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Communication Director Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

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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 Jul 14, 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.
Director, Federal Advocacy - Communications

Director, Federal Advocacy - Communications

American Cancer Society

Washington, DC

$130K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago

American Cancer Society rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

139th of 707 rated non-profit organizations

Job description

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is the nation's leading cancer advocacy organization. Together with our charitable partner, the American Cancer Society, we work in Congress, state legislatures and local jurisdictions to support evidence-based policy and legislative solutions designed to eliminate cancer as a major health problem.

The Director, Federal Advocacy, serves as the advocacy communications lead for ACS CAN's Federal Advocacy & Coalitions team working in close coordination with the advocacy communications team and across functions to drive integrated communications that advance our federal legislative and regulatory priorities. This role combines strategic communications leadership with federal lobbying and coalition work, translating complex policy issues into compelling narratives that influence policymakers, engage key stakeholders, and elevate the organization's profile. The Director advocates for evidence-based public policy with the goal of reducing the cancer burden and serves as a principal registered federal lobbyist on an assigned portfolio of issues before Congress and the Administration.

**This is a hybrid role. The ideal candidate needs to live within a reasonable commute to Washington DC**

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Leads strategic communications planning and execution for federal advocacy team coordinating closely with the media team and across digital, field and coalition functions to advance federal priorities and engage stakeholders. (60%)
  • Draft and edit high-quality, advocacy content including, talking points, newsletters, emails, internal and external presentations, letters, briefing materials and digital content as necessary and other communications.
  • Utilize public opinion research (polling focus groups, surveys, analytics) to identify and inform the most effective framing, narratives and calls to action for federal lawmaker and policymaker audiences.
  • Translate research insights into clear messages, framework, talking points and creative content that can be leveraged across functions including media, digital, paid, field, and coalition partners.
  • Represents ACS CAN before members of Congress and Congressional staff, Executive Branch/Administrative Agency personnel, coalition partners, and others to advance federal legislative and regulatory priorities.(30%)
  • Supports volunteer development and engagement, donor engagement, and ACS CAN and ACSand events as necessary.(10%)

EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Minimum Degree Preferred: Bachelor's Degree
  • Bachelor's degree in communications, political science, public policy, journalism or related field. Advanced degree is a plus.
  • A minimum of 7-10 years of professional experience required, including extensive communications and federal legislative and/or advocacy experience.
  • Capitol Hill or Administration experience strongly preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITY:

  • Demonstrated success in developing and executing strategic communications that support policy change or issue advocacy.
  • Exceptional communication skills including writing and editing and presentation skills with the ability to translate complex policy issues into clear, persuasive messages for a variety of audiences.
  • Strong experience in message development, including use of polling, focus groups, and analytics to inform advocacy strategy.
  • Self-directed, collaborative, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced advocacy environment with a strong understanding of the health care media, political, and grassroots landscape.
  • Strong experience with audience understanding, data literacy, visual communication, basic design principles and tool fluency and adaptability. Expertise in utilizing applications such as Canva, Constant Contact, Quorum, or Mailchimp; and social media platforms and analytics.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Some travel required.
The starting rate is $130,000- $150,000. The final candidate's relevant experience/skills will be considered before an offer is extended. Actual starting pay will vary based on non-discriminatory factors including, but not limited to, geographic location, experience, skills, specialty, and education.

ACS CAN provides staff a generous paid time off policy; medical, dental, retirement benefits, wellness programs, and professional development programs to enhance staff skills. Further details on our benefits can be found on our careers site at: jobs.cancer.org/benefits. We are a proud equal opportunity employer.

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