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Communication Director Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Altimmune

Director, Communications

Gaithersburg, MD · Remote

The Director, Communications will develop and execute the company's corporate communications ... Coordinate the creation of a unified communication calendar to align efforts, key dates, and ...

Altimmune

Director, Communications

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

The Director, Communications will develop and execute the company's corporate communications ... Coordinate the creation of a unified communication calendar to align efforts, key dates, and ...

Talnt

Director of Communications

Gaithersburg, MD

$170K - $205K/yr

About the Role The Director, Communications will lead corporate communications strategy for a late ... Exceptional written and verbal communication skills. * Strong project management skills and ability ...

Hilton

Director, Communications Planning

Mclean, VA · On-site

As a Director, Communications Planning, you will support the team in increasing customer ... Translate strategy into communication frameworks * Partner cross-functionally within a highly ...

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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 May 31, 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 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 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.

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.

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
Director, Communications

Director, Communications

Water Environment Federation

Alexandria, VA • On-site

$115K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Location - Hybrid or Remote from these states (VA, DC, MD, PA, NC, FL, GA, NM, IL, OR, WA,
WV, MA, SD, MN, OK & AL)
Salary Range : $115,000 - $135,000
The Director of Communications is responsible for shaping, protecting, and amplifying the
Water Environment Federation's voice and reputation. This leader owns WEF's message
platform, executive communications, crisis and issues response, media relations, and internal
communications.
The Director of Communications ensures the organization communicates with clarity,
credibility, and consistency across all audiences - including members, media, policymakers,
partners, internal staff, and the Board of Trustees. Working collaboratively across the
Marcomm portfolio and the broader organization, this role strengthens WEF's presence as a
trusted authority in water and elevates the voices of its leadership.
The Director, Communications must thrive on initiative, problem solving, being agile, inclusive
and be a team player. The ideal candidate will have experience supporting a matrixed
organization and be eager to support WEF's mission. Candidates must be a self-starter with
motivation to work in a highly collaborative team to make a significant difference in the water
sector.
How This Position Contributes to the Team
Message Platform & Narrative Leadership
  • Own and maintain WEF's message platform, narrative architecture, and core talking points.
  • Ensure all internal and external communications are aligned to organizational strategy and brand voice.
  • Collaborate with Marketing to align messaging within organization-wide campaigns reaching membership and cross-WEF narratives.

Executive & Governance Communications
  • Lead executive communications for the senior leadership team, and key spokespeople.
  • Develop speeches, remarks, op-eds, talking points, and thought leadership content.
  • Manage Board of Trustees and governance communications, ensuring clarity, consistency, and alignment.

Media Relations & Press Office
  • Oversee proactive and reactive media strategy, including placement, press outreach, spokesperson preparation, and media training.
  • Build and maintain relationships with national, industry, and sector media.
  • Lead development of press materials, statements, and media briefings.

Crisis & Issues Communications
  • Serve as the lead strategist and operator for crisis and issues response.
  • Maintain and update crisis communications plans, scenario playbooks, and rapid response protocols.
  • Coordinate across departments and with leadership to ensure timely, accurate response and message discipline.

Internal Communications
  • Lead internal communications strategy and execution to strengthen alignment, transparency, and organizational culture.
  • Develop messaging, staff updates, leadership communications, and internal briefings.
  • Partner with HR, and department leaders on organizational announcements.

Content & Social Collaboration
  • Partner with Content Creation leaders to ensure editorial coherence and message alignment.
  • Lead WEF social media coordination to ensure consistent voice and reactive support where needed.

Team Leadership & Management
  • Manage direct reports and/or agency partners supporting media relations, editorial planning, and crisis/issue comms.
  • Provide steady leadership, coaching, and clear expectations during both calm and high-pressure periods.

Success Indicators
  • Measurable growth in media presence and message pull-through.
  • Continued evolution of a compelling WEF message platform.
  • Strong, consistent executive communications supporting WEF Strategic Plan.
  • Improved crisis readiness and response protocols.
  • Increased staff engagement and clarity through enhanced internal communications.

Requirements
  • BS or BA degree with 10+ years of progressively responsible communications leadership.
  • 5+ years of people leadership responsibility.
  • Proven experience in issues management, crisis communications, and media relations.
  • Strong writing, editing, and strategic messaging skills.
  • Experience supporting senior executives and governing boards.
  • Water sector experience a plus.
  • Ability to manage complex, sensitive issues with discretion and strong judgment.
  • Collaborative leadership style with ability to influence across departments.
  • Ability to travel approximately 20 - 25% of the year to attend WEF events and industry conferences.

Leadership Attributes
  • Exceptional communicator with strong editorial instincts.
  • Calm, steady presence during fast-moving issues or uncertainty.
  • High judgment, strong integrity, and trusted advisor mindset.
  • Relationship-builder with strong diplomatic skills.
  • Commitment to WEF's mission, values, and member-focused communication.

At WEF, we are committed to an interview experience that is authentic, transparent, and equitable. Candidates are asked to answer interview questions in their own words, without real-time AI assistance, so we can fairly assess individual experiences, skills and qualifications.
To support a genuine interview experience, WEF's interviewers also refrain from using AI tools during live interviews. If a candidate's responses appear inconsistent or suggest outside assistance, WEF's interviewers may pause to clarify or adjust the interview to maintain fairness for all candidates.
These measures are not intended to be punitive; rather, they aim to ensure a consistent evaluation process that aligns to WEF's cultural and ethical principles.
WEF is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the
basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy,
age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any
other characteristic protected by law.

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