Job Description Template: Communications Manager
This template helps Swiss employers write a clear job posting for a Communications Manager. It covers core duties (internal and external messaging, media relations, content strategy), must-have skills (writing, project management, stakeholder communication), nice-to-haves (design tools, campaign analytics, multilingual ability), and what to offer (salary range in CHF, benefits, flexible Pensum). Adapt it to your canton, company size, and language requirements.
A Communications Manager shapes your company's voice internally and externally. This role owns strategy, execution, and measurement of communications across channels—press releases, newsletters, social media, events, and more.
Use this template to attract candidates who combine strategic thinking with hands-on execution. Customize the location (canton/city), Pensum percentage (typically 80–100%), language requirements, and salary range before posting.
The Role: What They Do
A Communications Manager develops and implements messaging that builds trust with stakeholders—employees, media, customers, investors, partners. They're both strategist and doer: they plan campaigns, write copy, coordinate launches, measure impact, and respond to communication challenges.
Day-to-day work includes drafting announcements, managing social channels, pitching journalists, organizing media events, supporting internal communications, and tracking KPIs. The role requires comfort with ambiguity, tight deadlines, and working across departments.
- Develop and own the annual communications strategy aligned to business goals
- Write, edit, and publish external content (press releases, web copy, newsletters, social media)
- Build and maintain relationships with journalists, influencers, and media partners
- Plan and execute internal communications (company announcements, newsletters, events)
- Measure campaign performance using analytics tools and report results monthly
- Support product launches, crisis communications, and executive visibility
Must-Have Requirements
Look for a candidate with 3–5 years in communications, marketing, PR, or journalism. They must write clearly in your company's main operating language (German, French, Italian, or English—specify which). Excellent Swiss candidates often hold a degree in communications, journalism, marketing, or a related field.
Strong project management, deadline discipline, and the ability to communicate complex ideas simply are essential. They should be comfortable with media relations, basic analytics, and collaborating with sales, product, and executive teams.
- 3–5 years of professional experience in communications, PR, marketing, or journalism
- Fluent writing and speaking in [your primary operating language]
- Proven experience managing multiple campaigns or projects simultaneously
- Comfortable with analytics tools (Google Analytics, social media dashboards) and reporting
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to influence without direct authority
- Understanding of Swiss media landscape and business culture
Nice-to-Have Skills & What We Offer
Bonus skills include design basics (Canva, Figma), video editing, multilingual ability (common in Switzerland), and experience with PR platforms like Cision or einnews. Familiarity with your industry is a plus.
Offer a competitive salary range (typically CHF 95,000–130,000 annually depending on experience and canton), flexible Pensum (specify 80–100%), home-office days, professional development budget, and clear growth opportunities. Include relevant benefits: 13th month salary, accident insurance details, pension contributions, and paid leave. Mention the canton and city for transparency.
- Experience with design tools (Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, Figma) or basic video editing
- Multilingual ability (German–French, German–Italian, or English combinations)
- Portfolio of published articles, campaigns, or communications projects
- Salary range (CHF [amount]–[amount] depending on experience and Pensum)
- Flexible Pensum [80–100%] with [x] days home office per week
- 13th month salary, [x] weeks paid leave, [insurance/pension details], professional development budget
Frequently asked questions
- What Pensum should I advertise?
- Most Communications Manager roles in Switzerland are 80–100% full-time. If you need flexibility, state the range (e.g., '80–100% depending on experience'). Be clear: Swiss candidates expect transparency on working hours and home-office options.
- Should I list language requirements?
- Yes, in your location section. Example: 'Zurich, German-speaking region. Fluent German required; French or English a plus.' If your company operates multilingually, state all working languages upfront to attract the right candidates.
- What salary range should I include?
- Swiss job ads should name a salary range in CHF (gross annual or monthly). For a Communications Manager, ranges vary by canton (Zurich/Geneva typically 10–15% higher than rural areas) and experience. Consult local salary surveys or your industry association for benchmarks. Honesty attracts serious candidates and saves time.
General information for Swiss employers, not legal advice. Have a lawyer confirm anything with legal consequences.