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Director External Communications Jobs in Reston, VA

Fluence

U.S. Communications Manager

Arlington, VA · On-site

The Communications Manager will be part of the global Corporate Communications team and will report to Fluence's Director of External Communications. In this highly cross-functional role, you will ...

PRTC

Director of Marketing & Communications

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$154K - $208K/yr

Chief External Affairs & Strategy Officer FLSA Status: Exempt (Professional) Role: __ People Manager Individual Contributor General Description The Director of Marketing & Communications provides ...

New

Dlapiper

Director of Internal Communications

Reston, VA · On-site

The Role The Director of Internal Communications is a collaborative leader with a track record of ... Align messaging and voice across internal and external communications, in coordination with Public ...

Fluence

U.S. Communications Manager

Arlington, VA · On-site

Assistthe Director of External Communicationswith crisis and issues communications inthe United Statesand the broader region. * Provide counsel to internal stakeholders in collaboration with the ...

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Director External Communications information

What does a director of external communications do?

A Director of External Communications is responsible for managing and overseeing an organization's public image and messaging to external audiences. This includes developing communication strategies, handling media relations, crafting press releases, and ensuring consistent messaging across all channels. They often act as a spokesperson for the organization and coordinate with other departments to align external communications with organizational goals. Their work is critical to building and maintaining the reputation of the organization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director of external communications?

To thrive as a Director of External Communications, you need expertise in public relations, media strategy, and brand messaging, typically supported by a degree in communications, public relations, or a related field. Familiarity with media monitoring tools, press release distribution platforms, and crisis communication systems is usually required. Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and interpersonal skills help you build relationships with key stakeholders and effectively manage teams. These capabilities ensure the organization’s reputation is protected and its messaging reaches target audiences with clarity and impact.

What are some typical challenges a director of external communications faces when aligning messaging across multiple departments?

A Director of External Communications often encounters the challenge of ensuring consistent messaging while balancing input from diverse departments such as marketing, legal, and executive leadership. This requires strong collaboration skills and the ability to synthesize various perspectives into unified communications that accurately represent the organization's values. Navigating differing priorities and managing approvals can add complexity, but effective Directors foster open communication channels and establish clear messaging guidelines to streamline the process.

What is the difference between Director External Communications vs Public Relations Manager?

AspectDirector External CommunicationsPublic Relations Manager
CredentialsBachelor's degree; often advanced degrees in communications or related fieldsBachelor's degree; relevant experience in PR or communications
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, overseeing external messaging, collaborating with executivesExecuting PR campaigns, media relations, managing press releases
Industry UsageUsed across corporate, nonprofit, and government sectors for high-level external messagingCommon in corporate and agency settings for managing public image

The main difference is that the Director External Communications focuses on strategic oversight and high-level external messaging, while the Public Relations Manager handles day-to-day PR activities and media relations. The director typically has broader responsibilities and a higher level of seniority, often leading teams and setting communication strategies.

What job categories do people searching Director External Communications jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Director External Communications jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Director External Communications jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Director External Communications job openings:

Director External Communications jobs near you

Director of Communications

DC Fiscal Policy Institute

Washington, DC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Director of Communications 

The DC Fiscal Policy Institute (DCFPI) seeks a highly strategic Director of Communications to oversee a comprehensive communications plan to advance solutions that expand economic opportunity and well-being for all residents of DC. This is a full-time position that reports to the Senior Director of Communications and External Affairs.  

The successful candidate for this role will possess strategic vision, have experience building audiences across a range of digital platforms, and can balance work across a range of issue areas at the same time. DCFPI seeks someone with a deep commitment to racial, gender, and economic justice and the organization’s core priorities around tax, budget, and economic policy. 

Core Duties and Responsibilities 

  • Create and oversee the implementation of communications strategies and tactics that amplify DCFPI’s research and analysis, drive and shape narrative, and build demand for policy goals.  

  • Work extensively with the policymakers and partners to execute strategies to drive and shape public narrative.  

  • Provide strategic and tactical communications support to coalition partners to move issue area campaigns. 

  • Work with the team to recognize internal and external communications opportunities to promote DCFPI’s work and execute strategies to support them. 

  • Oversee DCFPI’s website, email program, and social media with the aim of growing audiences and moving them up the ladder of engagement. 

  • Develop organizational messaging and framing documents for research, successes, publications, and target audiences.  

  • Ensure brand and messaging consistency in marketing materials, public relations, online presence, and published reports. 

  • Assist executive director and development staff in the creation and editing of fundraising materials and grant proposals and reports.  

  • Manage a small team including vendors or consultants.  

Qualifications and Competencies 

  • Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of seven to ten years of experience (reflecting progressively higher levels of responsibility) in digital media, political or issued-based campaigns communications, or a related field.   

  • Ability to develop high-level vision and strategy to affect policy change, and ability to balance the needs and demands of many stakeholders and competing priorities and interests.  

  • Commitment to advancing antiracism, equity, and inclusion through policies and programs. Understanding of DC political and policy environment a strong plus.   

  • Excellent writing, editing, and organizational skills, and the ability to communicate in compelling ways to a wide range of stakeholders about the importance of policy change, racial and ethnic equity, and advocacy campaigns.  

  • Ability to build and sustain robust, authentic, productive working relationships with colleagues, including external partners and key stakeholders, across race and other group identities.  

  • Exceptional leadership skills, a highly collaborative management style that centers equity and inclusion, and the ability to draw on and develop the talents of people from diverse backgrounds and experiences.  

Compensation 

The salary range for this position is $112,875 - $115,000 depending on experience; excellent benefits include health insurance, dental and vision care, life and long-term disability insurance, retirement and generous vacation leave, sick leave, and holiday schedules.  

DC Fiscal Policy Institute (DCFPI) is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and welcomes diversity in the workplace and strongly encourages all qualified persons to apply regardless of race, color, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, credit information, pregnancy or parental status, family responsibilities, personal appearance, creed, military or veteran status, religion, ancestry or national origin, union activities, disability, or other status protected by applicable law. 

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