Shutterstock 2454965409

The Changing Nature of Communications Director Roles

Back to Blogs
Blog Img

The Changing Nature of Communications Director Roles

​Communication has never been more key to organisations in supporting growth, and developing relationships with customers and clients. The emergence of new channels, the rise of the internet, mobile technology and more, have all contributed to major change in communications. As a result, being able to ‘cut through’ and resonate with customers in an increasingly noisy market is now more valuable than ever. However, this flux has led to a shift in what’s expected from leaders.

But how have the likes of communications director roles changed, and what does this mean for the talent market and future skills requirements?

A changing landscape

It’s not only communications directors that are experiencing evolution. In fact, marcomms leaders across the board including heads of digital functions, chief marketing officers and more, have seen and continue to see their relatively traditional roles undergo significant change as a result of broader and more holistic societal adaptations.

Where previously these individuals’ roles were focused on managing corporate output through a handful of channels, now they must increasingly align themselves with the fast-paced, digitally connected and socially conscious world of 2025. Historically, leaders were perceived as the custodians and gatekeepers of corporate messaging and were seen largely as the experts who were called in to manage a crisis. However, that has changed. In the modern world, they are increasingly becoming strategic architects, cultural stewards, and digital innovators.

Several factors are driving this evolution in the world of marketing and communications, some of which we have outlined in recent articles. They include rapid technological advancements and the creation – and major growth – of new channels, rising stakeholder expectations along with the ever-increasing need for businesses to demonstrate more authenticity, purpose and cultural awareness.

But how are communications director roles – and other leadership positions – changing?

Firstly,