Kommunikationsdirektör

Kommunikationsdirektör, also known as Communications Director, is a senior executive responsible for the strategic management of an organization's communications. In Swedish organizations, the role is equivalent to Chief Communications Officer or head of corporate communications. The primary aim is to protect and enhance reputation, align communications with business objectives, and support decision-making through clear messaging.

Key responsibilities include developing and overseeing the corporate communications strategy; managing external communications, media relations, public affairs, and crisis communications; shaping internal communications to inform and engage employees; overseeing brand governance and corporate identity; coordinating marketing communications and digital presence; leading investor relations in listed companies; and managing stakeholder engagement with customers, partners, regulators, and the public.

Communications directors typically report to the CEO or the board and sit on the executive management team. They lead a team that may include public relations professionals, corporate affairs, digital communications specialists, and internal communication managers, and work closely with marketing, legal, human resources, and risk management functions. In the public sector or nonprofit organizations, the role may emphasize transparency and public information duties.

Qualifications commonly include a bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or a related field, with many positions preferring a master’s degree or MBA. Significant experience in strategic communications and people leadership is expected. Desired competencies include strategic planning, media relations, crisis management, digital and social media proficiency, data-driven communications, and fluency in Swedish and English in Sweden.

Variations of the role exist across sectors and organization sizes. In smaller organizations the title may be combined with marketing or HR, and in larger firms the position may carry regional or global responsibilities. In Sweden, the term kommunikationsdirektör is used alongside kommunikationschef, and the exact remit can vary by corporate governance and industry.