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Director External Relations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CAF America

Vice President, External Relations

Vice President, External Relations Department: Philanthropic Services Reports to: Chief ... team and their direct reports, the successful candidate will be a forward-thinking strategic ...

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Director External Relations information

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$39K

$100.9K

$173.5K

How much do director external relations jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for director external relations in the United States is $100,880.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,000.00 and $131,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Director of External Relations, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of External Relations, you need expertise in public relations, strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, and typically a degree in communications, public affairs, or a related field. Familiarity with media monitoring tools, CRM systems, and digital communication platforms is essential. Outstanding interpersonal skills, persuasive communication, and the ability to build and maintain relationships set exceptional professionals apart. These skills and qualifications are crucial for effectively promoting organizational objectives, managing reputation, and fostering strong external partnerships.

How does a Director of External Relations typically collaborate with internal teams to achieve organizational goals?

A Director of External Relations often works closely with various internal departments, such as communications, marketing, and executive leadership, to align external messaging with organizational objectives. This collaboration usually involves regular strategy meetings, sharing key updates, and ensuring that outreach efforts reflect the company’s mission and values. By fostering open communication between teams, the Director helps maintain consistent branding and strengthens stakeholder relationships. This cross-functional work environment is essential for executing successful campaigns and managing the organization's public image.

What does a Director of External Relations do?

A Director of External Relations is responsible for managing and enhancing an organization's relationships with external stakeholders, such as partners, government agencies, media, and the public. They develop communication strategies, oversee public relations campaigns, and represent the organization at events and in negotiations. Their main goal is to promote the organization's image, foster beneficial partnerships, and ensure effective communication with key audiences.

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

AspectDirector External RelationsPublic Relations Manager
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree; often advanced degrees in communications, public relations, or related fieldsBachelor's degree in communications, public relations, or related fields
Work EnvironmentStrategic leadership, cross-department collaboration, high-level stakeholder engagementMedia interactions, campaign management, media relations
Employer & Industry UsageNonprofits, corporations, government agencies, large organizationsCorporations, PR agencies, nonprofits
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding senior strategic roles in external communicationsManaging media relations and public image

The main difference is that the Director External Relations oversees strategic external communication efforts and stakeholder engagement at a high level, while the Public Relations Manager focuses on media relations and executing PR campaigns. The Director typically has broader responsibilities and higher credentials, working in senior leadership, whereas the PR Manager handles day-to-day media interactions.

More about Director External Relations jobs
What cities are hiring for Director External Relations jobs? Cities with the most Director External Relations job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of External Relations jobs? The most popular types of External Relations jobs are:
What states have the most Director External Relations jobs? States with the most job openings for Director External Relations jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Director External Relations jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Director External Relations jobs are:
Director External Relations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director External Relations job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,880 per year, or $48.5 per hour.
External Relations Season Associate

External Relations Season Associate

Pacers Sports & Entertainment

Indianapolis, IN

$38K - $47K/yr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Season Associate Start Date: August 2026

Season Associate End Date: June 2027

Anticipated Time Commitment: 15-20 hours per week

Position Location: on-site in Indianapolis, IN

Pacers Sports & Entertainment is seeking an External Relations Season Associate to provide day-to-day support for programs, events, and initiatives that engage community partners, internal stakeholders, and key external audiences. Reporting to the External Initiatives & Relations Manager, this role will assist with program planning and execution, partner engagement, research, event support, and cross-functional coordination tied to strategic external priorities and inclusive organizational engagement. The season associate will gain hands-on experience supporting initiatives that expand organizational reach, deepen community connections, strengthen internal collaboration, and advance key business and stakeholder objectives.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Assist with planning and implementation of key external initiatives and community-facing programs (e.g. Career Accelerator Program, Bridge to Gain, In the Key, and Diaper Drive) by supporting project coordination, logistics, research, data tracking, and reporting.
  • Support the execution of strategic programs and special projects such as cultural and heritage recognition efforts, community activations, and partner-facing events.
  • Engage with internal stakeholders and collaborate across departments to support cross-functional efforts that strengthen organizational culture and alignment with key business and relationship goals (e.g. cultural theme nights).
  • Conduct research on emerging community trends, stakeholder opportunities, and best practices that may inform external initiatives, program development, and organizational strategy.
  • Assist with the development of presentations, briefing materials, recaps, and support documents for meetings, events, and strategic planning sessions.
  • Provide administrative and operational support for external meetings, game day activations, events, stakeholder convenings, and community focused activities.
  • Help track program outcomes, partner engagement, and initiative progress using established metrics, reporting tools, and evaluation processes.
  • Support additional projects and assignments as directed in support of the External Initiatives and Relations team.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Bachelor’s or graduate degree in relevant major.
  • Outstanding oral and written communication skills.
  • Strong project management and problem-solving skills.
  • Highly detail-oriented and able to work autonomously.
  • Ability to multi-task and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Be flexible and adaptable to changing priorities.
  • Eager and willing to learn.
  • Detail oriented and enjoys working with people.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office: Excel, Word, PowerPoint.
  • Adept with social media platforms.
  • Must have a valid driver's license.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, use a computer, use a telephone, speak, hear, and write.

While performing the duties of this job, the noise level in the office work environment is usually moderate and the noise level in the Fieldhouse / game environment is usually loud. The stress level may become high during certain times of the year.

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

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