This article was originally published on October 11, 2021, and was updated on October 6, 2023.
A key component in thriving organizations is strong communication between all levels of employees. When a team is on the same page, clear about their objectives and mission, and regularly informed about company changes, they will reach their goals faster and with fewer obstacles. This is why having the right internal communications manager is essential for large and growing organizations.
Let’s look at what an internal communications (IC) manager is, why their role is so important, and how you can hire the best IC manager for your organization with an example communications manager job description.
Table of contents: Hiring an internal communications manager
- 1 What is an internal communications manager?
- 2 Why is the internal communications manager role important?
- 3 Sample internal communications manager job description
- 4 Internal communications manager core responsibilities
- 5 Industry-specific IC responsibilities
- 6 Internal communications manager qualifications
- 7 Improve your company communications by hiring an IC manager
- 8 Free worksheet: Amplify your purpose
Let’s get started!
What is an internal communications manager?
An internal communications manager is the heartbeat of strategic communications. They are responsible for overseeing company correspondence, content and messaging. They implement processes, strategies and activities to manage the flow of information through the organization’s leadership, management and various departments.
An internal communications manager is the eyes, ears and voice of an organization.
They foster a strong internal communications plan to support a productive and cohesive work environment and ensure all stakeholders are well-informed, motivated and aligned with the organization’s goals and values.
Explore a Day in the life of an internal communications manager
Why is the internal communications manager role important?
An internal communications manager is of utmost value to large and scaling organizations. As organizations grow, they can experience communication breakdowns and gaps in information sharing.
An internal communications manager helps to prevent this information loss. They make sure a consistent flow of information is spread throughout the company to unite teams and build more organizational unity and cohesion.
An internal communications manager provides employees, management and stakeholders with consistent direction and information that:
Boosts employee engagement: IC managers play a pivotal role in fostering collaboration, engagement and empowerment within the organization by ensuring the delivery of the right messages to the right people at the right time.
Improves employee experience (EX): IC managers drive effective internal communications that foster a culture of belonging and openness — enhancing employee experience, motivation and job performance.
Builds stronger company culture: By keeping employees informed and engaged, internal communications managers contribute to a stronger, more cohesive company culture.
Improves company transparency and build trust: Leveraging a modern intranet and other comms channels that resonate with employees, IC managers share information — especially from leadership — that improves transparency and builds trust.
Reduces employee confusion and frustration: Using modern employee intranets, IC managers can simplify communication by consolidating essential information in one central location and targeting it to the people who need it most.
Moves an organization toward its goals: IC managers help to ensure that employees clearly understand company priorities and objectives.
Improves productivity: IC managers keep employees updated through company intranets, saving time on emails and messages.
Facilitates change management: A strategic internal comms ally can partner with HR, operations and other stakeholders to ensure critical changes are communicated as effectively and efficiently as possible.
Reduces stress during difficult situations: In times of crisis, IC managers deliver swift and accurate information to the right people in the most effective channels — helping to reduce stress, prevent rumors, and protect the organization’s reputation.
Increases talent retention. IC managers drive communications that make employees feel valued and motivated, leading to increased retention.
Promotes the brand: A strong IC manager helps to create well-informed employees who become credible brand ambassadors — positively impacting the organization’s reputation.
Despite these myriad benefits, some organizations continue to neglect the significance of Internal Comms — a short-sighted approach that can lead to increased turnover rates, low employee productivity, and disengaged employees. Don’t be that business.
Hire the right person to lead strategic internal communications at your organization.
Sample internal communications manager job description
To support a stronger communications strategy within your organization, hire an internal communications manager to strategically guide company correspondence, content and messaging. Get tips from Indeed about how to write a strong job description, and use this sample internal communications manager job description to get started.
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced internal communications manager to join our team. You will be working to help employees across the organization stay up-to-date about the company’s vision, goals, projects and executive updates by leading strategic internal and executive communications programs.
You will be responsible for developing and executing communication strategies that promote transparency, engagement and alignment among employees. You will work across teams — including marketing, human resources, product, sales and engineering — to support our brand mission and brand story. Core responsibilities include [insert bulleted list — see recommendations below]:
The ideal candidate will be a skilled storyteller with strong interpersonal skills and a passion for creating engaging experiences. Additional qualifications include [insert bulleted list — see recommendations below]:
The ideal internal communications manager candidate will work cross-functionally to help us build a culture of collaboration and create experiences that engage, connect and inspire our community of employees.
Internal communications manager core responsibilities
In the internal communications manager job posting, include a list of responsibilities that will be required in the role. Here are some examples of job responsibilities for an IC manager.
Work cross-functionally across teams: Work in close partnership with human resources, marketing, product and leadership to execute communication initiatives from concept to delivery.
Develop and execute a strategic internal and executive communications plan: Align internal and executive messaging with the company’s vision, mission, culture and market positioning.
Manage the company’s internal communications channels: Maintain the company editorial calendar and support the development and maintenance of the company intranet.
Produce communications materials: Develop and author a variety of internal and executive communications, including presentations, announcements, newsletters and blog posts to be delivered across a variety of communications channels.
Support leadership and company meetings: Organize and facilitate employee engagement activities, company meetings, workshops and surveys.
Stay up-to-date on communications technology: Keep up with the latest tools, technology and digital platforms to provide the best methods for effective internal communication.
Manage corporate emergency response communications: Develop crisis communication plans, and deliver timely updates and instructions to employees during challenging situations.
Measure success: Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and benchmarks, set goals, and measure the success of internal communications initiatives.
Learn more about how to measure success in internal communications
Industry-specific IC responsibilities
When writing an internal communications manager job description, keep in mind the specific needs of your organization and industry. Customize the list of core responsibilities to fit your unique organization. For example:
Healthcare, pharmaceutical, finance and banking organizations may require the responsibility of staying up-to-date with federal communication compliance standards and regulations.
Technology companies may require IC managers to coordinate the communication of product releases to internal stakeholders and develop training materials and user documentation.
Professional service organizations may task their internal communications manager with developing and executing client communication plans to keep clients informed about company updates, services and industry insights.
Internal communications manager qualifications
To increase your chances of finding a qualified internal communications manager, set qualification standards for the role. Include the following qualifications and skill sets in your internal communications manager job description.
Experience: You have 5-10 years of experience writing in a corporate environment. You’ve managed a variety of corporate communications channels, including corporate intranets and internal social media channels. You have a bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations or a related field.
Strong executive communications experience: You can write and tailor content for specific audiences and demonstrate a deep understanding of messaging, positioning and stakeholder needs.
Fearless when embracing technology: You are comfortable learning new programs and adopting new technology to enhance company-wide communication.
Organized and creative: With news constantly changing, you’re able to adapt and change directions in an instant. You’re comfortable working at a fast pace and are able to meet deadlines.
Stellar interpersonal skills: You have exceptional interpersonal skills and an ability to build strong working relationships. You thrive collaborating with other individuals and teams.
Explore the roles internal comms plays that you might not realize
Improve your company communications by hiring an IC manager
When an organization has a strong internal communications plan, it can unite its workforce and motivate teams to work toward the same goals. It can build trust and community, prevent confusion and frustration, and deliver a more consistent and compelling story to customers.
If your organization is struggling with information sharing or regularly hitting roadblocks caused by a disjointed message or vision, it might be time to hire the right internal communications manager.
Use this communications manager job description to start the hiring process and bring an IC manager to your team today!
Free worksheet: Amplify your purpose
Need some guidance crafting your Internal Communications charter and pillars? Download this free worksheet, Amplify your purpose, to get started.
This article includes content originally contributed by Hani Khan.
