Strategy
Turn organizational goals into an achievable communications roadmap.
Mission, message and momentum
Communications Director Jobs
Communications Director jobs offer the opportunity to lead the narrative, reputation and audience strategy of a mission-driven organization. Explore nonprofit leadership openings nationwide.
Executive counselTranslate mission and strategy into clear public positioning.
Integrated leadershipAlign media, digital, brand, programs and development.
Team directionBuild systems that help communicators deliver consistently.
The leadership remit
What nonprofit communications directors own
Titles vary by organization, but director-level roles usually connect executive priorities to communications plans. They often guide brand voice, crisis readiness, media relations, editorial strategy and team performance.
- Advise executives on positioning and sensitive communications
- Set audience, channel and editorial priorities
- Lead staff, consultants and agency partners
- Measure progress and explain results to leadership
Reputation
Prepare messages, spokespeople and response plans before issues emerge.
People
Create roles, feedback and workflows that strengthen the whole team.
Insight
Use useful metrics to improve reach, relevance and trust.
Current national context
Leadership compensation and outlook
BLS reports a May 2025 median annual wage of $146,910 for public relations managers. In religious, grantmaking, civic, professional and similar organizations, the median was $134,400. These national figures are context, not a nonprofit salary promise.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook. Local pay varies by scope, budget, location and experience.
Before you apply
Show leadership, not only deliverables
Frame the decision
Explain the organizational challenge, the options you considered and why you chose a direction.
Connect the work
Show how communications supported programs, policy, fundraising, recruitment or community trust.
Describe the system
Include editorial operations, approvals, team design, budgets and vendor management.
Make results legible
Use metrics with context, including what changed and what you learned.
Hiring a Communications Director?
Define decision authority, executive access, team resources and the outcomes the role must influence. A clear brief attracts leaders who can match your mission and operating reality.
Current opportunities
Communications Director job listings
Communications Director
350.org
Sep.
Director of Communications
Gateway Early Childhood Alliance
Sep.
Lutheran Metropolitan Ministrty
Sep.
Save the Redwoods League
Aug.
Frequently asked questions
Practical answers for candidates and nonprofit employers.
What does a nonprofit Communications Director do?
They guide organizational messaging, brand, media, digital communications, crisis readiness and team execution in support of mission goals.
What experience is usually expected?
Employers commonly seek progressive communications experience, strong writing and editorial judgment, strategic planning, people leadership and work with executives.
How should employers scope this role?
State the audiences, goals, team, budget, reporting line and decision authority. Clarify whether fundraising, public affairs, marketing or internal communications are included.
LABOR MARKET CONTEXT
Plan your next communications leadership move
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 6% growth for the combined public relations and fundraising managers category from 2025 to 2035, with about 9,800 openings each year. This all-industry category is broader than nonprofit Communications Director roles, so use it as national context rather than a promise for one employer or city.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Data are national and should be considered with local salary, cost-of-living and hiring information.
6%Projected growth
9,800Annual openings
2025 to 2035Projection period
Explore nonprofit jobs in leading city markets
Use these local hubs to compare current openings and organizations. City links help narrow a search; they are not a ranking of state demand.
Hiring a Communications Director professional?
Reach experienced mission-driven candidates with a clear role, transparent expectations and a focused Foundation List job posting.