Corporate Community Relations Directors

After earning a bachelor's degree, beginning public relations professionals typically receive on-the-job training that may continue for a year or longer before moving into the role of writing press releases, speeches, news or magazine articles, planning programs, and other duties. Most corporate communications directors have a minimum of five years' experience before moving into that role.

Being a people person is one of the most important qualifications for this job. As a corporate community relations director, you will need to interact effectively with company executives, colleagues, civic leaders, representatives from various charities and educational and cultural groups, and the public. The public relations department often works as a team in order to complete a project, exhibit, or charity event. It is also important to be a quick thinker, organized, and outgoing—almost to the point of being aggressive. This might not be the right career for those who are shy.

The ability to communicate well is key. You will frequently be asked to write speeches, press releases, or brochures documenting your company's latest philanthropic project. Your verbal skills will also be tested when giving presentations, interviews, or presiding over a press conference.

A love of volunteering and commitment to others are other helpful traits to have in this career.