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Communications Director Jobs in Rochester, MI (NOW HIRING)

Faurecia

Communications Manager Level 1

Detroit, MI · On-site

Manage regional communication channels, social media, and content to increase engagement and employer attractiveness. * Coordinate media relations with corporate communications and prepare external ...

Faurecia

Communications Manager Level 1

Detroit, MI

Manage regional communication channels, social media, and content to increase engagement and employer attractiveness. Coordinate media relations with corporate communications and prepare external ...

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All JobsCommunications JobsCommunications Director JobsCommunications Director Jobs in Rochester, MI

Communications Director information

See Rochester, MI salary details

$32.2K

$94.1K

$156.5K

How much do communications director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for communications director in Rochester, MI is $94,122.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,100.00 and $116,000.00 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.

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 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.
More about Communications Director jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Communications jobs in Rochester, MI? The most popular types of Communications jobs in Rochester, MI are:
What job categories do people searching Communications Director jobs in Rochester, MI look for? The top searched job categories for Communications Director jobs in Rochester, MI are:
What cities near Rochester, MI are hiring for Communications Director jobs? Cities near Rochester, MI with the most Communications Director job openings:
Communications Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Communications Director job openings in Rochester, MI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 11% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,122 per year, or $45.3 per hour.

Director of External Affairs & Communications

Michigan Community Resources

Detroit, MI • On-site

$80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

About Michigan Community Resources:
Michigan Community Resources (MCR) is a statewide nonprofit organization that seeks to build strong communities through strong organizations, strong leaders, and a strong nonprofit network. Since 1998, we have equipped nonprofit organizations serving income-diverse communities with the tools, resources, training, and consulting they need to do their best work.
Joining the MCR Team:
We are lawyers, community organizers, artists, writers, activists, advocates, people connectors, and more who share a fierce passion for Detroit and Michigan. We bring experience from across the globe to serve our clients. We value a positive internal team culture that is supportive and encouraging. We promote a healthy work life balance that supports our team members in centering life outside of work. We welcome energetic and innovative thought leaders to apply.
Purpose of the Role:
Michigan Community Resources (MCR) seeks a strategic and visionary Director of External Affairs & Communications to lead the organization's external positioning, communications strategy, and public engagement. This role will shape how MCR is understood by nonprofit leaders, funders, public officials, partners, and the broader community, ensuring that our voice, brand, and communications consistently advance our mission and long-term strategic priorities.
The Director will develop and lead an integrated external affairs strategy that strengthens MCR's reputation, expands its influence, elevates the organization's thought leadership, and supports fundraising, partnership development, and programmatic growth. The successful candidate is an exceptional strategist, communicator, and relationship builder who thrives at connecting organizational priorities with compelling narratives and meaningful stakeholder engagement.
The Director will steward MCR's voice not only as an organization, but as a trusted intermediary helping shape how our stakeholders understand what thriving nonprofit ecosystems require. This individual will lead communications that move beyond promoting MCR's work to influencing the broader conversation about community power, nonprofit capacity, and systems transformation. Working across the organization and with external partners, this individual will identify opportunities to elevate shared narratives, challenge outdated assumptions, and position MCR as a leading voice advancing a stronger, more resilient nonprofit sector.
Specific Responsibilities Include:
External Affairs & Organizational Positioning
  • Develop and implement an organization-wide external affairs and communications strategy aligned with MCR's strategic plan
  • Serve as a strategic advisor to the Co-CEOs and senior leadership on organizational messaging, public positioning, and reputation management
  • Identify opportunities to elevate MCR's visibility through partnerships, speaking engagements, media, publications, and sector leadership
  • Cultivate relationships with philanthropic, nonprofit, government, and community partners that advance MCR's mission and strategic priorities
  • Monitor emerging issues affecting the nonprofit sector and recommend communications strategies that position MCR as a trusted thought leader

Strategic Communications & Brand Strategy
  • Lead the development of organization-wide messaging and narrative frameworks that ensure consistency across all audiences and communications
  • Devise and implement marketing strategies that promote programs, initiatives, and organizational impact
  • Provide strategic oversight of MCR's website, digital communications, social media, newsletters
  • Ensure storytelling authentically reflects the experiences of nonprofit partners and communities while advancing MCR's mission
  • Help position MCR for strategic funding opportunities through strong external messaging and organizational visibility
  • Establish metrics to evaluate communications performance

Leadership and Organizational Support
  • Supervise interns, fellows, and volunteers as needed
  • Manage external consultants, designers, writers, and communications vendors
  • Build communications capacity across the organization by coaching staff and strengthening internal communications practices
  • Maintain regular, predictable attendance
  • Ability to work flexible hours, including limited evenings and/or weekends
  • Ability to work a hybrid schedule, with in-person days and events typically located in Detroit, MI
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Qualifications:
  • Experience leading communications during periods of organizational growth or change
  • Experience developing narrative change, thought leadership, public engagement, or issue-based communications strategies that influence audiences beyond traditional marketing
  • Experience cultivating relationships with philanthropic, nonprofit, government, media, and community partners
  • Strong understanding of brand strategy, media relations, digital communications and websites, and graphic design
  • Experience with Adobe Creative Suite and basic website management
  • Commitment to equity, community-centered communications, and strengthening the nonprofit sector

Preferred Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, or related field
  • 5+ years of similar work experience, especially nonprofit communications
  • Experience with software tools for managing client interactions and maintaining client records, like Airtable, HubSpot, and SharePoint

Salary & Benefits:
Starting at $80,000 and may be adjusted according to qualifications and experience
We are extraordinarily proud of the benefits package we offer our employees. PTO includes generous vacation and sick leave, company holidays, and regular Mental Health Fridays. We have competitive health, dental, and vision benefits, and an employer sponsored 403(b) retirement plan.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
Michigan Community Resources is an equal opportunity employer.

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