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Communications Major Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Roanoke College

Major Gifts Officer

Salem, VA · On-site

$71K - $100K/yr

Excellent verbal and written communication aptitude * Requires proficient computer, database ... Major Gift Officer. You may view the position prospectus or submit an application via this link:

Roanoke College

Major Gifts Officer

Salem, VA · On-site

$69K - $90K/yr

Excellent verbal and written communication aptitude * Requires proficient computer, database ... Major Gift Officer. You may view the position prospectus or submit an application via this link:

Fishbowl, Inc.

Major Account Executive

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$80 - $90/hr

Fishbowl Major Account Executive Remote Full time At the center of every remarkable experience is ... Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas ...

Wlu

Major Gifts Officer

Lexington, VA · On-site

$99K - $118K/yr

Major Gifts Officers (MGO) report to the Director of Leadership Giving and are responsible for ... Must be a passionate, high-energy individual with outstanding skills in management, communication ...

Old Dominion University

Major Gift Officer

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$69K - $90K/yr

Posting Details Posting Details Job Title Major Gift Officer Department OFFICE OF DEVELOPMENT-C/W ... Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills. Detail oriented with ability to ...

Amherst College

Senior Major Gift Officer

Amherst, VA · On-site

$120K - $130K/yr

The Senior Major Gift Officer is a full-time, year-round position. The expected salary range for ... They build trust-based partnerships with donors, communicate institutional priorities clearly and ...

Red Edge

Communications Intern

Arlington, VA

$17.25 - $23/hr

... major trade associations, political parties, charities, and more. Located near the Courthouse Metro stop in Arlington, find out more at www.rededge.com. Employment Type: OTHER

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All JobsCommunications Major JobsCommunications Major Jobs in Virginia

Communications Major information

See Virginia salary details

$30.7K

$72.2K

$246.4K

How much do communications major jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for communications major in Virginia is $72,202.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,600.00 and $72,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What can I do with a communications major?

A Communications major opens up a wide range of career opportunities in fields such as public relations, marketing, journalism, advertising, corporate communications, and media production. Graduates often work as public relations specialists, communications coordinators, content writers, social media managers, or broadcast journalists. The skills learned, such as effective writing, public speaking, and strategic messaging, are highly valued in many industries. Additionally, a Communications major can provide a strong foundation for graduate studies or specialized training in related areas.

How can I get a job as a communications major?

The primary qualifications for getting a job as a communications major are your college degree and some experience working with an aspect of communications. Many people use internships to get experience in areas like journalism or public relations before applying for a full-time job. A bachelor's degree is enough for most roles, but senior-level positions may require a master's degree. It is possible to get a doctorate in communications, but this is more than necessary for most positions outside of academia and research. Fulfilling the responsibilities and duties of a communications major requires research skills, speaking skills, creativity, and flexibility.

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

To thrive as a Communications Major, you need strong writing, public speaking, and media literacy skills, typically supported by coursework or a degree in communications or a related field. Familiarity with digital media tools, social media platforms, and content management systems is often expected. Creativity, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills set individuals apart in this field. These competencies are vital for crafting compelling messages, engaging diverse audiences, and succeeding in today's fast-evolving media landscape.

What types of entry-level positions are commonly available to communications majors, and how do these roles support long-term career growth?

Communications majors often start their careers in entry-level roles such as public relations assistant, marketing coordinator, content writer, or social media specialist. These positions provide hands-on experience with crafting messages, managing media channels, and engaging diverse audiences. Early exposure to cross-functional teamwork and project management skills helps build a strong foundation for advancement into roles like communications manager or director. Proactive involvement in various projects and continuous skill development are key for career growth in the communications field.

What is the difference between Communications Major vs Public Relations Specialist?

AspectCommunications MajorPublic Relations Specialist
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in communications, media, or related fieldBachelor's degree in communications, public relations, or related field; certifications like APR (Accredited in Public Relations) are common
Work EnvironmentClassroom, media organizations, corporate communication departmentsPublic relations firms, corporate communication teams, media outlets
Industry UsageEducational background for various communication rolesSpecific role focused on managing public image and media relations

While a Communications Major provides foundational knowledge applicable to many communication roles, a Public Relations Specialist focuses specifically on managing an organization's public image and media relations. The major prepares students for diverse careers, whereas the specialist role involves targeted PR strategies and media interactions.

Is a communications major useful?

A communications major prepares students for careers in fields such as public relations, media, advertising, and corporate communication. It develops skills in writing, speaking, and digital media, which are valuable across many industries. The degree can lead to diverse job opportunities, often requiring strong interpersonal and technical skills.

What sort of jobs can you get with a communications major?

A communications major can pursue careers such as public relations specialist, marketing coordinator, media planner, corporate communications manager, or content creator. These roles often require strong writing, verbal skills, and familiarity with media tools and platforms.
More about Communications Major jobs

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

The most popular types of Communications Major jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Communications Major jobs in Virginia?

For Communications Major jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Communications Major jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Communications Major jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Communications Major jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Communications Major job openings:

Communications Major jobs near you
Infographic showing various Communications Major job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 8% Internship, 79% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,202 per year, or $34.7 per hour.

Major Gifts Officer

Roanoke College

Salem, VA • On-site

$71K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Roanoke College rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

504th of 627 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Job Description
About Roanoke College
Roanoke College is a place where every student who works hard has the opportunity to succeed. We champion potential, providing essential learning and leadership through innovative academic programs and transformative educational experiences, giving students the mettle, mindset, and empathy to pursue lives of purpose, build meaningful careers, and meet society's most pressing needs. Located in scenic Salem, Virginia, Roanoke College is an intimate, welcoming community that has served the local region and beyond for nearly 200 years. Now, we're building on momentum and offering a Roanoke experience for today's students and a legacy that belongs to every Maroon. Learn about the College's new strategic plan, Imagine Roanoke: A Strategic Plan for Roanoke College and the 21st Century Learner.
Roanoke College is a nationally ranked residential liberal arts college affiliated with the Lutheran Church (ELCA), located in the beautiful Roanoke Valley of Virginia. A Phi Beta Kappa institution, Roanoke College is an equal opportunity employer and actively seeks diversity among its faculty, staff, and students; women and members of under-represented groups are especially encouraged to apply.
Roanoke College has partnered with Aspen Leadership Group in the search for a Major Gift Officer. You may view the position prospectus or submit an application via this link: https://opportunities.aspenleadershipgroup.com/opportunities/7715.
The Position
This position meets with and builds relationships with donors and prospects with significant giving capacity to accomplish their philanthropic objectives in the form of annual giving, major giving, and planned giving.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Identify major gift prospects. Analyze and predict and donor's propensity, capacity and enthusiasm to give. Gather pertinent data alongside the prospect researcher to determine the best candidates for the major gifts program.
  • Manage a portfolio of approximately 125 qualified relationships, and apply a moves management approach to the portfolio with a custom cultivation strategy for each donor. Cultivate and solicit major gift prospects, build relationships designed to understand the donor/prospect goals with the expressed purpose of alignment with College mission and objectives.
  • Stewardship of major gift donors. Develop stewardship strategies that continue the major gift relationship for future gifts and planned giving opportunities.
  • Adhere to the highest ethical standards; demonstrate empathetic disposition, and perseverance; reflect optimistic and positive attitude, and convey sensitivity to donors.
  • Execute and report on quarterly/annual fundraising plans, donor solicitations identification, cultivation, campaigns (capital and annual) and stewardship efforts, driving towards annual fundraising goals and operating campaigns.
  • Work collaboratively with other divisions and development officers. Be a resource for development staff, from identifying potential volunteer connections to sharing knowledge about regions and alumni chapters.
  • Track prospects and donor contacts in portfolio using organization tools and tracking methods via CRM Advance. Ensure that all donor information entry and special requests are recorded and accomplished.
  • Works collaboratively with other staff to compose letters, compile appropriate invitation lists, secure sponsors, participate in events and engage featured program participants.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Education, Experience, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Bachelor's degree, Master's degree and/or Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) desired.
  • Demonstrated history of securing major gifts over three or more years while working a growing organization preferred.
  • The ability to lead, work in a team setting, and work independently
  • Detailed and in-depth knowledge of fundraising, it's impact and tax-laws associated
  • Comfort in researching and analyzing large groups of data to uncover prospects
  • Excellent verbal and written communication aptitude
  • Requires proficient computer, database, technology and social media skills
  • Must travel and work nights and weekends as needed, with priority given to direct contact with donors

Roanoke College has partnered with Aspen Leadership Group in the search for a Major Gift Officer. You may view the position prospectus or submit an application via this link: https://opportunities.aspenleadershipgroup.com/opportunities/7715.

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