How to become a Communications Manager

Official title: Communications Manager (Public Relations)

Also called: Corporate Affairs Manager, Public Affairs Manager, Public Relations Manager

Plans, organises, directs, controls and coordinates public relations activities within an organisation.

Main tasks

• Plans, develops, directs and coordinates communication strategies to best represent the employer's interests
• Creates and manages publication production timelines
• Oversees reputation management through internal communications, government relations, media relations and social media management
• Stays informed of changes in media by assessing web, email and social media analytics to understand opportunities and barriers
• Liaises with, supports and manages public relations teams to create press releases, advertising and promotional materials
• Organises and manages events to promote key messages

Ways in

• University: Communications & Media degrees, Offered by 34 universities in Australia
• TAFE and VET: Advanced Diploma of Marketing and Communication (BSB60520); Diploma of Leadership and Management (BSB50420); Advanced Diploma of Community Sector Management (CHC62015); Certificate IV in Marketing and Communication (BSB40820); Diploma of Event Management (SIT50322); Diploma of Marketing and Communication (BSB50620); Advanced Diploma of Event Management (SIT60222); Diploma of Arts and Cultural Management (CUA51420)

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $139,204 a year
• About 165,400 people work in this job group now, and about 194,400 are projected by 2035. (+17.5%)
• AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

Related jobs

• Advertising Manager
• Business Development Manager
• Sales and Marketing Manager

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Communications Manager?

Ways in include: Communications & Media degrees; Advanced Diploma of Marketing and Communication; Diploma of Leadership and Management.

How much does a Communications Manager earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $139,204 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Communications Manager a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 18% by 2035, from about 165,400 to about 194,400 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Communications Manager?

Usually. 80% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Will AI change the work of a Communications Manager?

AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04