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Director Strategic Communications Jobs in Reston, VA

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Director Strategic Communications information

See Reston, VA salary details

$39.5K

$104.4K

$156.6K

How much do director strategic communications jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for director strategic communications in Reston, VA is $104,427.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,100.00 and $125,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a director of strategic communications do?

A Director of Strategic Communications is responsible for developing and overseeing an organization's communication strategies to ensure clear, consistent messaging both internally and externally. They manage public relations, media outreach, crisis communication, and often collaborate with leadership to align messaging with organizational goals. This role also involves guiding teams, analyzing communication effectiveness, and adapting strategies based on feedback and changing circumstances.

How does a director of strategic communications typically collaborate with executive leadership and other departments?

As a Director of Strategic Communications, you will work closely with executive leadership to align messaging with organizational goals and shape the company's public image. You’ll regularly collaborate with departments such as marketing, public relations, and human resources to ensure consistent and effective communication across all channels. This role often involves participating in leadership meetings, advising on crisis communication, and supporting internal initiatives, making cross-functional teamwork and strong relationship-building skills essential for success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director of strategic communications, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Strategic Communications, you need expertise in public relations, messaging strategy, and media relations, typically supported by a degree in communications or a related field and significant leadership experience. Familiarity with media monitoring tools, digital analytics platforms, and content management systems is essential for effective campaign oversight. Exceptional leadership, crisis management, and persuasive communication skills help set top candidates apart. These capabilities are crucial for shaping organizational narratives, protecting reputation, and driving cohesive, impactful communication strategies.

What is the difference between Director Strategic Communications vs Communications Manager?

AspectDirector Strategic CommunicationsCommunications Manager
CredentialsBachelor’s degree; often Master’s in Communications, Public Relations, or related fieldsBachelor’s degree; similar fields, less emphasis on advanced degrees
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, executive collaboration, high-level messagingCampaign execution, media relations, content creation
Employer & Industry UsageCorporations, government agencies, nonprofitsMarketing firms, corporate communications departments, NGOs
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding leadership roles in communicationsManaging communication projects and teams

The main difference is that the Director Strategic Communications focuses on high-level strategy, policy, and executive communication, while the Communications Manager handles day-to-day messaging, media relations, and campaign execution. Both roles require strong communication skills and relevant credentials, but the director position involves more strategic oversight and leadership responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Strategic Communications jobs in Reston, VA?

The most popular types of Strategic Communications jobs in Reston, VA are:

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Director Strategic Communications job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,427 per year, or $50.2 per hour.

NRO Strategic Communications Specialist

SAIC

Chantilly, VA • On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


SAIC rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 81 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

103rd of 226 rated it services


Job description

Job Description
Description
SAIC has an opportunity for a Strategic Communications Specialist in Chantilly, VA to provide direct strategic communication support to an NRO Program Office Director. The selected individual will identify and create connections with fellow communicators across IC, DoD and civilian agencies to communicate the mission, goals, and strategies. Additionally, the individual will provide program advocacy to agencies and intelligence users via multiple media types to increase awareness of satellite capabilities and the data they provide. Qualified candidates must possess an active TS/SCI security clearance with CI Polygraph.
Key duties/responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
  • Expand awareness of customer priorities across stakeholder audiences by preparing and delivering a wide-range of internal and external products and documents including high-level intelligence briefings, intelligence summaries, news articles, website content, video scripts, speeches and more.
  • Fulfill the role of liaison between customer and its larger Office of Public Affairs via regular communication to ensure coordination of communications initiatives, receive feedback in the development and approval for communication products, and seek opportunities for customer participation in external engagements.
  • Work closely with customer program offices to produce content based on specific program office needs (e.g. program advocacy, increased user engagement, and increase awareness of new capability) for internal and external publication.
  • Identify, build and maintain connections with communicators across IC, DoD, and civilian agencies where customer publications would have meaningful impact, and regularly submit content to those outlets.
  • Establish standardization and consistency between customer leadership, program offices and outreach teams to relay the customer mission in a cohesive manner.
  • Serve as lead writer responsible for developing content for newsletter, articles, scripts, congressional testimony and more.
  • Develop tailored briefs and talking points for leadership upon request.
  • Assist in the planning, coordination, marketing and content creation for all customer mission-related events/conferences.
  • Learn and brief customer material when necessary, where user outreach support is needed.

Qualifications
  • BA in Broadcast Journalism, Communications, or similar discipline with 15 years or more experience; Masters and 13 or PhD and five 10 or more years of experience in strategic communications, public affairs, or media relations.
  • Experience developing communication products (presentations, graphics, videos, articles and fact sheets).
  • Experience interfacing with Senior leaders to develop internal and external communication strategies, messaging approaches, branding campaigns, engagement plans, etc.
  • Exceptional written, public speaking, and interpersonal skills.
Desired Qualifications:
  • MA in Broadcast Journalism, Public Affairs, Communications, or similar discipline.

Target salary range: $120,001 - $160,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.
Overview
SAIC accepts applications on an ongoing basis and there is no deadline.
SAIC® is a premier mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.
We are approximately 23,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.3 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.

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