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Research Communications Manager Jobs in Reston, VA

Research Manager

Washington, DC · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

Lead research communications with MSA partners and internal stakeholders. * Manage high-level research partnerships with MSA partners including governments, non-profit organizations, and donors.

The JRR Partnership Specialist (Health Communications Manager) will provide support services to ... This position will also research effective strategies being used in other scholarly journal ...

Manager

Washington, DC · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER About the role:Narrativeseeks a Strategic Communications Manager ... communications, or public relations. Exceptional writing, analytical, research, editing, and ...

STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER Aboutthe role:Narrativeseeks a Strategic Communications Manager to ... communications, or public relations. Exceptional writing, analytical, research, editing, and ...

Showing results 21-40

Research Communications Manager information

See Reston, VA salary details

$42.7K

$89.3K

$151.4K

How much do research communications manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for research communications manager in Reston, VA is $89,322.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,700.00 and $101,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a research communications manager do?

A Research Communications Manager is responsible for developing and implementing communication strategies to share research findings with diverse audiences. They work closely with researchers, faculty, and external stakeholders to translate complex scientific information into accessible content. Their tasks often include writing press releases, managing research-related websites and social media, coordinating media interviews, and organizing public events. The goal is to increase the visibility and impact of research conducted within an organization.

What is the difference between Research Communications Manager vs Research Scientist?

AspectResearch Communications ManagerResearch Scientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Communications, Journalism, or related field; often requires experience in science communicationMaster's or PhD in a scientific discipline; strong research and technical skills
Work EnvironmentOffice settings, media teams, communication departmentsLaboratories, research institutions, academic settings
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, universities, biotech companiesAcademic, government, or private research organizations
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding communication roles in research settingsUnderstanding scientific research roles and technical expertise

The Research Communications Manager focuses on translating complex research findings into accessible content for diverse audiences, often working closely with media and communication teams. In contrast, the Research Scientist conducts original scientific research, analyzing data and publishing findings. Both roles are essential in research environments but serve different functions related to communication versus technical research.

How does a research communications manager collaborate with researchers and other stakeholders?

A Research Communications Manager works closely with researchers, project leads, and public relations teams to translate complex research findings into clear, accessible messages for various audiences. This often involves organizing meetings to understand project goals, drafting press releases, coordinating with graphic designers for visual materials, and liaising with media contacts. Regular collaboration ensures that research outcomes are accurately represented and reach the intended stakeholders, including funders, policymakers, and the public. By fostering open communication and understanding the priorities of each team, the manager helps maximize the impact of research initiatives.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a research communications manager?

To thrive as a Research Communications Manager, you need expertise in science or research communication, strong writing and editing abilities, and typically a degree in communications, journalism, or a related field. Familiarity with digital publishing platforms, content management systems, and analytics tools is commonly expected. Outstanding interpersonal skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to translate complex findings for diverse audiences set top performers apart. These capabilities are crucial for effectively sharing research impact, engaging stakeholders, and elevating an organization's visibility.

What are popular job titles related to Research Communications Manager jobs in Reston, VA?

For Research Communications Manager jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Research Communications Manager jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Research Communications Manager jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Research Communications Manager jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Research Communications Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Research Communications Manager job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,322 per year, or $42.9 per hour.

$85K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago


University Of Chicago rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

162nd of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Department
SSD Development Economics Center: Staff and Temporary Employees
About the Department
The Development Innovation Lab at the University of Chicago uses the tools of economics to develop innovations with the potential to benefit millions of people in low- and middle-income countries. It was founded and is led by Nobel laureate Michael Kremer.
The Market Shaping Accelerator is led by the world's leading market shaping scholars including Nobel laureate Michael Kremer (UChicago), President of CGD and professor Rachel Glennerster, and Dartmouth Professor Christopher Snyder. MSA aims to catalyze the development of Advance Market Commitments and other market shaping mechanisms to incentivize innovations addressing pressing global challenges such as climate change and biosecurity. MSA identifies promising opportunities, develops high-impact proposals, and engages with policymakers and funders.
Job Summary
The job manages scientific research projects or scientific research facilities. Uses considerable on-the-job experience to ensure compliance of research activities with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies. Works independently to write articles, reports and manuscripts, and presents research findings at meetings and/or conferences.
The Development Innovation Lab is seeking a full-time Research Manager to work with the Market Shaping Accelerator (MSA) Team, faculty director Rachel Glennerster, collaborators at the Center for Global Development (CGD) and Dartmouth, and other researchers on marking shaping economics research projects.
The Research Manager will manage research and build out the MSA's research systems.
Responsibilities
  • Implement MSA's research in marking shaping advancement, ensuring high-quality data collection across projects.
  • In partnership with colleagues, co-develop and manage a small portfolio of economics research projects.
  • Manage and mentor MSA research staff including Research Professionals and Research Associates; recruit and train new MSA research staff.
  • Lead research communications with MSA partners and internal stakeholders.
  • Manage high-level research partnerships with MSA partners including governments, non-profit organizations, and donors.
  • Develop and manage research project budgets and track project finances.
  • Advise teams on effective project budgeting and build budgeting tools for teams.
  • Build the MSA's internal research project management systems and processes; use AI to automate and improve workflows.
  • Identify and recruit top research talent globally; design processes that do so.
  • Solves complex problems relating to the administration of projects, including planning new procedures, adapting existing procedures to the needs of the project, and making significant contributions to methodology.
  • Guides data collection, evaluation and analysis. Designs and manages databases. Writes reports, articles and manuscripts.
  • Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Certifications:
---
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
  • Bachelor's degree.

Experience:
  • Experience conducting randomized control trials.
  • Demonstrated experience managing or creating project budgets.
  • Graduate level training in economics and econometrics.

Preferred Competencies
  • Excellent organizational skills, written communication, and high-level of attention to detail.
  • Strong cross-cultural communication skills.
  • Experience conducting research including managing research teams.
  • Exposure to randomized control trials.
  • Undergraduate training in economics and econometrics.

Working Conditions
  • Candidates must be willing to travel flexibly as needed for their respective responsibilities.

Application Documents
  • Resume/CV (required)
  • Cover Letter (required)
  • Contact Information for Professional References (3) (required)

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Research
Role Impact
Individual Contributor
Scheduled Weekly Hours
37.5
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Pay Rate Type
Salary
FLSA Status
Exempt
Pay Range
$85,000.00 - $100,000.00
The included pay rate or range represents the University's good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.
Benefits Eligible
Yes
The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.
Posting Statement
The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

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