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Communication Director Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

KIWA

Communications Director

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Communications Director About KIWA KIWA is a multiracial worker center, with roots in the Korean democracy movement and racial and economic justice movements of the U.S. We organize mostly Latino and ...

Housing California

Communications Director

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

As Communications Director, the incoming leader owns Housing CA's narrative and communications strategy end-to-end: setting the organization's voice, translating policy and legislative work into ...

CHIRLA

Deputy Director of Communications

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$85K - $91K/yr

Execute the implementation of projects, campaigns, and other effective communication strategies and report to the Communications Director on useful metrics. * Develop guidance and support, including ...

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Communication Director information

See California salary details

$34.5K

$100.9K

$167.8K

How much do communication director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for communication director in California is $100,918.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,000.00 and $124,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a communication director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Communication Director, you need expertise in strategic communication, media relations, brand messaging, and typically a degree in communications or a related field. Familiarity with content management systems, social media analytics tools, and public relations software is commonly required. Exceptional leadership, crisis management, and persuasive writing skills set standout professionals apart in this role. These skills ensure clear, consistent messaging and protect the organization's reputation across multiple channels.

Is a communication director a stressful job?

A communication director role can be stressful due to the need to manage multiple stakeholders, meet tight deadlines, and handle crisis communication. The job often requires strong organizational skills, adaptability, and the ability to work under pressure, especially during high-profile or sensitive situations.

What is the difference between Communication Director vs Public Relations Manager?

AspectCommunication DirectorPublic Relations Manager
CredentialsBachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, or related field; often advanced degreesBachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, or related field
Work EnvironmentCorporate offices, large organizations, or agenciesPublic relations firms, corporate communications departments
Industry UsageUsed across various industries for internal and external communication strategiesPrimarily in PR agencies and corporate settings managing media and public image
Primary FocusOverseeing overall communication strategies and messagingManaging media relations, press releases, and public image

The main difference between a Communication Director and a Public Relations Manager lies in scope and responsibilities. Communication Directors oversee all communication strategies within an organization, while Public Relations Managers focus specifically on media relations and public image management. Both roles require similar credentials and are vital in corporate communication efforts, but their focus areas differ based on organizational needs.

What are some common challenges communication directors face when managing messaging across multiple platforms?

Communication Directors often encounter the challenge of ensuring consistent messaging across diverse channels such as social media, press releases, internal communications, and public statements. Balancing the need for timely responses with accuracy and alignment to the organization's voice requires strong coordination among teams. Additionally, adapting messages for different audiences while maintaining brand integrity can be complex, especially during high-pressure or crisis situations. Effective cross-department collaboration and up-to-date knowledge of digital trends are essential to navigate these challenges successfully.

What does a communication director do?

A Communication Director is responsible for overseeing an organization’s internal and external communications. They develop and implement communication strategies, manage public relations campaigns, and ensure that messaging aligns with the organization's goals and values. Communication Directors often supervise a team, handle media relations, and may serve as the spokesperson for their organization. Their work helps to build and maintain a positive public image and effectively convey important information to stakeholders.
More about Communication Director jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Communication jobs in California? The most popular types of Communication jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Communication Director jobs? Cities in California with the most Communication Director job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Communication Director jobs in CA? For Communication Director jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Communication Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Communication Director job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,918 per year, or $48.5 per hour.

Communications Director

KIWA

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

Communications Director

About KIWA
KIWA is a multiracial worker center, with roots in the Korean democracy movement and racial and economic justice movements of the U.S. We organize mostly Latino and Korean workers in the retail and restaurant industries. Founded in 1992, the mission of KIWA is to build the power of immigrant workers and residents to transform our workplaces and communities, in Koreatown and beyond. Worker organizing is central to our theory of change. Our methods are workplace and community organizing, leadership development, policy innovation, civic engagement, affordable housing development, housing justice advocacy, services, and narrative and cultural change.


Overview

As a member of KIWA's Leadership Team, the Communications Director will develop and implement digital and traditional communications strategies for workplace and policy campaigns and for the organization. This includes strategic communications, campaign messaging, earned media, and narrative, graphic, and digital communications.

The Communications Director will be a central thought partner in strategic planning and the development of our organization. This role will work closely with other KIWA staff and with local and statewide partners.

As a full-time, exempt employee, the Communications Director will work standard business hours Monday-Friday, and may work weekends and/or early mornings or evenings as necessary. Occasional overnight travel is required.

Duties & Responsibilities

  • Lead KIWA's organizational communications strategy, including earned media and digital communications.
  • Collaborate and provide thought partnership across senior leadership and staff to design and lead campaign communications.
  • Manage consultants and junior staff (when hired) for communications work.
  • Support staff and worker leaders through media training, preparation, talking points development, and production of templates and materials for external communications on policies or campaigns.
  • Develop effective, platform-specific digital strategies and identify new systems and platforms as appropriate.
  • Create, manage and execute a calendar of KIWA's communications.
  • Cultivate, grow and steward relationships with earned media partners.
  • Ensure strong standards for design, messaging clarity, and cultural relevance.
  • Lead in development of materials for donor communications.


Qualifications

  • 6+ years of professional (e.g. full time, paid) communications experience, preferably in economic justice, labor, or community-based organizations.
  • Strong project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, vendors, and relationships.
  • Superlative skills in narrative. Proven success in developing effective messaging and voice.
  • Proven ability to effectively manage and coach others-consultants, staff, and/or interns.
  • Ability to build strong professional relationships and work effectively with diverse communities.
  • Experience developing and implementing communications strategies and detailed plans for organizations, campaigns, and programs, including traditional earned media.
  • Experience developing social media strategies including on Instagram and TikTok.
  • Ability to be creative and responsive in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to direct and assess design, photography, and video work produced by others.
  • Excellent writer with native-level fluency in English required; bilingual ability in Korean or Spanish a strong plus.
  • Driver's license and car.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Proficiency in Spanish or Korean languages
  • Working proficiency in design software and basic video editing.


Additional Information

Status: Full time, regular, at-will, exempt, in person

Salary Information: $100,000 - $120,000 annual

Work Schedule: 40 hours/week. Generally, Monday through Friday; may include some weeknights, early mornings, and weekends. Occasional travel.

Benefits: Employee healthcare, dental and vision plan; PTO and paid holidays; 403b retirement plan

Union: KIWA is a unionized workplace. This role is outside the bargaining unit.

To Apply

Click the link on the right to apply.

Start date: Immediately upon hire or as agreed.

Apply