Communications Manager Jobs in Virginia
Communications Manager jobs in Virginia are in strong demand, with openings concentrated in defense and government affairs, federal contracting, higher education, and nonprofit communications, and roles available from entry-level communications coordinator through senior director. The largest hiring metros are Northern Virginia, Richmond, and the Hampton Roads region, where employers such as Booz Allen Hamilton, Leidos, and George Mason University have established and ongoing needs for communications professionals. The most sought-after specialties in Virginia include strategic communications, public affairs, and digital and crisis communications. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 36+ Communications Manager jobs
Schedule/Hours: M – F 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (40 hours per week)
This position is responsible for:
Under the general supervision of the Development Director, the Communication Manager plans, develops, coordinates, maintains, improves and supervises the day-to-day Area Command communication operations with the purpose of improving both internal and public awareness and support for programs and services that advance the Army’s mission. The incumbent provides the capacity to enhance evangelism, strengthen community relations, provide frequent, accurate and improved public information, forge stronger media relations and partnerships, and in general, raise the standards of communications across the Area Command. In collaboration with the Divisional Communications Director, he/she designs, develops and presents promotional materials using multi-media formats and serves as primary liaison with print and broadcast media with regard to the promotion of Salvation Army events, services, disaster relief, etc. The incumbent develops and maintains an effective communication plan/strategy to manage the Army’s image and address any adverse public relations events; keeps internal and external audiences informed about Salvation Army activity during disaster and/or crises events. He/she oversees and coordinates all donor communications with Area Commander and Development Director including donor newsletters, direct mail and direct marketing; oversees (and supervises support staff when applicable) multi-media communications including all web-based and social media stream. Maintain relationships with the media in support of the Angel Tree and Christmas stocking programs.
Key Responsibilities:
- Plans, develops, coordinates, evaluates and improves the communication functions for the Area Command with a goal of increasing public awareness of, and support for, the mission of The Salvation Army; develops and manages an annual Communications Plan (working in concert with the Marketing and Public Relations Committee) outlining the strategies, objectives and measureable outcomes of the Area Command communications practices.
Prepares and disseminates internal and external news and press releases in both written and electronic formats; shares news with the divisional staff as needed ensuring this is accomplished with the goal of integration of a common identity.
Where possible, has adequate knowledge and practical experience of basic photography and videography. Uses appropriate equipment i.e. smart phones and compact cameras for video and still photography to capture events, disaster response and any other footage that can be used by the Divisional and Territorial Communications Bureau responsible for developing long form video productions; ensures compliance with territorial policies and standards as well as copyright laws related to the distribution of video and still photography.
Manages all aspects of the Area Command website and Facebook content administration; ensures uniformity to current Salvation Army web branding standards; ensures maintenance of Corps websites and regular posting of news and information, location information updates and accessibility for authorized local users.
Implements and strengthens awareness and support for the National “Branding” Promise throughout the Area Command and in coordination with the DHQ and THQ Communications Bureau. Coordinates with Human Resources to generate awareness via new hire orientation as well as periodic special events to reinforce awareness and support for the Brand at every unit of operation within the division.
- Serves as the Area Command PIO when required. Ensures there are adequate candidates who have taken the PIO course to assist when necessary. Is available to serve at a moment’s notice when disaster strikes the Area Command and/or the Division. Writes effective media releases and posts them to the national EDS website in a timely manner.
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:
- Duties are usually performed seated. Sitting may be relieved by brief or occasional periods of standing or walking.
- Limited amount of physical effort required associated with walking, standing, lifting, and carrying light objects (less than 25 lbs.) 5-10% of work time.
- Work is performed in a normal office environment where there is little or no physical discomfort associated with changes in weather or discomfo1isassociated with noise, dust, dirt, and the like.
Employee Benefits:
- Paid Time Off
- Retirement Savings Plan Available
- Supplemental Insurance Available
- Voluntary Life Insurance and more!
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Public Relations, Communications, or a related field is required with a Masters Preferred, AND
At least three years of progressively responsible experience administering a variety of internal and external communication functions, OR
Any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Equal Opportunity Employer: Veterans | Disabled
Schedule/Hours: M – F 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (40 hours per week)
This position is responsible for:
Under the general supervision of the Development Director, the Communication Manager plans, develops, coordinates, maintains, improves and supervises the day-to-day Area Command communication operations with the purpose of improving both internal and public awareness and support for programs and services that advance the Army’s mission. The incumbent provides the capacity to enhance evangelism, strengthen community relations, provide frequent, accurate and improved public information, forge stronger media relations and partnerships, and in general, raise the standards of communications across the Area Command. In collaboration with the Divisional Communications Director, he/she designs, develops and presents promotional materials using multi-media formats and serves as primary liaison with print and broadcast media with regard to the promotion of Salvation Army events, services, disaster relief, etc. The incumbent develops and maintains an effective communication plan/strategy to manage the Army’s image and address any adverse public relations events; keeps internal and external audiences informed about Salvation Army activity during disaster and/or crises events. He/she oversees and coordinates all donor communications with Area Commander and Development Director including donor newsletters, direct mail and direct marketing; oversees (and supervises support staff when applicable) multi-media communications including all web-based and social media stream. Maintain relationships with the media in support of the Angel Tree and Christmas stocking programs.
Key Responsibilities:
- Plans, develops, coordinates, evaluates and improves the communication functions for the Area Command with a goal of increasing public awareness of, and support for, the mission of The Salvation Army; develops and manages an annual Communications Plan (working in concert with the Marketing and Public Relations Committee) outlining the strategies, objectives and measureable outcomes of the Area Command communications practices.
Prepares and disseminates internal and external news and press releases in both written and electronic formats; shares news with the divisional staff as needed ensuring this is accomplished with the goal of integration of a common identity.
Where possible, has adequate knowledge and practical experience of basic photography and videography. Uses appropriate equipment i.e. smart phones and compact cameras for video and still photography to capture events, disaster response and any other footage that can be used by the Divisional and Territorial Communications Bureau responsible for developing long form video productions; ensures compliance with territorial policies and standards as well as copyright laws related to the distribution of video and still photography.
Manages all aspects of the Area Command website and Facebook content administration; ensures uniformity to current Salvation Army web branding standards; ensures maintenance of Corps websites and regular posting of news and information, location information updates and accessibility for authorized local users.
Implements and strengthens awareness and support for the National “Branding” Promise throughout the Area Command and in coordination with the DHQ and THQ Communications Bureau. Coordinates with Human Resources to generate awareness via new hire orientation as well as periodic special events to reinforce awareness and support for the Brand at every unit of operation within the division.
- Serves as the Area Command PIO when required. Ensures there are adequate candidates who have taken the PIO course to assist when necessary. Is available to serve at a moment’s notice when disaster strikes the Area Command and/or the Division. Writes effective media releases and posts them to the national EDS website in a timely manner.
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:
- Duties are usually performed seated. Sitting may be relieved by brief or occasional periods of standing or walking.
- Limited amount of physical effort required associated with walking, standing, lifting, and carrying light objects (less than 25 lbs.) 5-10% of work time.
- Work is performed in a normal office environment where there is little or no physical discomfort associated with changes in weather or discomfo1isassociated with noise, dust, dirt, and the like.
Employee Benefits:
- Paid Time Off
- Retirement Savings Plan Available
- Supplemental Insurance Available
- Voluntary Life Insurance and more!
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Public Relations, Communications, or a related field is required with a Masters Preferred, AND
At least three years of progressively responsible experience administering a variety of internal and external communication functions, OR
Any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Equal Opportunity Employer: Veterans | Disabled
See All 36 Communications Manager Jobs in Virginia
Find roles in Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Communications Manager JobsCommunications Manager Jobs by City in Virginia
Where Virginia roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Communications Manager Job Market in Virginia
A snapshot from current Virginia openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Non-Profit & Social Services
What Virginia Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in communications manager jobs across Virginia.
- Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field
- Five or more years of progressive communications or public affairs experience
- Demonstrated experience leading external or internal communications campaigns
- Proficiency with content management systems, social media platforms, and analytics tools
- Strong writing and editing skills across press releases, speeches, and digital content
- Experience coordinating with government or federal agency stakeholders preferred
Communications Manager Jobs in Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a communications manager in Virginia?
Most communications managers in Virginia enter the role through a bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or marketing, followed by several years in coordinator or specialist roles. Virginia does not require a state-issued license for this position. In competitive Northern Virginia and Richmond markets, candidates who build experience in federal or government communications and add credentials such as APR accreditation from the Public Relations Society of America tend to advance faster.
Which companies hire communications managers in Virginia?
Employers hiring communications managers in Virginia right now include Northrop Grumman, Nestlé USA, and Virginia Tech, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Virginia's concentration of federal contractors, defense agencies, and major research universities means demand for communications managers stays relatively stable across the state.
Which Virginia cities have the most communications manager jobs?
McLean, Arlington, and Herndon have the most communications manager openings in Virginia. Northern Virginia leads because of its dense concentration of federal agencies, defense contractors, and technology firms, while Richmond draws hiring from state government, corporate headquarters, and regional nonprofits, and Hampton Roads sees consistent demand from military installations and their associated contractors and advocacy organizations.
Are there remote communications manager jobs in Virginia?
Yes, and more than many roles. Communications work is largely desk-based and deliverable-driven, making it well suited to remote and hybrid arrangements. About 62% of communications manager openings tied to Virginia are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, with strategic planning, content development, and media relations work being the most commonly performed remotely.
How can I get hired as a communications manager in Virginia with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is starting as a communications coordinator or public affairs specialist, roles that large Virginia employers such as Booz Allen Hamilton, state agencies, and Virginia's public university system regularly post for candidates with a relevant degree and internship background. Building a portfolio of writing samples, press releases, and campaign results strengthens applications considerably. Lateral moves from adjacent roles in marketing, journalism, or policy analysis are also common ways to break into communications management in Virginia.
Where can I find and apply to communications manager jobs in Virginia?
You can find and apply to communications manager jobs in Virginia on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from Virginia employers. Find roles that fit your experience and apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 36 Communications Manager Jobs in Virginia
Find roles in Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Communications Manager Jobs