Hire a PR and communications manager
Communications managers run PR and media relations, executive voice and crisis response, so the company is understood and trusted. Here's when you need one and how to hire well.
When to hire a communications manager
- You have real news (a raise, a launch, data) and no one to tell the story
- Your founder is becoming the face of the company
- You're in a regulated or scrutinised space and need crisis readiness
What it costs
Base salaries on full-time brand and communications posts on HeyMarketers run $181k to $253k (median $228k, from 20 posts with published pay in the last 12 months). By level: mid level and manager $206k, director, head of and lead $248k.
- Job post
- Free
- AI Talent Agent
- $399 per role
- Concierge recruiting
- $6,000 flat
Recruiting agencies typically charge 20–25% of first-year salary. On a $228k hire that's $46k–$57k.
How competitive it is
101 brand and communications roles are open on HeyMarketers right now, 46% of them remote. Companies hiring include OpenAI, Anthropic, Fivetran, Airbnb, Chime Financial, Inc. Good candidates have options, so move quickly and publish your pay range.
Tools other employers ask for: Generative AI (25%), Asana (10%), Clay (4%), Figma (3%), Adobe Creative Suite (3%).
What to look for
- Coverage they earned in outlets your buyers read
- Relationships with reporters in your space
- Fast, clear writing
- Calm judgment about risky situations
Red flags
- Measures success in clip counts
- Promises specific coverage
- No experience preparing executives
Questions to ask
Pitch me a story about our company in 30 seconds.
Listen for: A real news hook and the right reporter in mind.
A reporter calls with a negative story running tomorrow. What do you do?
Listen for: Get facts, involve the right people, respond accurately and fast.
How do you measure PR?
Listen for: Quality, message pull-through and business signals, not just clip counts.
How do you work with a founder who wants to say something risky?
Listen for: Honest counsel and options rather than a flat no.
See all communications manager interview questions · Job description template
The first 90 days
- A narrative and announcement calendar
- A target media list and the first pitches
- A crisis plan and holding statements
Full-time, fractional or freelance?
Full-time when communications is ongoing. Many startups use a PR agency or a fractional comms lead around big announcements.
Questions
How much does it cost to hire a PR and communications manager?
On full-time brand and communications job posts on HeyMarketers, base salaries run $181k to $253k, with a median of $228k. Hiring through HeyMarketers: posting a job is free, the AI Talent Agent is $399 per role, and Concierge recruiting is a flat $6,000 per full-time hire, compared with the 20–25% of first-year salary agencies typically charge.
Should I hire a full-time or fractional communications manager?
Full-time when communications is ongoing. Many startups use a PR agency or a fractional comms lead around big announcements.
How long does it take to hire?
With Concierge you get a shortlist of three screened candidates within 10 business days. Job posts and the AI Talent Agent depend on the role and how quickly you review candidates.
Are you a communications manager yourself? Read the career guide.