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Director External Relations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

RWE

Sr Director, External Communications

Washington, DC · On-site

In this role, you will manage external communications, lead media relations and public affairs, and ... Approve and direct the development of high-impact communications materials, including strategic ...

RWE

External Communications Director

Washington, DC · On-site

The Director works cross-functionally-collaborating with Communications, Government Relations ... Partner with Government Relations, Policy, Legal, and Regulatory teams to ensure external ...

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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.

Director, External Communications

Cantor Fitzgerald Securities

Manhattan, NY

$200K - $250K/yr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

As a key member of the Corporate Communications team, the Director will be responsible for supporting the development and execution of external communications and media relations strategies for Cantor Fitzgerald and BGC Group.

Cantor Fitzgerald L.P., with over 16,000 employees, has been a leading global financial services firm at the forefront of financial and technological innovation since 1945. 

Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. is a preeminent investment bank serving more than 5,000 institutional clients around the world, recognized for its strengths in fixed income and equity capital markets, investment banking, SPAC underwriting, PIPE placements, commercial real estate, and for its global distribution platform. Capitalizing on the firm's financial acumen and technology prowess, Cantor's portfolio of businesses also includes Prime Brokerage, Asset Management, and other businesses and ventures. For 79 years, Cantor has consistently fueled the growth of original ideas, pioneered new markets, and provided superior service to clients. Cantor operates trading desks in every major financial center globally, with offices in over 30 locations around the world.

As one of the few remaining private partnerships on Wall Street, Cantor has the distinct ability to focus on long-term value creation and solid relationship building. Our structure allows us to respond quickly to client needs, develop solutions that address complex challenges, avoid the limitations of bureaucracy, and attract talented individuals who are driven to succeed.
  • Bachelor's degree, preferably in Business, Marketing, or Communications 
  • 10+ years of experience in public relations/corporate communications, with demonstrated success in media relations, ideally within financial services or capital markets
  • Exceptional writing and editing skills, with the ability to distill complex topics clearly and quickly
  • Demonstrated expertise in social and digital platforms
  • Ability to effectively collaborate and work with stakeholders at all levels across an organization, including senior leadership
  • Entrepreneurial with robust project management to multi-task and be flexible in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment

Salary range: $200,000 - $250,000 + annual discretionary bonus

#LI-DV1

  • Develop and execute proactive media strategies that elevate Cantor Fitzgerald's business profile across financial, business, and market-focused outlets
  • Managing communications across a wide range of topics, including new products/services, business initiatives, new hires, philanthropic initiatives, etc. to support the firm's reputation, employee engagement objectives, culture and business goals
  • Serve as a primary point of contact for top-tier media, managing inbound inquiries and driving outbound storytelling
  • Prepare executives for public appearances with concise, market-ready talking points and briefing materials
  • Support communications around sensitive issues and reputational matters in close coordination with internal partners
  • Develop media strategies that highlight market insights, firm perspectives, and executive thought leadership
  • Supporting media monitoring, measurement and analyzing the firm's coverage and activities 

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