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Communication Director Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

CGI Inc.

Internal Communications Director

Fairfax, VA · On-site

Internal Communications Director Category: Marketing Main location: United States, Virginia, Fairfax Alternate Location(s): United States, North Carolina, Charlotte United States, Georgia, Atlanta ...

RWE

External Communications Director

Washington, DC · On-site

Communications Remuneration: Exempt As the External Communications Director , you will lead the strategy, development, and execution of high-impact external communications that advance RWE ...

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All JobsCommunication JobsCommunication Director JobsCommunication Director Jobs in Reston, VA

Communication Director information

See Reston, VA salary details

$36.4K

$106.4K

$176.9K

How much do communication director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for communication director in Reston, VA is $106,383.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,000.00 and $131,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Communications Director do?

A Communications Director oversees an organization’s internal and external messaging, developing communication strategies, managing media relations, and ensuring consistent branding. They often coordinate with marketing, public relations, and executive teams, and may use tools like press releases, social media, and communication platforms to reach target audiences.

How much does a comms director earn?

The average salary for a communications director varies by location and experience but typically ranges from $80,000 to $180,000 annually. Senior roles with extensive experience or in large organizations can earn higher compensation, often including bonuses and benefits.

What skills do you need to be a Communications Director?

A Communications Director needs strong written and verbal communication skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to manage media relations and public messaging. Leadership, project management, and proficiency with communication tools and platforms are also essential for success in the role.

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.

What is the highest paying job in communication?

The highest paying roles in communication often include Chief Communications Officer (CCO) and Vice President of Communications, which typically require extensive experience, strategic leadership skills, and advanced degrees. These executive-level positions can offer salaries exceeding $150,000 annually, especially in large corporations or industries like technology, finance, and healthcare.

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 Reston, VA? The most popular types of Communication jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Communication Director jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Communication Director job openings:
Communication Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Communication Director job openings in Reston, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,383 per year, or $51.1 per hour.

Communications Director

Fairfax County Federation of Teachers (FCFT)

Springfield, VA • On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Status: Full-Time, Exempt, In Person (Field and in Office), Based in Northern Virginia, Non-Bargaining Unit Position

Reports to: FCFT President

Works closely with: Organizing Department, Representation Department, Political Director

About FCFT

FCFT is a labor union based in Northern Virginia representing the Operational and Instructional workers of Fairfax County Public Schools, including transportation workers, custodians, teachers, counselors, social workers, maintenance and trades staff, food service workers, and clerical staff. We are an organizing union focused on building worker power and engaging the community around well-funded and supported public schools.


Position Summary

The Communications Director works under the direction of FCFT's President and oversees and executes all internal and external communications. This role will lead multi-media and digital strategy to strengthen FCFT's public presence and brand, with a strong emphasis on lifting up workers' voices. Key areas of focus include social media, website management, digital and print communications, media relations, newsletters/email campaigns, short-form video production, and content creation.

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop and implement a comprehensive strategic communications plan for the organization targeting both internal and external audiences.
  • Develop and implement the organization's internal communications strategy including: drafting and issuing regular digital newsletters, urgent digital updates, mailings, flyers, and graphics; and maintaining accurate and updated lists for email and text communications.
  • Develop and implement the organization's external communications strategy including: managing and creating content for all social media platforms, maintaining and regularly updating the organization's website, and strategically engaging partner organizations and individuals.
  • Develop and implement the organization's media strategy including: developing and maintaining relationships with the media; serving as the primary point of contact with the press and responding to media inquiries; identifying strategic media opportunities; organizing public press events; writing and pitching targeted op-eds; issuing press releases and media advisories; and providing support to spokespeople for interviews, speaking engagements, and opinion writing.
  • Lead crisis communications planning and response, including rapid messaging and media engagement during high-pressure moments.
  • Design branded merchandise and manage the budgeting and ordering of merchandise, mailers, and posters.
  • Ensure high-quality, consistent, and creative content in all communications that centers members and aligns with FCFT's branding, mission, and goals.
  • Seek out members' stories and develop and promote narratives based on worker input, highlighting organizing activities and campaigns.
  • Bolster an affirming image of FCFT among internal and external stakeholders, while proactively combating negative anti-union or anti-public education narratives.
  • Coordinate with the President on messaging production and delivery and provide a monthly report to the Executive Board on meeting departmental and broader organizational goals.
  • Collaborate with other departments to support their communications needs as assigned.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

  • Minimum of five years experience in media, communications, and/or digital campaigns, ideally in labor organizing or political advocacy
  • Proficiency in graphic design (Photoshop, Illustrator, Canva, Adobe Express), video editing software (e.g., Adobe Premiere, Final Cut), social media video editing (reels)
  • Proficiency in web development and trouble shooting (Wix, Wordpress)
  • Very online, and highly fluent with social media platforms, trends, and content scheduling
  • Strong, fast, and accurate writer with an ability to center workers in messaging
  • Experience crafting speeches, op-eds, newsletters, and/or reports
  • Ability to integrate media strategy into organizing, political, or advocacy campaigns
  • Knowledge of local and/or digital media landscapes
  • Ability to work effectively with elected member leaders, staff, and community stakeholders in complex and sometimes politically sensitive environments
  • Ability to balance multiple projects, set priorities, and meet deadlines

Preferred Qualifications

  • Familiarity with Fairfax and Virginia education and political issues
  • Experience working with community partners and organizations
  • Labor and/or Capitol Hill experience
  • Experience in crisis communications
  • Multilingual proficiency

Salary and Benefits
The starting salary range for the position is $80,000 - $90,000, commensurate with experience. Benefits include paid health benefits including medical, dental, and vision; paid time off, phone stipend; and mileage and expense reimbursements. Employees are eligible to participate in the 401(k) retirement plan after six (6) months of employment; the organization will match employee contributions up to 6%.

How to Apply

Please submit:

  • A cover letter describing your interest in building worker power in Fairfax County Public Schools, including examples of organizing work or campaigns you've contributed to (and your role in those efforts)
  • Your resume
  • Three professional references
  • Three samples: one written (speech, testimony, press release, published work, etc.), one graphic design, and one video or website you've created


At FCFT,we value a diverse, inclusive workforce, and weprovide equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual's race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws. We welcome applicants with a range of experiences and encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet all qualifications listed.

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