Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Develop a strategic **Communications Team Structure** (e.g., centralized, decentralized) that aligns with organizational needs.
• Master effective **Budgeting, Resource Allocation, and Vendor Management** for the communications function.
• Apply advanced principles of **Talent Management**, including hiring, performance review, and succession planning.
• Provide confident and strategic **C-Suite Counsel** on high-stakes reputation and communication matters.
• Implement effective change management and communication protocols for organizational restructuring.
• Develop and maintain a culture of **Psychological Safety** and continuous learning within the team.
• Master delegation, coaching, and mentoring techniques to develop high-potential team members.
• Lead and manage a geographically dispersed or hybrid communications team with agility and inclusion.

• Current Communications Managers and Directors
• Senior PR Professionals preparing for their first leadership role
• Agency Account Directors and Team Leads
• Executives seeking to improve management of cross-functional teams
• Professionals responsible for hiring and managing PR/Comms staff

• Group Case Study: Redesigning a Communications Team Structure and Budget Allocation
• Role-Playing Executive Counseling and Difficult Performance Review Scenarios
• Individual Exercise: Drafting a Talent Development Plan and Succession Pipeline for a Key Role
• Discussions on Leadership Styles, Ethical Culture, and Managing Remote Teams
• Intensive Workshop on Goal Setting (OKRs) and Performance Measurement for Comms Teams

Unit 1: Strategic Leadership and Vision

• Defining the leadership vision and mandate for the modern communications function.
• Aligning the communications strategy with the corporate business objectives and risk appetite.
• Developing a compelling narrative to articulate the value and **ROI of Communications** to the C-suite.
• Analyzing different team structures (centralized vs. decentralized vs. hub-and-spoke) and choosing the best fit.
• Leading change management communication for internal and external organizational restructuring.

Unit 2: Talent Management and Team Culture

Coaching and Development
• Mastering the full **Talent Lifecycle**: strategic recruiting, hiring, and onboarding for comms roles.
• Implementing effective performance management, goal setting (OKRs/KPIs), and difficult performance conversations.
• Applying coaching and mentoring techniques to develop high-potential team members.
• Fostering a team culture of **Psychological Safety, Resilience, and Ethical Practice**.
• Designing a succession planning and career pathway framework for communications staff.

Unit 3: Budget, Resource, and Vendor Management

Efficiency and Oversight
• Developing, justifying, and managing the annual communications budget and resource allocation.
• Mastering vendor relationship management: agency selection, contract negotiation, and performance evaluation.
• Techniques for effectively delegating responsibilities and empowering team members.
• Implementing efficient workflow and project management tools for the communications team.
• Managing internal expectations and securing buy-in for resource requests from other departments.

Unit 4: Executive Counsel and Stakeholder Navigation

Advisory and Influence
• Developing the trusted advisor relationship with the CEO and Board of Directors on reputational issues.
• Mastering techniques for delivering difficult or unpopular counsel to senior leadership with confidence.
• Navigating complex political dynamics and competing interests among the executive team.
• Leading cross-functional collaboration and managing relationships with Legal, HR, Marketing, and IT.
• The role of the communications leader in ensuring **Board-Level Awareness** of reputation risk.

Unit 5: Leading in the Digital Age

Agility and Innovation
• Leading a geographically dispersed or hybrid communications team with inclusion and effective technology.
• Fostering a team environment that encourages digital innovation, experimentation, and learning new platforms.
• Developing the team's agility to respond to the 24/7 media cycle and rapid change.
• Strategies for managing team burnout, stress, and maintaining work-life balance in high-pressure roles.
• Benchmarking the communications function against industry best practices and global standards.