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Communications Director Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

U.S. Navy

DESIGN & COMMUNICATION MANAGER

Geneseo, NY

ABOUT As a Mass Communication Specialist, it's your job to tell our story. Use your creativity to educate and inform the public about the achievements of Sailors in America's Navy. Travel the world ...

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Communications Director information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$34.5K

$100.9K

$167.8K

How much do communications director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for communications director in Rochester, NY is $100,939.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,000.00 and $124,400.00 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 Rochester, NY?

The most popular types of Communications jobs in Rochester, NY are:

What are popular job titles related to Communications Director jobs in Rochester, NY?

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

What job categories do people searching Communications Director jobs in Rochester, NY look for?

The top searched job categories for Communications Director jobs in Rochester, NY are:

What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Communications Director jobs?

Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Communications Director job openings:

Communications Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Communications Director job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,939 per year, or $48.5 per hour.

Director of Marketing and Communications

Seneca Park Zoo Society

Rochester, NY • On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Director of Marketing and Communications
Direct Supervisor: President & CEO
FLSA Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Salary Range: $80,000 - $95,000
Working Hours: Standard business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. As a senior leadership role, the Director of Marketing and Communications is expected to maintain flexibility to support evening and weekend events, early morning media opportunities, and other organizational needs as required.
Position Summary
Seneca Park Zoo Society is seeking an innovative, strategic, and results-driven Director of Marketing and Communications to help lead the organization through a historic period of growth, including the launch of a next-generation Tropics Center that will set a new standard for excellence.
This is a unique opportunity to shape and elevate the Zoo's brand, marketing, communications, and audience engagement strategies as Seneca Park Zoo expands its impact and visibility. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in positioning the Zoo as a premier regional destination and a globally recognized leader in wildlife conservation, education, and community engagement.
Reporting directly to the President & CEO, the Director of Marketing and Communications will develop and execute integrated marketing, communications, public relations, and brand strategies that strengthen awareness, deepen audience engagement, increase visitation, and drive earned revenue. The ideal candidate combines strategic vision with data-driven decision-making and brings expertise in audience analytics, consumer insights, market research, digital marketing, and brand management. This leader will leverage data and emerging trends to identify opportunities, optimize performance, and deliver measurable results that support the Zoo's mission and long-term growth objectives.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Organizational Management
  • Lead, develop, and inspire the Marketing, Communications, and Membership teams to achieve organizational goals and advance the Zoo Society's mission.
  • Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, accountability, and data-driven decision making.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with board of trustee members, community leaders, organizations, vendors, and stakeholders to expand and diversify the Zoo's audiences and community impact.
  • Develop and facilitate a Marketing/PR committee with to include board trustees.
  • Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships that enhance the Zoo's visibility, relevance, and value throughout the region.
  • Collaborate closely with the Resource Development and Learning & Engagement teams to support fundraising campaigns, special events, donor communications, and audience engagement initiatives.
  • Serve as a strategic advisor to the President & CEO on communications, public messaging, and issues with potential external impact.
  • Demonstrate sound judgment and effective problem solving in both routine and high-profile situations, maintaining composure under pressure.
  • Champion the organization's commitment to leveraging audience insights, market research, and performance data to guide strategy and decision making.
  • Serve as the steward of the Seneca Park Zoo brand, ensuring consistency and excellence across all communications and marketing materials.
  • Support departments across the organization in creating engaging, mission-aligned, and brand-consistent experiences.
  • Manage relationships with external vendors, agencies, printers, and service providers, ensuring exceptional quality, value, and return on investment.

Marketing & Communications
  • Develop and execute a comprehensive marketing, communications, public relations, and brand strategy that advances organizational priorities and drives measurable results.
  • Development and implementation of a five-year PR strategy in alignment with the Zoo Society's Long-Range Plan
  • Lead integrated marketing campaigns that increase attendance, membership, event participation, community engagement, and revenue growth.
  • Oversee the development of compelling content and communications across print, digital, social media, web, email, video, and other channels.
  • Direct the creation and execution of the Zoo-wide marketing plan, leveraging owned, earned, paid, and shared media to strengthen brand awareness and audience engagement.
  • Expand the Zoo's reach by identifying and engaging new and diverse audiences throughout the region and beyond.
  • Guide media relations strategy and cultivate strong relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets.
  • Elevate the visibility and reputation of Seneca Park Zoo Society through proactive storytelling, thought leadership, and strategic public relations efforts.
  • Ensure timely and effective communication with internal and external stakeholders regarding organizational priorities, initiatives, conservation efforts, programs, and achievements.

Membership Strategy & Growth
  • Provide strategic leadership for membership acquisition, retention, engagement, and stewardship efforts.
  • Enhance the overall member experience and ensure membership considerations are integrated into programs, events, exhibits, and educational offerings.
  • Partners across departments position membership as a key component of visitor engagement and organizational sustainability.
  • Meet or exceed annual membership growth and revenue targets.

Strategic Partnership with Monroe County
  • Maintain a highly collaborative and productive partnership with Monroe County leadership and communications teams.
  • In partnership with County Communications, oversee crisis communication planning, preparedness, and response.
  • Collaborate with County partners to strengthen community, governmental, and neighborhood relationships through proactive engagement and communication strategies.

Analytics, Research & Evaluation
  • Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for marketing, communications, membership, and audience engagement efforts.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of campaigns, programs, and initiatives and use insights to continuously improve performance and return on investment.
  • Lead the development and application of audience, market, and consumer research to inform organizational decision making and strategic planning.
  • Partner with the Director of Program Evaluation and Audience Research to assess mission impact, audience engagement, visitor satisfaction, and revenue outcomes.

Supervisory Responsibilities
The Director of Marketing and Communications provides leadership, coaching, performance management, and professional development for the following positions:
  • Membership Manager
  • Communications Coordinator
  • Visual Designer
  • Office Assistant and Reception Team

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Business, or a related field.
  • Eight (8) or more years of progressively responsible experience in marketing, communications, public relations, membership, or audience development.
  • Minimum of three (3) years of experience leading and developing high-performing teams.
  • Demonstrated success developing and executing integrated marketing and communications strategies that drive measurable business results.
  • Experience managing budgets, allocating resources, and evaluating return on investment.
  • Proven ability to build collaborative relationships with boards, volunteers, executives, community leaders, and external partners.
  • Strong track record of leading, motivating, coaching, and holding staff accountable for achieving goals.
  • Experience managing media relations, public relations initiatives, and crisis communications.
  • Exceptional written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Strong analytical and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously.
  • Demonstrated ability to make data-informed decisions and leverage audience insights to improve outcomes.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience using Marketing Cloud
  • Salesforce experience
  • Experience working for non-profit organization a plus.

Salary and Benefits: This is a full-time, exempt position. Annual salary range is $80,000 - $95,000 commensurate with experience. Some of the benefits available include health insurance plans, HSA, FSA, life insurance, long term disability insurance, dental, vision, 403B retirement plan, holiday, personal, birthday, and sick time benefits.
Seneca Park Zoo Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

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