Email
LinkedIn
WhatsApp
Facebook
X
Pinterest
Reddit
Leading the Communication Vision Across Global Teams
The head of corporate communications plays a critical role in setting the vision for company-wide messaging across continents, time zones, and cultures. They are the torchbearers of the brand’s voice and the architects of communication systems that connect every department and stakeholder. Without this leadership role, internal messages become fragmented, external campaigns lose coherence, and trust can quickly erode.
One of the top senior comms job duties involves setting the long-term communication goals and ensuring these align with business objectives. Whether it’s launching a global CSR campaign or navigating a crisis, it’s the head who ensures that the messaging tone, content, and delivery reflect the organization’s values.
To manage this, they must understand every layer of the director of communication role—from media training to crafting executive speeches. In many top communication positions, the ability to synthesize technical business strategies into understandable, engaging language is what sets great leaders apart.
For example, one multinational company unified its internal message strategy under a single playbook led by their head of communications. The result? Quicker employee onboarding, improved alignment across global offices, and a measurable boost in internal engagement.
To see more about unifying global messaging, check out Corporate Communications Best Practices in 2025.
Table of Contents
Overseeing Internal and External Messaging with Strategic Clarity
At the heart of the head of corporate communications role is the responsibility to create and maintain strategic clarity across internal and external messaging. It’s not enough to write well—every message must serve a purpose, speak to its audience, and support the company’s vision.
This role often involves overseeing executive communication tasks such as speechwriting, media responses, and investor briefings. But just as vital is their leadership over internal messaging, from policy rollouts to morale-boosting emails—a function traditionally known as lead of internal communications.
One of the most important senior comms job duties is auditing existing communication tools. Are employees overwhelmed by redundant Slack channels? Is the monthly newsletter actually being read? Strategic leaders ask these questions and act.
A real-world example comes from a European tech firm that reduced email overload by creating a two-tier system: quick updates via chat, and high-importance matters via email. The clarity this brought transformed team efficiency.
Want to lead with clarity? Learn more from English for Managers to Lead and Communicate Better.
And if your team needs language support, try Learn English with online English teacher for customized training.
Managing the Brand Voice Through Media Relations
The head of corporate communications also serves as the guardian of the brand’s public voice, especially through media channels. From press releases to crisis responses, this individual ensures the organization is perceived accurately and positively.
This aspect of the role mirrors much of the director of communication role—balancing strategic intent with public perception. They often lead PR teams, handle media training for executives, and vet all external statements for tone and consistency.
In many top communication positions, the media is both an opportunity and a risk. A poorly timed or unclear statement can unravel years of trust. Therefore, executive communication tasks here include media briefings, reactive messaging, and controlling the narrative during sensitive moments.
For example, a consumer goods company facing a product recall relied on their comms head to issue a calm, transparent, and empathetic press release. This approach helped retain customer trust and even drew praise from media outlets.
To understand how internal branding supports external image, read Why Corporate Image Is the Responsibility of Employees.
Key Executive Communication Tasks That Build Trust
Every head of corporate communications must master a suite of executive communication tasks that go far beyond writing speeches. These include coaching executives on delivery, aligning C-suite messaging, and building internal trust through transparency.
Their role as lead of internal communications means they often translate complex executive decisions into digestible updates for the workforce. Whether it’s a merger announcement or a policy shift, employees look to leadership for clarity—and it’s the comms leader who delivers.
Among the most important senior comms job duties is creating a messaging strategy that makes leadership accessible and credible. Regular CEO updates, internal podcasts, or employee AMAs (Ask Me Anything) are just a few tactics high-performing comms leaders use.
They must also understand the full director of communication role—which includes empathy, timing, and knowing when to communicate (and when not to).
For a deeper look into clarity vs. complexity in business communication, read Is It Communication or Communications in Business English.
Building a High-Performing Comms Team: Skills and Structure
An effective head of corporate communications is only as successful as their team. That’s why building and mentoring a high-performing communications department is a central responsibility.
They must identify talent across top communication positions—from content creators to media analysts—and help them grow through clear KPIs, coaching, and collaboration.
Balancing executive communication tasks with everyday messaging duties requires a well-defined team structure. Who owns the intranet? Who approves press content? Clarity around roles leads to faster execution.
The lead of internal communications may oversee employee engagement campaigns, while others handle media inquiries. The head, however, ensures cohesion across all touchpoints.
One company streamlined its team by creating functional “pods” (e.g., internal, external, digital), which increased output and reduced delays.
For examples of team-based messaging strategies, see Internal and External Communication Examples for Work.
Tools and Metrics Every Senior Comms Leader Should Know
Data isn’t just for the marketing department. The head of corporate communications must embrace analytics to prove impact and guide strategy.
From email open rates to employee sentiment scores, today’s senior comms job duties include knowing how to gather and interpret key communication metrics. This data can justify budget, fine-tune strategies, and identify message gaps.
The director of communication role increasingly involves tech fluency—familiarity with platforms like SharePoint, Slack analytics, media monitoring tools, and employee engagement dashboards.
Top communication positions are evolving to require both creativity and data literacy. For instance, after a drop in engagement, one comms leader used survey data to revamp message formats, leading to a 40% spike in readership.
Being data-driven is no longer optional—it’s expected.
Real-World Examples of What a Head of Corporate Communications Really Does
So, what does a head of corporate communications actually do on a typical day? While responsibilities vary, a few key actions appear consistently across companies.
📅 Prepping executives for quarterly earnings calls
📈 Reviewing the weekly internal email draft
📰 Approving press statements and media inquiries
📏 Hosting team meetings with internal comms leads
✉ Brainstorming with marketing on cross-channel messaging
These real-life executive communication tasks blend strategic thinking with hands-on delivery.
They also maintain relationships with media outlets, ensure compliance with regulations, and train new hires on tone and messaging.
The role is dynamic, requiring both a big-picture vision and fine attention to detail.
Want to bring this level of professionalism to your organization? Contact Us | CorporateEnglish.biz.
Latest Blog
More on Corporate Communication
Corporate Communications Best Practices in
Email LinkedIn WhatsApp Facebook X Pinterest Reddit Clear Roles and Communication Channels That Actually
Why Corporate Image Is the
Learn how employees play a key role in shaping corporate image and why internal
Is It Communication or Communications
Find out whether to use communication or communications in business English and understand the
