ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Communications Director Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

First Descents

Communications Director

Denver, CO · On-site

$73 - $83/hr

The Communications Director leads an integrated communications strategy that strengthens the First Descents brand, expands national awareness and advances fundraising and organizational growth.

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsCommunications JobsCommunications Director JobsCommunications Director Jobs in Colorado

Communications Director information

See Colorado salary details

$36.8K

$107.5K

$178.8K

How much do communications director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for communications director in Colorado is $107,525.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,800.00 and $132,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a communications director do?

A Communications Director oversees an organization's internal and external communication strategies to ensure consistent messaging and brand representation. They manage public relations, media inquiries, and often supervise a team responsible for content creation, social media, and crisis communication. Their role is crucial in shaping how the public perceives the organization and in managing its reputation. Communications Directors typically collaborate with executive leadership to align messaging with organizational goals and may also handle speechwriting, press releases, and stakeholder engagement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a communications director?

To thrive as a Communications Director, you need expertise in strategic communication, media relations, and brand management, often supported by a degree in communications, public relations, or a related field. Familiarity with digital marketing platforms, content management systems, and analytics tools is typically required. Outstanding written and verbal communication, leadership, and crisis management abilities help professionals excel in this role. These skills are vital for shaping public perception, ensuring consistent messaging, and effectively promoting organizational goals.

What are the most common challenges faced by a communications director in managing both internal and external messaging?

A Communications Director often faces the challenge of maintaining consistent messaging across various channels while adapting content to suit different audiences. Balancing the needs of internal stakeholders, such as executives and employees, with the expectations of external audiences, including media and the public, requires strong coordination and adaptability. Additionally, responding quickly and effectively during a crisis or unexpected event is a key responsibility, demanding preparedness and excellent judgment. Effective collaboration with marketing, public relations, and leadership teams is essential to ensure alignment and achieve organizational goals.

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

AspectCommunications DirectorPublic Relations Manager
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, or related field; often advanced degrees preferredBachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, or related field
Work EnvironmentStrategic leadership in organizations, overseeing internal and external messagingManaging media relations, press releases, and public image campaigns
Employer & Industry UsageCorporations, nonprofits, government agenciesPublic relations firms, corporate communications departments
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding leadership roles in communicationFocus on media relations and public image management

The Communications Director typically holds a strategic leadership role, overseeing all communication efforts within an organization, including internal and external messaging. In contrast, a Public Relations Manager primarily focuses on managing media relations and public image campaigns. While both roles require strong communication skills and relevant credentials, the Communications Director has broader responsibilities and a higher level of strategic oversight.

Is a communications director a stressful job?

A communications director often faces high-pressure situations, tight deadlines, and the need to manage multiple stakeholders, which can contribute to stress. The role requires strong communication skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to handle crises, making it potentially demanding but also rewarding for those with resilience and organizational skills.

What does a communications director make?

A communications director's salary varies based on experience, industry, and location, but typically ranges from $70,000 to over $150,000 annually. They often receive additional benefits such as bonuses, health insurance, and retirement plans, and may need strong skills in media relations, strategic planning, and content creation.
More about Communications Director jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Communications jobs in Colorado?

The most popular types of Communications jobs in Colorado are:

What are popular job titles related to Communications Director jobs in Colorado?

For Communications Director jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Communications Director jobs in Colorado look for?

The top searched job categories for Communications Director jobs in Colorado are:

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Communications Director jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Communications Director job openings:

Communications Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Communications Director job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,525 per year, or $51.7 per hour.

Communications Director

First Descents

Denver, CO • On-site

$73 - $83/hr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

First Descents (FD) is a nonprofit that provides life-changing outdoor adventures for young adults (ages 18-45) impacted by cancer and other serious health conditions. We believe in the healing power of adventure to build courage, foster belonging and inspire wellbeing.

The Communications Director leads an integrated communications strategy that strengthens the First Descents brand, expands national awareness and advances fundraising and organizational growth. Positioned within the Advancement team and reporting to the Vice President of Advancement, the Communications Director partners across the organization to ensure that communications support donor engagement, participant recruitment, alumni connection, corporate partnerships and mission delivery.

This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for brand strategy, organizational storytelling, public relations, digital engagement, executive communications and the management of communications staff and creative partners. The Communications Director translates participant experiences, program outcomes and organizational learning into authentic and compelling stories that move people to act.

Primary Responsibilities Summary
  • Serve as steward of the First Descents brand, voice, and messaging across all channels and units.
  • Develop and execute an annual integrated communications strategy aligned with organizational and Advancement priorities.
  • Establish messaging frameworks for donors, participants, alumni, partners, media and other key audiences.
  • Maintain brand standards and support staff in applying them consistently.
Storytelling and Content
  • Lead an organization-wide storytelling and editorial strategy.
  • Build a consistent pipeline of participant, alumni, donor, staff and partner stories
  • Produce and oversee written, visual and multimedia content
  • Translate program outcomes, research, and organizational learning into clear, credible and emotionally resonant communications
  • Ensure stories are gathered and shared ethically, with appropriate consent and sensitivity.
Fundraising and Partnership Activations
  • Partner with the Advancement team to develop communications and decks for major gifts, annual giving, year-end giving, planned giving, capital initiatives, stewardship and donor impact reporting.
  • Create communications strategies and materials that support fundraising and cultivation events.
  • Provide messaging, stories and impact language for foundation proposals.
  • Develop communications materials that support corporate prospecting, sponsorship activation, cause-marketing campaigns, product collaborations and employee engagement.
  • Support online fundraising campaigns in collaboration with Advancement colleagues.
  • Serve as a primary point of contact and activator for marquee fundraising events.
Digital Communications
  • Lead the strategy, content and performance of First Descents’ website, email, social media and other owned digital channels.
  • Oversee the editorial calendar and coordinate digital campaigns across organizational priorities.
  • Use audience insights, analytics and testing to improve engagement and conversion.
  • Partner with internal staff, vendors and technology providers to maintain and improve digital platforms.
Secondary Responsibilities Executive Communications
  • Support communications for board meetings and major organizational announcements.
  • Develop executive communications, including talking points, presentations, speeches, opinion pieces and social-media content.
  • Partner with organizational leaders on internal communications that strengthen alignment and staff understanding.
  • Maintain crisis communications protocols and serve as a communications lead during sensitive or rapidly evolving situations.
  • Supervision of Marketing and Events Coordinator.
  • Manage relationships with graphic designers, freelance writers, photographers, videographers, and PR agencies.
Other
  • Manage budget and performance plans for all marketing and communications functions with oversight from the VP of Advancement.
  • Utilize emerging AI technologies to improve output and productivity.
  • Other duties and projects as assigned.
Qualifications Required
  • Six or more years of progressive experience in strategic communications, public relations, journalism, marketing or a related field.
  • Exceptional writing, editing and verbal communication skills.
  • Demonstrated experience developing integrated communications strategies.
  • Experience producing donor-centered or mission-centered communications.
  • Experience managing staff, agencies, freelancers and creative vendors.
  • Strong understanding of digital communications, audience engagement and performance analytics.
  • Understands donor audiences and the role communications plays in building trust, engagement and long-term philanthropic relationships.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and collaborate across departments.
Preferred
  • Experience in a nonprofit, oncology healthcare, outdoor recreation or mission-driven organization.
  • Familiarity with Salesforce, Account Engagement/Pardot, GA4 and WordPress.
  • Experience with crisis and executive communications.
  • Competence with Adobe Creative Suite and Canva.
  • Demonstrated success securing earned media coverage.
  • Understanding of AI impacts and activating appropriate usage.
  • Experience communicating research, health information or program impact.
Desired Characteristics
  • Strategic thinker who is equally comfortable setting direction and executing high-quality work.
  • Collaborative relationship builder who can align varied perspectives.
  • Creative and curious communicator who approaches participant stories with humility and care.
  • Calm and thoughtful leader in fast-moving or sensitive situations.
  • Data-informed practitioner committed to learning and continuous improvement.
  • Genuine connection to outdoor recreation, health, healing or mission-driven work.

This is a full-time, exempt position based at our headquarters in Denver, CO. The position will be a hybrid of office/remote work with the expectation of being in the office at least two days per week. Occasional evening and weekend work and travel are required.

We offer competitive health benefits, 4% employer retirement matching, 25 days of PTO annually, paid parental leave, an annual professional development stipend, monthly health and wellness stipend, staff retreats and outings and trips to our programs to experience FD’s work first‑hand.

First Descents prides itself on being an inclusive community with an ongoing commitment to justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI). We know that cancer and other serious health conditions do not discriminate, and we are dedicated to serving all categories of identity. Our programs use the healing power of adventure to build supportive networks and ignite the Out Living It spirit.

The salary range for this position is $73,000-$83,000.

First Descents is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, caregiver status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

Who referred you to this position? Enter their first and last name here.

Do you have a valid driver's license? *

Are you 18 years of age or older? *

The following questions are entirely optional. To comply with government Equal Employment Opportunity and/or Affid. ... Learn more .

#J-18808-Ljbffr

Apply