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Senior Communications Manager Jobs in Reston, VA

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Senior Communications Manager information

See Reston, VA salary details

$47.9K

$114K

$190.4K

How much do senior communications manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior communications manager in Reston, VA is $114,018.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,000.00 and $147,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by a senior communications manager when aligning messaging across multiple departments?

Senior Communications Managers often encounter challenges in ensuring consistent messaging across various departments, each with its own priorities and communication styles. Balancing the need for unified branding with the unique goals of marketing, HR, and executive leadership can require strong stakeholder management and negotiation skills. Regular cross-functional meetings, clear communication guidelines, and a proactive approach to feedback help address these complexities and maintain message alignment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior communications manager, and why are they important?

A Senior Communications Manager needs expertise in strategic communication, content development, media relations, and often a bachelor's or master's degree in communications or a related field. Familiarity with tools like media monitoring platforms, content management systems, and analytics software is typically required. Exceptional leadership, crisis management, and interpersonal skills help them effectively guide teams and build strong stakeholder relationships. These abilities are essential for crafting compelling messages, protecting brand reputation, and driving organizational objectives.

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

AspectSenior Communications ManagerCommunications Director
CredentialsBachelor's degree in Communications, PR, or related field; 5+ years experienceSimilar credentials; often 8+ years experience and leadership training
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with marketing, PR teams; manages campaignsOversees entire communications department; strategic planning
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in corporate, nonprofit, government sectorsUsed in larger organizations, corporations, agencies
Search & Comparison IntentPeople comparing roles for career growth or job requirementsIndividuals seeking senior leadership or executive roles

The main difference between a Senior Communications Manager and a Communications Director lies in scope and seniority. The Senior Communications Manager typically handles campaign execution and team collaboration, while the Communications Director oversees the entire communications strategy and department leadership. Both roles require similar credentials, but the Director position involves more strategic planning and higher-level responsibilities.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Senior Communications Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior 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 $114,018 per year, or $54.8 per hour.

Sr. Communications Manager

RER SOLUTIONS, INC

Washington, DC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Description

RER Solutions, Inc., is accepting resumes for a Sr. Communications Manager position in the Washington, DC, area. The Sr. Communications Manager will support the External Affairs team in communications and media relations, creating and executing a variety of content materials for the Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Energy Dominance Financing (EDF).


Responsibilities

  • Lead the Communications/External Affairs team with a variety of written communications and visual media materials
  • Assist in the development of materials intended for the media, such as press releases, talking points, newsletters, pitches, and weekly reports
  • Draft content ideas and post for Instagram, X, and Facebook
  • Support the media relations team in executing communications strategies and building national, local, and trade press lists
  • Support the media team with responding to media inquiries, preparing holding statements, preparing spokespeople for media appearances, and researching to support media team strategy and decision-making
  • Operationalize and organize media team systems and information, such as meeting agendas, newsletter media monitoring, holding statements and inquiry responses, and contact information for borrowers, to streamline and increase team efficiency
  • Monitor and track media
  • Daily reading of market and industry news to monitor for news relevant to the office, portfolio projects, mentions of the Energy Secretary, and White House messaging on energy and EDF, as well as flagging inaccuracies for pursuing story corrections
  • Track media hits from deals and other announcements, compiling clips and sending to deal teams, Front Office, and the Energy Secretary's Public Affairs team
  • Build and maintain press lists, including national and priority technology sector press lists as well as local and deal-specific press lists for announcements
  • Schedule media engagements for principals
  • Review background materials to draft press releases and talking points
  • Draft tough Q&A documents when needed
  • Distribute press releases to national, trade, and local media
  • Draft quarterly digest newsletter
  • Draft blogs and copy for website content

Requirements

  • Minimum of US Citizenship is required to obtain client-issued Public Trust
  • 5+ years of experience in developing communications strategies or communications plans
  • Experienced in creative writing, editing, proofreading, and able to adapt skills to different communication projects
  • Direct experience with identifying media opportunities, speaking engagements, and translating technical concepts to functional audiences, including senior leaders, high-profile energy government officials, or private sector entrepreneurs, is required
  • Experience in interfacing with media, journalists, and media literacy
  • Experience developing/drafting strategic media and communications plans, newsletters, articles, social media, and internal organization communications
  • Demonstrated expertise, general knowledge, or interest in energy and policy
  • Experience coordinating across organizations/ working collaboratively on complex projects
  • Excellent attention to detail and an understanding of fundamental business writing
  • Expertise in Microsoft Office Products (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook)
  • Must be based in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with visual media and video editing/producing for web content and social communications
  • Ability to provide writing samples
  • Displays sound professional judgment and a high degree of discretion, ability to remain calm under pressure, and self-starter skills to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment


EDUCATION: Bachelor's Degree or Master's degree in a related field preferred


COMPENSATION: Includes paid holidays, vacation, sick leave, 401k matching, life insurance, health, vision, and dental benefits.


This position is not available for Corp-to-Corp or 3rd party sourcing.


We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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