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Director Media Operations Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Director of Social Media Conservation International protects nature for the benefit of humanity ... Oversee day-to-day social media operations, ensuring consistent and high-quality content that ...

New

Director of Social Media

Arlington, VA · On-site

$105 - $115/hr

Director of Social Media Conservation International protects nature for the benefit of humanity ... Oversee day-to-day social media operations, ensuring consistent and high-quality content that ...

New

Digital Media Director

Richmond, VA · On-site

$140K - $175K/yr

Take immediate ownership of existing B2C accounts, managing day-to-day operations and serving as the primary strategic voice for paid media in client engagements. * Oversee and expand experimentation ...

... and operations professionals, Marketing and Communications is led by a senior associate vice ... The coordinator will also engage in a variety of community management activities, as directed by ...

Serve as lead for monthly executive and director level media reporting. * Lead privacy readiness ... Dealer Operations Marketing Programs: Play a key support role in the management and evolution of ...

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Showing results 1-20

Director Media Operations information

See Virginia salary details

$33.7K

$106.8K

$178K

How much do director media operations jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for director media operations in Virginia is $106,757.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,900.00 and $134,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a director of media operations typically collaborate with other departments to ensure successful media campaigns?

A Director of Media Operations regularly works cross-functionally with creative, marketing, sales, and analytics teams to align media strategies with broader business goals. They facilitate clear communication between departments, ensuring that campaign objectives, timelines, and budgets are understood and adhered to. Collaboration often includes leading planning meetings, approving media plans, and troubleshooting issues that arise during campaign execution. This role requires strong leadership and organizational skills to coordinate efforts and drive campaigns to successful outcomes.

What is the difference between Director Media Operations vs Media Manager?

AspectDirector Media OperationsMedia Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees overall media strategy, manages teams, and aligns media campaigns with business goalsExecutes media campaigns, manages media buying, and monitors campaign performance
Required SkillsLeadership, strategic planning, media planning, analyticsMedia buying, campaign management, analytics
Work EnvironmentSenior leadership, cross-department collaboration, strategic planningOperational, campaign-focused, team coordination
Common UsageIn larger organizations or agencies, involved in high-level decision makingIn marketing teams, focused on day-to-day media execution

The main difference between a Director Media Operations and a Media Manager lies in scope and level of responsibility. The Director oversees strategic media initiatives and manages teams, while the Media Manager handles campaign execution and day-to-day media activities. Both roles require media planning and analytics skills, but the director's role is more strategic and leadership-oriented.

What does a director of media operations do?

A Director of Media Operations oversees the planning, execution, and optimization of a company's media campaigns across various channels, such as TV, digital, print, and social media. They manage media buying, negotiate contracts, and ensure campaigns align with overall marketing goals. This role involves leading a team, analyzing campaign performance, and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to maximize return on investment. The Director also stays updated on industry trends to implement best practices and innovative strategies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director of media operations?

To thrive as a Director of Media Operations, you need strong leadership abilities, strategic planning skills, and a deep understanding of media production and distribution, often supported by a degree in communications, media, or a related field. Familiarity with media management platforms, analytics tools, and project management software is typically required, along with knowledge of industry standards and compliance. Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills help you lead teams, manage complex projects, and foster collaboration across departments. These skills ensure efficient media operations, drive successful content delivery, and support organizational growth in a competitive media landscape.
What are popular job titles related to Director Media Operations jobs in Virginia? For Director Media Operations jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Director Media Operations jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Director Media Operations jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Director Media Operations jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Director Media Operations job openings:
Infographic showing various Director Media Operations job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,757 per year, or $51.3 per hour.

Manager of Public Affairs and Media Operations

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Falls Church, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 361 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 538 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Position Overview:
The Public Affairs and Media Operations Manager oversees day-to-day execution of public affairs initiatives, media operations, and advocacy communications. This role is critical in operationalizing strategies that enhance Northrop Grumman's public positioning and support legislative and stakeholder engagement priorities. The Manager leads a team responsible for media intelligence, content development and distribution, and coordination of external communications, ensuring alignment with the company's overarching messaging and advocacy goals. This position is located at Northrop Grumman's headquarters in Falls Church, VA.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Sets the strategy and vision for the company's Newsroom and the operations to support it. Oversees content review process for all company news content, sets the strategy for the creation of enterprise-level news content and guides team on targeting and timing strategies for public release of all news content.
  • Supports the evolution and enhancement of the company's Newsroom and external-facing communications platforms, including leveraging targeted AI tools to improve storytelling and audience targeting.
  • Coordinates daily media operations, analysis and insights to inform decision-making and content and engagement opportunities.
  • Provides operational leadership across the Center of Practice to ensure sharing of information and achievement of timelines.
  • In partnership with Media Strategy & Engagement team, leads coordination with Legislative Affairs' engagement priorities on strategic inputs, timing and shaping of media statements, news content and media engagement strategies that support the company's advocacy priorities and efforts.
  • Collaborates closely with Legislative Affairs and program teams to develop targeted communication materials and engagement plans that support Hill-facing and state-based advocacy efforts.
  • Supports the development and management of direct relationship building with select senior level customers and congressional public affairs stakeholders.
  • Manages and mentors a team of public affairs and media operations specialists, providing day-to-day guidance and ensuring consistent quality and alignment with communication standards.
  • Manages the tools that support the company's advocacy strategies, including the Economic Impact tool and strategic listening platforms, supporting high-impact stakeholder engagements and media outreach.
  • Contributes to the design and execution of company sponsorship and thought leadership strategies, engaging external stakeholders to enhance Northrop Grumman's positioning.
  • Assists in managing components of the company's Crisis Communications Response Team, including readiness exercises, toolkits, and coordination of rapid response communications in alignment with director-level guidance.

Basic Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and 10+ years of related experience, OR Master's degree and a minimum of 8+ years of related experience, OR Associate's degree and a minimum of 12+ years of related experience, OR High School Diploma (or equivalent) and a minimum of 14+ years of related experience.
  • Minimum 7+ years (instead of 7-10 years) of experience in public affairs, media strategy, media operations, or strategic communications, preferably within the defense or aerospace sectors.
  • Solid understanding of government relations, legislative processes, and advocacy communications strategy.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively manage messaging across diverse platforms and audiences.
  • Ability to lead and manage teams through ambiguity and change, while maintaining focus and productivity.
  • Strong organizational skills and the ability to balance competing priorities in a fast-paced, matrixed environment; demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across functions and lead through influence.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance at the Secret level or higher.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Proven ability to manage teams and coordinate multiple communication initiatives with a focus on media operations and public affairs execution.
  • Comfortable making timely decisions in a fast-paced, high-risk, and high-opportunity environment, while taking full accountability for results.
  • Experience in media and customer engagement and relationship management, including building and maintaining media and customer networks.
  • Ability to develop and activate strategic media content that delivers measurable, positive business outcomes.
  • Working familiarity media operations tools to build dashboards and live alerts.
  • Experience managing budgets and comfort with reviewing contracts.

Primary Level Salary Range: $159,500.00 - $239,300.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939