The Office of Communications

Abstract

The Office of Communications is front and center in the White House effort to publicize the president and his policies. The importance of presidential communications can be seen in the manner in which the topic drives the agenda of daily staff meetings, the size of the commitment to it of White House and administration resources and people, and the way the function has insinuated itself into the operations of almost every White House office. While most White House offices are defined by the functions that come with the unit, the communications director's position is defined by his or her relationships with officials working inside and outside of the White House, including the president, the chief of staff, the press secretary, and officials in departments and agencies. There are three basic models for communications directors as they manage their operations: advocate with the press, strategist and planner, and events coordinator. At its minimum, the job entails events management, but its larger role is defining the message and strategic plan of a presidency.