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Director External Communications Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cccis

Director, External Communications

... Direct, hands-on experience owning or co-leading crisis communications response, including at least one live, high-stakes situation Experience managing external PR agencies with high standards and ...

UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA

$120 - $180/hr

The Executive Director, External Communications is responsible for leading the University of Arizona's media and public relations, news content, science and research writing, and crisis ...

Socket.dev

Director, External Communications

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$150 - $215/hr

Role Overview As a member of the External Communications team, you will play a pivotal role in shaping Tradeweb's external profile and media strategy, positioning the company as a growing financial ...

Servier

Assoc Dir, External Communications

Boston, MA · On-site

Role Summary The Associate Director, External Communications will play a key role in advancing Servier's external corporate narrative, strengthening enterprise reputation and supporting thought ...

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How much do director external communications jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for director external communications in the United States is $129,451.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,000.00 and $179,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a director of external communications do?

A Director of External Communications is responsible for managing and overseeing an organization's public image and messaging to external audiences. This includes developing communication strategies, handling media relations, crafting press releases, and ensuring consistent messaging across all channels. They often act as a spokesperson for the organization and coordinate with other departments to align external communications with organizational goals. Their work is critical to building and maintaining the reputation of the organization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director of external communications?

To thrive as a Director of External Communications, you need expertise in public relations, media strategy, and brand messaging, typically supported by a degree in communications, public relations, or a related field. Familiarity with media monitoring tools, press release distribution platforms, and crisis communication systems is usually required. Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and interpersonal skills help you build relationships with key stakeholders and effectively manage teams. These capabilities ensure the organization’s reputation is protected and its messaging reaches target audiences with clarity and impact.

What are some typical challenges a director of external communications faces when aligning messaging across multiple departments?

A Director of External Communications often encounters the challenge of ensuring consistent messaging while balancing input from diverse departments such as marketing, legal, and executive leadership. This requires strong collaboration skills and the ability to synthesize various perspectives into unified communications that accurately represent the organization's values. Navigating differing priorities and managing approvals can add complexity, but effective Directors foster open communication channels and establish clear messaging guidelines to streamline the process.

What is the difference between Director External Communications vs Public Relations Manager?

AspectDirector External CommunicationsPublic Relations Manager
CredentialsBachelor's degree; often advanced degrees in communications or related fieldsBachelor's degree; relevant experience in PR or communications
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, overseeing external messaging, collaborating with executivesExecuting PR campaigns, media relations, managing press releases
Industry UsageUsed across corporate, nonprofit, and government sectors for high-level external messagingCommon in corporate and agency settings for managing public image

The main difference is that the Director External Communications focuses on strategic oversight and high-level external messaging, while the Public Relations Manager handles day-to-day PR activities and media relations. The director typically has broader responsibilities and a higher level of seniority, often leading teams and setting communication strategies.

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Director External Communications jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director External Communications job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,451 per year, or $62.2 per hour.

Director External Communications

Sunrise Senior Living

Mclean, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Why Join Sunrise Senior Living
At Sunrise Senior Living, we believe meaningful work starts with purpose. Our team members are passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of residents every day.
Sunrise Senior Living is seeking a Director of External Communications to lead corporate communications, media relations, thought leadership, and reputation management. This strategic leader will shape Sunrise's market narrative, strengthen brand awareness, position executives as industry authorities, and support strategic growth, business development, M&A, and investor communications.
Key Responsibilities
  • Develop and execute an integrated external communications and corporate communications strategy aligned with business and growth objectives.
  • Build compelling corporate narratives and messaging that differentiate Sunrise and establish category leadership.
  • Lead media relations, public relations, earned media, thought leadership, and executive positioning across business, industry, and financial media.
  • Build relationships with journalists, analysts, industry influencers, and key external stakeholders.
  • Lead crisis communications, issues management, reputation management, and rapid-response strategies in partnership with Legal and executive leadership.
  • Partner with Finance and senior leadership on financial and investor communications, acquisitions, corporate announcements, and market-moving initiatives.
  • Develop executive thought leadership, including op-eds, speaking opportunities, media appearances, and industry recognition.
  • Support Development, Growth, Marketing Communications, and M&A initiatives with strategic messaging and external communications.
  • Manage PR agencies, communications vendors, budgets, KPIs, and program performance.
  • Establish communications analytics and reporting to measure media coverage, brand perception, stakeholder engagement, investor sentiment, and ROI.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, Public Relations, or related field.
  • 10+ years of progressive corporate communications, public relations, media relations, or strategic communications experience.
  • Demonstrated success developing external communications strategies and shaping corporate narratives.
  • Strong experience with media relations, thought leadership, crisis communications, executive communications, and reputation management.
  • Experience with financial and investor communications and communicating complex business and financial information.
  • Exceptional writing, editing, presentation, and executive communication skills.
  • Experience managing PR agencies, vendors, budgets, and strategic communications programs.
  • Strong analytical and business acumen with experience measuring communications effectiveness and ROI.
  • Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, highly visible corporate environment and influence senior executives.

Director, External Communications | Corporate Communications | Media Relations | PR
Pay Range:
175,013.33 - 218,766.66
Ready to take the next step and make a bigger impact than you ever imagined? As part of our team, you will help brighten the future for everyone at Sunrise and beyond. That is why we make it a priority to celebrate the unique ways you bring moments of togetherness and joy to everyone you serve. And when combined with the support, benefits, and growth opportunities we offer, the result is a career that PositivelyShines with everything you need to reach your goals - at work and in your life.
We also offer benefits and other compensation that include:
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and Disability Plans
  • Retirement Savings Plans
  • Employee Assistant Program / Discount Program
  • Paid time off (PTO), sick time, and holiday pay
  • myFlexPay offered to get paid within hours of a shift
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • In addition to base compensation, Sunrise may offer discretionary and/or non-discretionary bonuses. The eligibility to receive such a bonus will depend on the employee's position, plan/program offered by Sunrise at the time, and required performance pursuant to the plan/program.
  • Some benefits have eligibility requirements

Apply today to learn why Sunrise Senior Living is a certified Great Place to Work®
Equal Opportunity Employer
Sunrise Senior Living is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Apply