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$39K

$100.9K

$173.5K

How much do director external relations jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 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?

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,880 per year, or $48.5 per hour.

Director, External Corporate Communications

McCormick & Company

Hunt Valley, MD • Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago

McCormick & Company rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

72nd of 437 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

You may know McCormick as a leader in herbs, spices, seasonings, and condiments – and we’re only getting started. At McCormick, we’re always looking for new people to bring their unique flavor to our team.

McCormick employees – all 14,000 of us across the world – are what makes this company a great place to work.

We are looking to hire a Director, External Corporate Communications to join the team based at our global headquarters in Hunt Valley, Maryland. The position is hybrid eligible (50% onsite per month). 

What We Bring To The Table:

The best people deserve the best rewards. In addition to the benefits you’d expect from a global leader (401k, health insurance, paid time off, etc.) we also offer:

• Competitive compensation

• Career growth opportunities

• Flexibility and Support for Diverse Life Stages and Choices

• Wellbeing programs including Physical, Mental and Financial wellness

• Tuition assistance

Position Overview:

We are seeking a strategic and forward-thinking Director, External Corporate Communications to shape and elevate the company’s corporate reputation and narratives via strategic media engagement, thought-leadership and proactive multi-platform storytelling. This role will lead the development of a clear and impactful earned media, owned content and executive spokesperson strategy.

Reporting to the Vice President, the Director will shape the company’s external narrative, strengthen its perception and influence across global business and industry media, and drive alignment and collaboration across regions, functions and brands.

The ideal candidate brings deep experience in media relations and executive communications along with a strong ability to translate complex business transformation into clear, credible, and engaging storytelling that advance corporate reputation.

Key Responsibilities:

Global Media Strategy and Proactive Storytelling 

  • Develop and drive a cohesive external narrative strategy that reflects the company’s transformation, growth priorities, and long-term strategy.
  • Drive engagement with top-tier business, financial, and consumer media (The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, CNBC).
  • Develop and drive a corporate editorial calendar in collaboration with key stakeholders to drive proactive messaging and amplification.
  • Translate complex business changes—including portfolio evolution, innovation, and operating model shifts—into clear and compelling messaging.
  • Oversee global media monitoring and create effective processes on sharing coverage and analytics with senior leadership and the company.


Executive Communications & Positioning 

  • Serve as a strategic advisor to senior leaders on external communications and positioning.
  • Build and evolve tailored executive platforms, with distinct lanes, that reinforce the company’s narrative, strategy and leadership credibility.
  • Identify strategic opportunities and moments for senior leaders to reinforce key messaging. i.e. via thought-leadership opportunities, speaking engagements, etc.


Spokesperson Development & Media Training 

  • Design and lead media training programs to prepare executives to communicate confidently and consistently across audiences [during a period of change].
  • Coach leaders on delivering clear, concise, and compelling messages across a range of formats, including broadcast, print, and digital.
  • Ensure alignment and message discipline across all external spokespeople


Thought Leadership & Speaking Platforms 

  • Identify and secure high-impact speaking opportunities at leading business and industry conferences.
  • Position executives as credible voices on topics such as consumer trends, innovation, growth strategy, and transformation.
  • Develop forward-looking speaker strategies aligned with key business priorities


Cross-Functional Integration 

  • Partner closely with Investor Relations, Marketing, HR, brands and internal/function communications teams to ensure consistent messaging across audiences.
  • Align corporate narrative with brand storytelling to reflect a cohesive company story.
  • Manage agency partners and external vendors as needed.


Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, or related field of study
  • 10+ years of experience in corporate communications, media relations, or public affairs, ideally within a consumer goods or similarly dynamic industry.
  • Proven experience supporting companies through periods of transformation and change.
  • Strong track record of securing top-tier media coverage and strategically shaping executive visibility.
  • Experience working closely with C-suite leaders on executive communications.
  • Demonstrated ability to connect business strategy with compelling, credible storytelling.


Key Skills & Attributes

  • Strategic storyteller: Ability to simplify complexity and articulate a clear narrative of growth and progress
  • Change agility: Comfortable operating in an evolving environment with shifting priorities
  • Executive presence: Trusted advisor to senior leadership with strong executive presence, judgment and influence
  • Audience fluency: Able to communicate effectively to both investor and consumer-facing audiences
  • Media expertise: Deep understanding of business, financial, and consumer media landscapes and ability to foster trusted relationships
  • Resilience & judgment: Strong instincts in navigating ambiguity, scrutiny, and high-stakes situations

Base Salary: $140,610-253,080

Base salary compensation will be determined based on factors such as geographic location, skills, education, experience for this role, and/or internal equity of our current employees as part of any final offer. This position is also eligible to participate in McCormick’s Incentive Bonus (MIB) Plan/ McCormick’s Sales Incentive Bonus (SIB) Plan/ McCormick’s Dividend Program. In addition to a competitive compensation package, permanent employees of McCormick are eligible for our extensive Total Rewards programs that include:

- Comprehensive health plans covering medical, vision, dental, life and disability benefits
- Family-friendly benefits such as paid parental leave, fertility benefits, Employee Assistance Program, and caregiver support
- Retirement and investment programs including 401(k) and profit-sharing plans

McCormick & Company is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

As a general policy, McCormick does not offer employment visa sponsorships upon hire or in the future. 

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