs the Communications Department, sometimes called a Public Affairs Department. The director of communications may be assisted by a deputy director, clerical staff, and communications specialists and public affairs officers.

Communications in politics

In United States politics, a director of communications is usually a senior aide to the President of the United States (White House Communications Director), a member of the House of Representatives, a senator, a judge, a candidate for political office, a Cabinet secretary, or a government department.

In Canada and Great Britain, a director of communications is a senior aide to members of Parliament, members of the House of Lords, the prime minister, Cabinet ministers, and government departments.

In Nigeria the director of communications or special adviser on communications is a senior aide to the president, vice president, and senior members of the National Assembly.

In the Council of Europe, the Director of Communication plays a key role in the organisation, directly supporting the work of the Secretary General of the Council of Europe.