Communications Manager Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Communications Manager

Purpose of the Job

The Communications Manager leads and integrates Coptic Orphans' full-spectrum communications output, overseeing the production of written, visual, digital, and video content across all platforms and channels. Reporting directly to the Development & Marketing Director, this role ensures that all communications - from donor-facing storytelling and editorial content to social media, graphic design, and video - are mission-aligned, brand-consistent, and strategically impactful. The Communications Manager is the operational and creative lead of a multidisciplinary team, translating the organization's strategic direction into compelling content that drives visibility, deepens donor engagement, and amplifies global impact. As the custodian of Coptic Orphans' brand voice and identity, this role owns and maintains the organization's brand book as a living reference that guides all communications output.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

Communications Strategy & Planning

• Own the content strategy and creative direction across all communications output - determining the storytelling approach, format, and channel treatment for every campaign, event, and donor communication, and directing the team to produce and deliver to the highest standard.
• Work from briefs issued by the Campaign Manager and the Product Manager, translating each campaign, event, or product initiative into a content production plan and directing the team accordingly to ensure all outputs are delivered on time and to standard.
• Contribute to audience and donor persona development in collaboration with the Product Manager, supporting the testing and refinement of new communications approaches, messaging frameworks, and product concepts to ensure all output resonates with Coptic Orphans' target audiences.

Content & Editorial Leadership

• Oversee the creation of all donor-facing written content - including newsletters, fundraising appeals, impact reports, and stewardship materials - ensuring the writing team delivers to brief, on time, and to the highest quality standard.
• Serve as the senior editor and brand voice guardian, reviewing and approving all written output to ensure alignment with Coptic Orphans' tone, mission, and messaging standards.

Digital & Social Media Oversight

• Oversee Coptic Orphans' presence across all digital and social media platforms, ensuring content is timely, engaging, and consistent with the overall communications strategy.
• Hold accountability for the health and performance of Coptic Orphans' website, mobile app, and donor portal, coordinating with IT/Technology to keep platforms current and functional, while overseeing analytics tracking across all digital channels - using tools such as Meta Business Suite, Google Analytics, and Hootsuite - to generate insights that drive continuous optimization.

Visual & Video Production Oversight

• Direct the Sr. Graphic Designer and Video Editor in producing high-quality visual and video assets across campaigns, donor materials, social media, and events, ensuring all outputs meet brand standards and storytelling quality before publication.

Performance, Reporting & Innovation

• Consolidate performance data across all communications channels - social media, website, email, and digital campaigns - into regular strategic reports for the Development & Marketing Director, using insights to inform future content strategy, platform enhancements, and resource planning.
• Stay informed on emerging trends in communications, content marketing, and digital storytelling; bring forward recommendations for innovation and improvement.

Media Relations

• Build and maintain relationships with US-based journalists, media outlets, and press contacts relevant to the Coptic community, nonprofit sector, and humanitarian space.
• Proactively identify and pitch impact stories about Coptic Orphans' work to relevant US media, directing the Communications Specialist to develop press releases, media pitches, and organizational announcements.
• Manage incoming media inquiries, coordinate interview requests, and personally draft sensitive media statements and crisis communications, ensuring all external engagements and statements are approved by the Development & Marketing Director prior to release.

Team Management & Cross-functional Collaboration

• Directly manage the Communications team, setting clear goals, providing regular feedback, and fostering a collaborative, high-performing team culture.
• Collaborate closely with the Campaign Manager and Product Manager, ensuring all content and creative outputs are delivered on brief, on time, and fully integrated with campaign and event objectives.
• Partner with Programs, field staff, and Donor Relations teams to surface compelling impact stories and translate them into multi-format content that deepens supporter connection to the mission.

Required Education, Experience, Knowledge, and Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Journalism, English, Communication, Marketing or a related field.
• 7–10 years of progressive experience in communications, content strategy, journalism, or a related field, with at least 3 years in a managerial or editorial leadership role, preferably in a nonprofit or mission-driven organization. A Master's degree in a relevant field may substitute for up to 5 years of professional experience.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and integrate multidisciplinary creative teams spanning writing, design, video, and digital communications.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills, with proven ability to craft donor-centered narratives and maintain consistent brand voice across all formats and platforms.
• Strong understanding of digital and social media platforms, content marketing, and performance analytics tools (e.g., Meta Business Suite, LinkedIn Analytics, Hootsuite).
• Solid understanding of nonprofit communications, donor engagement principles, and fundraising campaign dynamics.
• Ability to work collaboratively with creative teams and cross-departmental staff, including Programs, Donor Relations, and Campaigns.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple production streams and deadlines simultaneously.
• Ability to understand Arabic is required; reading and writing proficiency is a plus, especially for creating or translating content relevant to Coptic Orphans' work in Egypt.
• Knowledge of Coptic Culture is required.

Working Conditions and Environment

• Limited to office work environment; sitting, typing, walking, and occasional lifting of boxes and luggage.
• May involve occasional international travel.

Our Benefits

• Coptic Orphans offers a wide range of benefits, including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, life insurance, optional Short-term and Long-term Disability coverage, access to on-site fitness, an Employee assistance program, and paid time off. Employees have the option to participate in a company-sponsored 403(b) retirement plan.