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Director External Communications Jobs (NOW HIRING)

JLL

Manager, External Communications

Chicago, IL

This role will report to the Director of Global Occupier Public Relations. Responsibilities: External Communications * Understand and clearly articulate Global and Americas goals and objectives in ...

JLL

Manager, External Communications

Dallas, TX · On-site

This role will report to the Director of Global Occupier Public Relations. Responsibilities: External Communications * Understand and clearly articulate Global and Americas goals and objectives in ...

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How much do director external communications jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Director of External Communications, and why are they important?

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 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 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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,451 per year, or $62.2 per hour.
Director, External Communications - Product and Corporate

Director, External Communications - Product and Corporate

Okta

San Francisco, CA • Hybrid

Other

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Overview

The Director of External Communications will lead the continued evolution of Okta's US external communications program, with a clear north star of establishing Okta as the industry standard for securing AI. You will help shape a modern, data and AI-powered communications organization with a clear bias towards action and the ability to drive results that shape perception in a noisy environment. You will land stories around Okta's ongoing product innovation, corporate initiatives, and tie Okta into relevant trending industry topics. This role will cut across traditional and new media channels, and the candidate must be well-versed in both.

This leadership role requires equal parts strategic vision, media instincts, operational excellence and hustle. Reporting to the Senior Director of Global Communications, you will lead a team of communications professionals and work closely with executive leadership, product, security and marketing teams to craft compelling narratives and manage high-stakes communications initiatives that move the needle with CIOs, CISOs, developers and investors.

Key Responsibilities

US PR Strategy & Execution: Drive the strategy and execution of Okta's U.S. public relations program. You will design and lead integrated media campaigns that connect our product and corporate milestones to broader industry conversations around identity, security, and AI.

Modern Media Engagement: Own Okta's media relations strategy across the full spectrum of today's influential platforms, from top-tier business press to newsletters, podcasts, and creator-journalists. You will personally cultivate trusted relationships with key voices across business, technology, and cybersecurity media to shape and land high-impact stories.

Team & Agency Leadership: Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of PR professionals and manage our external agency partners. You will set a culture of strategic thinking, proactive storytelling, and executional excellence, ensuring all partners operate as a seamless extension of the in-house team.

Cross-Functional Leadership & Alignment: Serve as the central, accountable leader for all U.S. public relations initiatives. You will drive alignment with key partners across the company to ensure a cohesive and globally consistent media presence.

AI-First Innovation & Operational Excellence: Champion the integration of AI-driven tools and workflows to make the PR function faster, sharper, and more data-driven. You will be responsible for measuring and reporting on the business impact of our PR programs, using performance intelligence to refine media strategy and demonstrate value.

Qualifications & Core Competencies

  • Strategic PR Leader: 15+ years of experience in public relations or communications, with significant in-house experience at a B2B technology company preferred. Proven ability to build and scale corporate PR programs.
  • Team Builder: Demonstrated experience leading, managing, and developing PR teams. You set the bar high, invest in your people, and build cultures where great work happens consistently.
  • Exceptional Executive Presence: The judgment and confidence to advise senior leaders in real-time and navigate high-profile, confidential projects with discretion.
  • Cross-Functional Connector: Proven ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships - influencing with credibility, navigating ambiguity with composure, and challenging assumptions when it leads to better outcomes. 
  • Media Authority Across the Modern Landscape: Deep, active relationships with journalists, editors, podcast hosts, newsletter writers, and influential voices across business, technology, and cybersecurity media. You understand that today's media ecosystem extends well beyond traditional outlets.
  • Strategic Storyteller: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a sharp attention to detail and storytelling craft. You can translate complex technology and business strategy into compelling narratives that resonate with press, analysts, and broad audiences. You develop storylines that work across verticals, formats, and audience types.
  • AI-Curious Operator: Strong interest in and experience with AI, automation, or emerging technologies applied to communications and PR operations. You don't need to be an engineer, but you're energized by finding new ways to work smarter and faster.
  • Global Mindset: Experience operating across regions and partnering with international teams, with a clear understanding of how to maintain narrative consistency while adapting for local relevance.

#LI-Hybrid 

PID: P5712_3417511

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