Skip to main content

Communications Manager CV Example

Present your expertise in managing internal and external communications, media relations, and corporate messaging strategies.

Recommended template: ExecutivePro

Key Skills to Include

Corporate CommunicationsMedia RelationsCrisis CommunicationInternal CommunicationsPress Release WritingStakeholder EngagementEvent ManagementStrategic Messaging

Quick Tips

  • Showcase examples of successful communications campaigns or crisis management.
  • Include metrics such as media coverage achieved or employee engagement improvements.
  • Highlight your ability to craft messaging for different audiences and channels.
  • Mention experience with both internal stakeholder communications and external PR.

Ready to build your CV?

Start with the Executive template and customise it for your marketing role.

Upgrade to Pro

How to Write Your Communications Manager CV

A communications manager CV should demonstrate your ability to shape organisational narratives, manage reputation, and engage diverse audiences. Employers want to see evidence of strategic thinking combined with excellent writing skills and media savvy. Your CV should showcase your experience across internal and external communications, with concrete examples of campaigns delivered and outcomes achieved.

CV Structure

Follow a reverse-chronological format with a profile summary, work experience, skills, and education. Each role should describe the organisation's size and sector, followed by your responsibilities and achievements. Include metrics wherever possible, such as media coverage volumes, engagement scores, or audience growth figures. Two pages is the ideal length for an experienced communications professional.

CV Format

Choose a clean, professional template that reflects the polished communication standards you bring to your work. Use clear headings, consistent bullet point formatting, and generous white space. Communications professionals are expected to present information clearly, so your CV format should demonstrate this skill. Submit as a PDF.

CV Profile Examples

Experienced Communications Manager

Strategic communications manager with eight years of experience leading corporate and internal communications for organisations in the financial services and technology sectors. Skilled at developing messaging frameworks, managing media relations, and delivering employee engagement campaigns. Track record of securing national press coverage and achieving top-quartile employee engagement scores.

Senior Communications Leader

Senior communications professional with a proven ability to protect and enhance organisational reputation through proactive media relations, crisis preparedness, and integrated stakeholder engagement. Experienced in advising C-suite executives on messaging strategy and managing communications teams of up to six people across multiple locations.

Communications Manager — Public Sector

Dedicated communications manager with five years of experience in the public sector, delivering citizen-facing campaigns, managing ministerial correspondence, and coordinating cross-departmental communications for a government agency. Skilled at translating complex policy messages into accessible, engaging content for diverse audiences.

Your profile should state your communications specialism, years of experience, and key sectors. Mention whether your strength lies in media relations, internal comms, crisis management, or a combination. Include one headline achievement to capture interest immediately.

Key Skills for Your Communications Manager CV

Corporate Communications

Developing and delivering strategic communications that protect and enhance organisational reputation with key stakeholders.

Media Relations

Building productive relationships with journalists and securing positive press coverage through proactive pitching and story placement.

Crisis Communication

Preparing crisis response plans, drafting holding statements, and managing real-time communications during reputational incidents.

Internal Communications

Creating engaging employee communications through newsletters, town halls, intranets, and digital engagement platforms.

Press Release Writing

Drafting compelling press releases and media statements that convey key messages clearly and attract journalist interest.

Stakeholder Engagement

Identifying and managing communications with internal and external stakeholders to build trust and support organisational objectives.

Event Management

Planning and delivering corporate events, press conferences, and internal engagement activities that reinforce key messages.

Strategic Messaging

Crafting clear, consistent messaging frameworks that align organisational communications with business strategy and brand values.

Digital Communications

Managing websites, social media channels, and email platforms to deliver targeted digital content to key audiences.

Work Experience Examples

Describe the organisation and your scope before listing responsibilities. Include a mix of strategic and tactical duties such as strategy development, media handling, content creation, and event delivery. Achievements should be quantified where possible with media coverage counts, engagement metrics, or successful crisis outcomes.

Communications Manager

Alderton Financial Group

Led the communications function for a wealth management firm with 450 employees, 12 regional offices, and £8B in assets under management.

Responsibilities

  • Developed and implemented the annual communications strategy covering media relations, internal comms, and digital channels.
  • Managed relationships with financial trade journalists, securing an average of 15 positive press mentions per quarter.
  • Led crisis communications response planning, including drafting holding statements and coordinating spokesperson briefings.
  • Delivered quarterly town hall events and produced the monthly employee newsletter, achieving a 78% read rate.
  • Advised the CEO and senior leadership team on messaging strategy for investor presentations and regulatory announcements.

Achievements

  • Secured feature coverage in the Financial Times and The Times, increasing brand visibility among high-net-worth target audiences.
  • Improved employee engagement score from 62% to 79% over two years through a refreshed internal communications programme.
  • Successfully managed communications during a regulatory investigation, maintaining client confidence with zero negative press coverage.

Communications Officer

Midlands Health NHS Trust

Supported the communications team for an NHS trust serving 600,000 patients across three hospital sites and 40 community locations.

Responsibilities

  • Drafted press releases, media statements, and reactive responses to journalist enquiries on behalf of the trust.
  • Managed the trust's social media channels, growing the combined following by 40% within one year.
  • Coordinated internal communications for staff of 8,000, including weekly bulletins and intranet content updates.
  • Supported the delivery of public health campaigns aligned with national NHS England messaging guidelines.

Achievements

  • Achieved 25 pieces of positive media coverage in a single quarter through proactive storytelling about trust services.
  • Launched a staff recognition campaign that received 500 nominations in its first month, boosting morale across clinical teams.

Education & Qualifications

List your degree, particularly if it is in communications, journalism, public relations, or English. Include CIPR qualifications if you hold them, along with any media training, crisis communications, or digital marketing certifications.

CIPR Diploma

Chartered Institute of Public Relations qualification covering strategic communications, reputation management, and PR planning.

NCTJ Diploma

National Council for the Training of Journalists qualification, valuable for communications professionals with a journalism background.

PRCA Certificate

Public Relations and Communications Association qualification demonstrating competence in PR practice and ethical standards.

Crisis Communications Certificate

Specialist training in managing communications during organisational crises, including media handling and stakeholder management.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should a communications manager CV highlight?
A communications manager CV should highlight your strategic communications experience, media relations skills, and internal engagement capabilities. Include evidence of campaigns you have delivered, coverage you have secured, and improvements to employee engagement or reputation metrics. Demonstrate your ability to advise senior leaders and manage communications across multiple channels.
How do I demonstrate crisis communications experience?
Describe specific crisis scenarios you have managed without breaching confidentiality. Mention your role in developing crisis response plans, drafting holding statements, briefing spokespeople, and coordinating real-time communications. If you can share the outcome, such as maintaining stakeholder confidence or minimising negative coverage, include that as a quantified achievement.
Should I include writing samples with my communications CV?
While you should not attach writing samples to your CV itself, it is helpful to mention that a portfolio is available upon request or to include a link to published articles and press coverage. Your CV itself serves as a writing sample, so ensure it is impeccably written with clear, concise language and zero errors.
How important is social media experience for a communications manager?
Social media experience is increasingly important for communications managers. Include the platforms you have managed, audience growth metrics, and examples of how you have used social media to support wider communications objectives. If you have experience managing paid social campaigns or handling social media during a crisis, highlight these skills specifically.

More Marketing CV Examples

Builder Command Palette

Type a command or search...