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Development Communications Director Jobs in Austin, TX

The Trail Conservancy

Communications Director

Austin, TX · On-site

$90K - $95K/yr

The Trail Conservancy Communications Director Job Announcement Reports to: Chief of External ... Partner with Development and other departments to plan and produce clear, compelling communications ...

The Trail Conservancy

Communications Director

Austin, TX · Hybrid

$90K - $95K/yr

The Trail Conservancy Communications Director Job Announcement Reports to: Chief of External ... Partner with Development and other departments to plan and produce clear, compelling communications ...

Visa

Corporate Communications Director

Austin, TX

We are seeking a strategic, experienced Director of Global Corporate Communications to lead ... Support the development of the strategy and execution of Visa's proactive storytelling agenda ...

Hyliion

Director, Marketing Communications

Austin, TX · On-site

Direct development of executive presentations, briefing materials, talking points, bylined articles ... Direct and execute marketing communications for the KARNO Power Module across key application ...

Hyliion

Director, Marketing Communications

Austin, TX · On-site

Direct development of executive presentations, briefing materials, talking points, bylined articles ... Direct and execute marketing communications for the KARNO Power Module across key application ...

Hyliion

Director, Marketing Communications

Austin, TX · On-site

Direct development of executive presentations, briefing materials, talking points, bylined articles ... Direct and execute marketing communications for the KARNO Power Module across key application ...

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Development Communications Director information

See Austin, TX salary details

$49.1K

$86.5K

$138.8K

How much do development communications director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for development communications director in Austin, TX is $86,478.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,400.00 and $99,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Development Communications Director do?

A Development Communications Director is responsible for creating and implementing communication strategies that support an organization’s fundraising and donor relations efforts. This role involves managing messaging, producing donor-focused content, overseeing fundraising campaigns, and collaborating with development and marketing teams. The director ensures that all communications effectively engage stakeholders, build relationships, and support the organization’s mission and fundraising goals.

How does a Development Communications Director typically collaborate with fundraising teams to achieve organizational goals?

A Development Communications Director works closely with fundraising teams to create compelling narratives and targeted campaigns that engage donors and stakeholders. This collaboration often involves aligning messaging strategies, coordinating events, and producing donor-focused materials such as newsletters, annual reports, and impact stories. By working together, both teams ensure that communications effectively support fundraising objectives, drive donor engagement, and reinforce the organization’s mission. Regular meetings and strategic planning sessions are common practices to maintain alignment and maximize outcomes.

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

To thrive as a Development Communications Director, you need expertise in strategic communications, fundraising strategy, and content creation, typically supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree in communications, marketing, or a related field. Familiarity with donor management systems, digital marketing platforms, and analytics tools is essential. Outstanding leadership, storytelling ability, and relationship-building skills help drive engagement with donors and stakeholders. These competencies are crucial for effectively promoting organizational missions, securing funding, and fostering long-term partnerships.

What is the difference between Development Communications Director vs Fundraising Manager?

AspectDevelopment Communications DirectorFundraising Manager
Primary FocusStrategic communication and branding to support development goalsPlanning and executing fundraising campaigns and donor outreach
Required SkillsCommunication, branding, storytelling, strategic planningFundraising strategies, donor relations, event planning
Work EnvironmentNonprofit organizations, educational institutions, corporate social responsibility teamsNonprofits, charities, educational institutions
Common CertificationsCommunications, public relations, marketing certificationsFundraising, development, or nonprofit management certifications

The Development Communications Director focuses on creating strategic communication plans to enhance an organization's image and support development efforts, while the Fundraising Manager concentrates on executing fundraising campaigns and building donor relationships. Both roles are essential in nonprofit settings but differ in their core responsibilities and skill sets.

What cities near Austin, TX are hiring for Development Communications Director jobs?

Cities near Austin, TX with the most Development Communications Director job openings:

Development Communications Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Development Communications Director job openings in Austin, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,478 per year, or $41.6 per hour.

Communications Director

The Trail Conservancy

Austin, TX • On-site

$90K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

The Trail Conservancy
Communications Director Job Announcement
Reports to: Chief of External Affairs
Direct report: Marketing Supervisor
Classification: Full-time, exempt
Hiring range: $90,000-$95,000, depending on relevant experience
Schedule: Generally 40 hours per week, with flexibility and occasional evening and weekend work for TTC events and significant communications needs
Work location: Hybrid office and home
Benefits: Health Insurance (100% coverage for employee's medical, dental, vision , life insurance, 401(k) eligibility + up to 2% match with vesting period
Paid leave: 120 hours of paid time off, 11 paid holidays, and TTC's annual office closure between December 25 and New Year's Day
About The Trail Conservancy
The Trail Conservancy's mission is to protect, enhance, and connect the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail at Lady Bird Lake for the benefit of all.
In partnership with the City of Austin and the community, TTC cares for one of Austin's most used and beloved public spaces. Our work includes ecological restoration, capital improvements, operations and maintenance, community programs, public events, and long-term stewardship of the Trail.
The Opportunity
The Trail Conservancy is entering an important period of growth, guided by an ambitious 2026-2031 strategic plan. The Communications Director will help shape how Austin understands TTC's mission, impact, partnerships, and vision for the Trail.
Reporting to the Chief of External Affairs, the Director will lead TTC's integrated communications and marketing strategy, supervise the Marketing Supervisor, and manage the systems and external partners needed to carry out the work. This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on execution, including advising senior leaders, overseeing content and digital channels, strengthening media and community engagement and guiding communications during complex public issues.
Key Responsibilities
Communications Strategy and Leadership
  • Develop and lead an annual communications and marketing plan aligned with TTC's strategic plan and External Affairs priorities.
  • Identify key audiences and establish clear objectives, messages, and strategies for each.
  • Serve as a strategic communications adviser to the Chief of External Affairs, CEO, leadership team, and other staff.
  • Partner with the Chief of External Affairs on communications related to City partnerships, public affairs, government relations, and issues affecting the Trail.
  • Establish editorial, approval, and planning processes that promote accuracy, consistency, responsiveness, and appropriate executive oversight.
  • Set measurable communications goals, monitor performance, and recommend adjustments based on data, community feedback, and emerging needs.
Brand, Content, and Digital Communications
  • Steward TTC's brand, voice, visual identity, and core messages across all channels.
  • Lead an integrated content strategy that communicates TTC's mission, impact, projects, programs, partnerships, and community value.
  • Provide strategic oversight of TTC's website, email, social media, digital advertising, publications, signage, direct mail, video, and other communications platforms.
  • Guide the creation and editing of press materials, project communications, community updates, fundraising materials, organizational reports, and multimedia content.
  • Ensure communications are accurate, accessible, inclusive, respectful, and appropriate for their intended audiences.
  • Maintain clear standards for written, visual, digital, and multimedia communications.
  • Manage communications consultants, photographers, and other external partners.
Media Relations and Reputation Management
  • Develop productive relationships with reporters, editors, producers, community media, and other communications partners.
  • Identify opportunities for earned media, interviews, public presentations, thought leadership, and community storytelling.
  • Draft and coordinate press releases, media advisories, statements, responses to inquiries, interview preparation, and spokesperson materials.
  • Prepare leaders to represent TTC and serve as a TTC spokesperson as needed.
  • Monitor media coverage, misinformation, stakeholder concerns, and emerging issues that could affect TTC's work or reputation.
  • Maintain crisis and issues-communications plans and coordinate messaging during sensitive or rapidly changing situations in partnership with the Chief of External Affairs, CEO, and other appropriate leaders.
Organizational Partnership and Fundraising Support
  • Partner with Development and other departments to plan and produce clear, compelling communications for fundraising, membership, sponsorships, donor stewardship, projects, programs, events, and community engagement.
  • Coordinate donor-recognition commitments across signage, publications, the website, media materials, and digital channels.
  • Translate complex projects, organizational priorities, decisions, and public issues into accessible narratives for staff and board to use in the community.
  • Lead the production and execution of an annual impact report
Team and Operational Leadership
  • Supervise and develop the Marketing Supervisor through clear expectations, regular feedback, coaching, workload planning, and professional-development support.
  • Coordinate the work of communications interns, contractors, and agency partners.
  • Develop and manage the communications portion of the External Affairs budget.
  • Establish realistic project timelines, clarify responsibilities, and help departments plan communications needs in advance.
  • Foster a collaborative environment in which employees can share ideas, raise concerns, and produce high-quality work.
  • Attend and support selected TTC activities and events, including occasional evening and weekend commitments.
  • Perform other responsibilities reasonably related to the position.
What You Will Need
  • Approximately seven or more years of experience in communications, public relations, marketing, journalism, public affairs, or a related field.
  • At least two years of experience supervising employees or leading the work of communications professionals, consultants, or substantial cross-functional teams.
  • Demonstrated success developing and implementing an organization-wide communications strategy.
  • Excellent writing, editing, presentation, and verbal communication skills.
  • Experience with media relations, executive communications, reputation management, or sensitive communications issues.
  • Experience managing digital communications and using data to improve results.
  • Strong project-management and decision-making skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and respectfully with audiences from varied backgrounds and perspectives.

Relevant professional experience may have been gained through employment, consulting, freelance work, community leadership, military service, education, or other settings. A particular college degree is not required.
Experience That Would Be Helpful
  • Communications experience in a nonprofit, public-sector, civic, environmental, parks, cultural, advocacy, or other public-serving organization.
  • Experience communicating about government partnerships, public projects, fundraising, memberships, sponsorships, or capital initiatives.
  • Familiarity with Austin's communities, civic environment, or media landscape.
  • Experience with common website, email, social media, analytics, media monitoring, design, and project-management platforms.

We know that qualified candidates bring different combinations of experience. Applicants who meet many, but not every, preferred qualification are encouraged to apply.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted through this portal by 5 pm on Friday, September 4, 2026.
Please submit:
• A resume
• A brief cover letter or statement describing your interest and relevant experience
• Two work/ writing samples or a link to a professional portfolio
Professional references will be requested only from candidates who advance to the finalist stage and will not be contacted without notice.
To support a consistent and equitable process, please do not contact TTC employees or board members directly about the position.
Equal Employment Opportunity and Accommodations
The Trail Conservancy is an equal-opportunity employer. TTC considers applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.
TTC is committed to providing reasonable accommodations during the application process and employment. Applicants who need an accommodation may contact 855-448-7245.

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