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Communications Director Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

CGI Inc.

Internal Communications Director

Fairfax, VA · On-site

Internal Communications Director Category: Communications & Investor Relations Main location: United States, Virginia, Fairfax Position ID:J0726-1282 Employment Type: Full Time Position Description:

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 ...

Dechert LLP

Global Communications Director

Washington, DC · On-site

$340K - $380K/yr

The Global Communications Director develops and implements comprehensive strategic communications programs and multi-channel campaigns to elevate the Dechert brand internally and externally ...

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All JobsCommunications JobsCommunications Director JobsCommunications Director Jobs in Reston, VA

Communications Director information

See Reston, VA salary details

$36.4K

$106.4K

$176.9K

How much do communications director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for communications 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 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.

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 does a director of communications do?

A director of communications develops and implements an organization’s communication strategies, manages public relations, oversees media relations, and ensures consistent messaging across channels. They often lead a team, coordinate with other departments, and utilize tools like press releases, social media, and internal communications to enhance the organization’s reputation.

What are the highest paying comms jobs?

Senior-level communications roles such as Vice President of Communications, Chief Communications Officer, and Director of Corporate Communications tend to have the highest salaries in the field. These positions often require extensive experience, strategic skills, and leadership abilities, with compensation varying based on industry and organization size.

How much does a comms director earn?

The average salary for a communications director varies by experience and location but typically ranges from $70,000 to $150,000 annually. Senior roles with extensive experience or in large organizations can earn higher compensation, often including bonuses and benefits.

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

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.

Is PR a high paying career?

Public Relations (PR) professionals, including those in senior roles like Communications Directors, can earn high salaries, especially with experience and in large organizations or industries such as technology, finance, or healthcare. Salaries vary widely based on location, company size, and individual skills, with top executives earning six-figure incomes or more.
More about Communications Director jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Communications jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Communications jobs in Reston, VA are:
What job categories do people searching Communications Director jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Communications Director jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Communications Director jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Communications Director job openings:
Communications Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Communications Director job openings in Reston, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% 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 27 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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