5 Giveaways That Internal Comms Roles Are Teams of One
Being an internal communication (IC) team of one has the power to excite or intimidate. Some are thrilled at the challenge for some of the reasons I highlighted in this previous blog. Others, perhaps those newer to the field, are less interested in a solo journey. Whether you’re looking for these opportunities or actively avoiding them, here are five things to watch out for in job descriptions:
Callout as first IC hire
Any job descriptions that explicitly state this is the first time ever they’re hiring an IC professional is a guaranteed giveaway that you’d be working alone. And likely for at least one to two years. Organizations that aren’t familiar with what an IC function does and its value may take time to build awareness, understanding, and buy-in. If you like being an IC pioneer, go ahead and apply.
Either incredibly brief or incredibly long job description
When organizations are new to hiring IC professionals or looking to replace one, they often swing one of two ways with the description: either keeping it so brief there’s little meat to it or throwing the kitchen sink at it. This isn’t a fail-safe indicator of a team of one though. You may have to apply and find out there is in fact a team—just not one that can create a well-written job description.
Single point of contact for everything IC
If the job description lists you as the sole contact for all IC needs across the organization, it’s a strong sign that you’ll be a team of one. For example, if it mentions “responsible for all internal communications, from strategy development to execution, across all company departments,” it implies that you’ll be handling everything yourself without additional IC team members.
Limited mention of a team or team collaboration
A job description that focuses heavily on individual tasks and responsibilities with minimal reference to working with or leading a team suggests you might be the only IC person in the organization. Look for phrases like “independent role” or “works autonomously with minimal supervision,” which can signal that you’ll be managing IC single-handedly.
Ambiguous reporting structure or leadership
When a job description lacks clarity on who you’ll be reporting to or how the role fits into the broader organizational structure, it’s often a sign you’ll be operating in isolation. If the description mentions a “matrixed reporting structure” or “collaborating with multiple teams” without specifying a clear line of authority, it might indicate that you’ll be the sole IC person without a dedicated support system.
Understanding these indicators can help you make an informed decision about whether a role as an IC team of one is right for you. While working solo can offer autonomy and the chance to make a significant impact, it also comes with challenges that require a high level of self-reliance and adaptability. If you recognize these signs in a job description and feel ready to embrace the opportunity, you might find it to be a rewarding journey. However, if you prefer the support and collaboration of a larger team, it’s worth considering roles where IC is more established. Whatever path you choose, knowing what to look for will help you align your career with your professional goals and preferences.
