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Development Communications Manager Jobs in Washington, DC

Guides and assists 844 CG and squadron commanders in the development of executive tours, mission ... Crisis Communication Expertise - Experience managing sensitive information and responding to high ...

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Development Communications Manager information

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$37.4K

$87.7K

$150.6K

How much do development communications manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for development communications manager in Washington, DC is $87,706.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,300.00 and $102,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Development Communications Manager do?

A Development Communications Manager is responsible for creating and implementing communication strategies that support fundraising and development efforts within an organization, often a nonprofit. They craft compelling messages, manage donor communications, and produce materials such as newsletters, annual reports, and fundraising appeals. Their goal is to engage donors, increase awareness, and strengthen the organization's relationships with its supporters. They often collaborate with development, marketing, and leadership teams to ensure consistent messaging and effective outreach.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Development Communications Manager?

To thrive as a Development Communications Manager, you need expertise in nonprofit fundraising, strategic communications, and content creation, often supported by a bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, or a related field. Familiarity with donor management systems (like Raiser’s Edge or Salesforce), email marketing platforms, and analytics tools is typically required. Exceptional written and verbal communication, project management, and relationship-building skills set outstanding candidates apart. These competencies are crucial for effectively engaging donors, driving fundraising success, and advancing the organization's mission.

How does a Development Communications Manager typically collaborate with fundraising and program teams?

A Development Communications Manager works closely with fundraising teams to craft compelling donor communications, campaign materials, and impact reports that align with organizational goals. They also partner with program staff to gather stories, data, and updates that illustrate the real-world impact of fundraising efforts. This cross-functional collaboration ensures messaging is both authentic and effective, helping to engage donors and build long-term support. Regular meetings and ongoing communication with both teams are essential to stay aligned and responsive to evolving needs.

What is the difference between Development Communications Manager vs Communications Specialist?

AspectDevelopment Communications ManagerCommunications Specialist
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in communications, marketing, or related field; experience in nonprofit or development sectorsBachelor's degree in communications, journalism, or related field; entry-level to mid-level experience
Work EnvironmentNonprofit organizations, NGOs, or development agenciesVarious industries including corporate, nonprofit, or government
Employer & Industry UsageFundraising, donor engagement, and awareness campaignsMedia relations, content creation, and internal/external communications

The Development Communications Manager focuses on creating strategies to promote fundraising and donor engagement within nonprofit sectors, requiring specialized knowledge of development goals. In contrast, a Communications Specialist handles broader communication tasks across industries, often with less emphasis on fundraising. Both roles require strong communication skills, but the Development Communications Manager's role is more strategic and sector-specific.

What are the most commonly searched types of Development Communications jobs in Washington, DC?

The most popular types of Development Communications jobs in Washington, DC are:

What are popular job titles related to Development Communications Manager jobs in Washington, DC?

For Development Communications Manager jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Development Communications Manager jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Development Communications Manager jobs in Washington, DC are:

Infographic showing various Development Communications Manager job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, and 22% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $87,706 per year, or $42.2 per hour.

Senior Communications Manager, Defense

Motorola

Washington, DC

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 19 days ago


Motorola Solutions rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

19th of 159 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

Company Overview

At Motorola Solutions, we believe that everything starts with our people. We're a global close-knit community, united by the relentless pursuit to help keep people safer everywhere. We build and connect technologies to help protect people, property and places. Our solutions foster the collaboration that's critical for safer communities, safer schools, safer hospitals, safer businesses, and ultimately, safer nations. Connect with a career that matters, and help us build a safer future.


Department OverviewThe global communications team is the voice of Motorola Solutions, bringing to life the company's rich history in innovation and commitment to helping keep communities, businesses and nations safe, productive and thriving. Our customers are everyday heroes - from police officers, firefighters and service members to utility workers and educators - and we proudly tell their stories through thoughtful campaigns that span media, thought leadership, employee engagement and other stakeholder communications.
Job Description

About Motorola Solutions' Defense Portfolio

Motorola Solutions has a storied history in defense, dating back to its pioneering two-way radios used by the U.S. Army in the Second World War. This heritage has evolved, alongside modern global defense strategies, to include mission-critical communications that meet the government's highest standards for data security, command center technologies that unify pertinent mission data and advanced video security technology, such as long-range thermal cameras. Recent investments have brought the company mobile ad hoc networking (MANET) technology that enables highly secure voice, video and sensor data transmission and radio frequency (RF) intelligence tools that can detect and geolocate RF signals in congested and contested environments. Together, this portfolio enables data-driven decision-making and enhanced safety and security across battlefields, bases and borders worldwide.

Role Purpose

As the Senior Communications Manager, Defense, you will lead the strategic formulation, execution and orchestration of global communication initiatives for Motorola Solutions' rapidly growing Defense portfolio. This role serves as a principal communications advisor to senior executives and business leaders across our Federal and Defense divisions. Operating with a high degree of autonomy, you will translate highly complex defense, aerospace and tactical technology capabilities into differentiated, high-impact narratives tailored for distinct global stakeholders, including customers, potential customers, defense tech media, global institutional investors and the general public.

Key Responsibilities

  • Strategic Narrative Development: Architect and execute comprehensive, long-term global communication and public relations strategies that establish Motorola Solutions as an elite innovator in the defense tech, tactical networking and counter-drone spaces.

  • Product & Customer Storytelling: Translate highly technical hardware and software capabilities into compelling, human-centric narratives that clearly demonstrate how our technology empowers data-driven decision-making across battlefields, bases and borders.

  • International Public Relations & Media Engagement: Orchestrate the company's global defense PR and media strategy by nurturing deep relationships with national and international defense reporters and influential trade publications.

  • Thought Leadership & Executive Coaching: Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, providing strategic counsel, message alignment and media training for high-profile defense interviews, speaking opportunities and trade shows.

  • Issues Management & Corporate Reputation: Anticipate, identify and manage reputational risks inherent to the defense sector, collaborating on issues management strategies and messaging under tight deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

At the Senior Manager level, candidates are expected to demonstrate strong executive presence, exceptional situational leadership and the ability to operate effectively within high-stakes, highly matrixed global environments. The ideal candidate will possess:

  • Relevant Defense Tech Expertise: 5+ years of communications experience in defense, aerospace or Federal tech. Deeply understands the defense market environment, multi-year government buying cycles and tactical technology.

  • Proven International Experience: Background managing global PR campaigns, demonstrating cross-cultural communication capability and an understanding of geopolitical media dynamics.

  • Exceptional Verbal & Written Communications: A proven track record of translating complex defense tech into compelling narratives for diverse audiences-seamlessly shifting writing styles to satisfy highly technical defense audiences, investors and lay consumer/business media.

  • Demonstrated Media Relations Track Record: Established, current relationships with key tier-one defense and relevant mainstream business journalists. Demonstrated success in pitching and securing high-profile coverage, with a sophisticated understanding of today's rapidly evolving media environment and digital news trends.

  • Sound Reputational Leadership: Direct experience navigating high-pressure crisis communications or managing sensitive, complex narratives under rapid-response conditions.

  • Polished Presentation & Interpersonal Skills: Exceptional verbal articulation and strong interpersonal acumen to seamlessly guide cross-functional teams and company leadership.

#LI-JS3

Target Base Salary Range: $135,000 - $195,000 USD

Consistent with Motorola Solutions values and applicable law, we provide the following information to promote pay transparency and equity. Pay within this range varies and depends on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The actual offer will be based on the individual candidate.


Basic Requirements
  • Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, International Relations, Government Affairs or a related discipline.

  • Minimum of 10+ years of progressive professional experience in public relations, corporate communications or media relations.


Travel Requirements10-25%
Relocation ProvidedNone
Position TypeExperienced
Referral Payment PlanYes

Our U.S.Benefitsinclude:

  • Incentive Bonus Plans

  • Medical, Dental, Visionbenefits

  • 401K with Company Match

  • 10 Paid Holidays

  • GenerousPaidTime Off Packages

  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan

  • PaidParental & Family Leave

  • and more!


EEO Statement

Motorola Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other legally-protected characteristic.

We are proud of our people-first and community-focused culture, empowering every Motorolan to be their most authentic self and to do their best work to deliver on the promise of a safer world. If you'd like to join our team but feel that you don't quite meet all of the preferred skills, we'd still love to hear why you think you'd be a great addition to our team.

We're committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruiting experience for candidates with disabilities, or other physical or mental health conditions. To request an accommodation, please complete thisReasonable Accommodations Formso we can assist you.


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About Motorola Solutions

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Motorola Solutions, we believe that everything starts with safety. It's the constant that empowers people to confidently move forward. It can fill a flight or sell out a stadium. It can care for a patient or graduate a class. As a global leader in public safety and enterprise security, we create and connect the technologies that help to keep people safe where they live, learn, work and play. Our integrated technology ecosystem unifies critical communications, video security and access control, and command center software, enabling collaboration in more powerful ways. At Motorola Solutions, we're ushering in a new era in public safety and security. Bring your passion, potential and talents to a career that matters.

Industry

Technology, communication and media

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1928