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Director Of External Communications Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Anthos Home

Director of Communications

New York, NY

$100K - $125K/yr

The Role The Director of Communications will report directly to the CEO and develop, maintain, and execute AnthoslHome's organization-wide communications strategy and manage all internal and external ...

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Director Of External Communications information

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$35K

$102.3K

$170K

How much do director of external communications jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for director of external communications in the United States is $102,257.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,000.00 and $126,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectDirector Of External CommunicationsPublic Relations Manager
CredentialsBachelor's degree; often advanced in communications, marketing, or related fieldsBachelor's degree; similar background in communications or PR
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, overseeing external messaging, collaborating with executivesExecuting PR campaigns, media relations, managing press releases
Industry UsageUsed across industries for high-level external messagingCommon in PR agencies, corporate communications teams
Search & Comparison IntentHigh-level external communication roles, strategic leadershipOperational PR roles, media relations, campaign management

The main difference is that the Director Of 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. Both roles require similar credentials and are used across industries, but the director position involves broader strategic responsibilities.

What are some common challenges faced by a director of external communications when managing an organization's public image?

A Director of External Communications often encounters the challenge of maintaining consistent messaging across multiple channels while responding quickly to emerging issues or crises. Balancing the interests of various stakeholders, including media, customers, and regulatory bodies, can be complex, especially in fast-paced industries. The role also requires staying ahead of media trends and proactively managing reputational risks. Successful Directors build strong relationships across departments to ensure unified communication and are skilled at adapting strategies to shifting market or public perceptions.

What does a director of external communications do?

A Director of External Communications is responsible for managing and overseeing all communication between an organization and the public, including media relations, public relations strategies, and brand messaging. They ensure that the company's image and messaging are consistent across various external platforms, such as press releases, social media, and public events. Their role involves working closely with senior leadership to craft communication strategies that support business objectives and build positive relationships with stakeholders. They may also handle crisis communication and serve as a spokesperson for 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 media relations, strategic messaging, and crisis communication, often supported by a degree in communications, public relations, or a related field. Familiarity with PR management platforms, media monitoring tools, and social media analytics is typically required. Outstanding leadership, storytelling ability, and interpersonal skills help foster positive stakeholder relationships and manage high-pressure situations. These competencies are vital for shaping public perception, protecting organizational reputation, and effectively conveying key messages to diverse audiences.
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Director Of External Communications jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Of External Communications job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 10% Internship, and 90% Full Time. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,257 per year, or $49.2 per hour.

Director of External Affairs & Communications

Michigan Community Resources

Detroit, MI • On-site

$80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

About Michigan Community Resources:

Michigan Community Resources (MCR) is a statewide nonprofit organization that seeks to build strong communities through strong organizations, strong leaders, and a strong nonprofit network. Since 1998, we have equipped nonprofit organizations serving income-diverse communities with the tools, resources, training, and consulting they need to do their best work.

Joining the MCR Team:

We are lawyers, community organizers, artists, writers, activists, advocates, people connectors, and more who share a fierce passion for Detroit and Michigan. We bring experience from across the globe to serve our clients. We value a positive internal team culture that is supportive and encouraging. We promote a healthy work life balance that supports our team members in centering life outside of work. We welcome energetic and innovative thought leaders to apply.

Purpose of the Role:

Michigan Community Resources (MCR) seeks a strategic and visionary Director of External Affairs & Communications to lead the organization's external positioning, communications strategy, and public engagement. This role will shape how MCR is understood by nonprofit leaders, funders, public officials, partners, and the broader community, ensuring that our voice, brand, and communications consistently advance our mission and long-term strategic priorities.

The Director will develop and lead an integrated external affairs strategy that strengthens MCR's reputation, expands its influence, elevates the organization's thought leadership, and supports fundraising, partnership development, and programmatic growth. The successful candidate is an exceptional strategist, communicator, and relationship builder who thrives at connecting organizational priorities with compelling narratives and meaningful stakeholder engagement.

The Director will steward MCR's voice not only as an organization, but as a trusted intermediary helping shape how our stakeholders understand what thriving nonprofit ecosystems require. This individual will lead communications that move beyond promoting MCR's work to influencing the broader conversation about community power, nonprofit capacity, and systems transformation. Working across the organization and with external partners, this individual will identify opportunities to elevate shared narratives, challenge outdated assumptions, and position MCR as a leading voice advancing a stronger, more resilient nonprofit sector.

Specific Responsibilities Include:

External Affairs & Organizational Positioning

  • Develop and implement an organization-wide external affairs and communications strategy aligned with MCR's strategic plan
  • Serve as a strategic advisor to the Co-CEOs and senior leadership on organizational messaging, public positioning, and reputation management
  • Identify opportunities to elevate MCR's visibility through partnerships, speaking engagements, media, publications, and sector leadership
  • Cultivate relationships with philanthropic, nonprofit, government, and community partners that advance MCR's mission and strategic priorities
  • Monitor emerging issues affecting the nonprofit sector and recommend communications strategies that position MCR as a trusted thought leader

Strategic Communications & Brand Strategy

  • Lead the development of organization-wide messaging and narrative frameworks that ensure consistency across all audiences and communications
  • Devise and implement marketing strategies that promote programs, initiatives, and organizational impact
  • Provide strategic oversight of MCR's website, digital communications, social media, newsletters
  • Ensure storytelling authentically reflects the experiences of nonprofit partners and communities while advancing MCR's mission
  • Help position MCR for strategic funding opportunities through strong external messaging and organizational visibility
  • Establish metrics to evaluate communications performance

Leadership and Organizational Support

  • Supervise interns, fellows, and volunteers as needed
  • Manage external consultants, designers, writers, and communications vendors
  • Build communications capacity across the organization by coaching staff and strengthening internal communications practices
  • Maintain regular, predictable attendance
  • Ability to work flexible hours, including limited evenings and/or weekends
  • Ability to work a hybrid schedule, with in-person days and events typically located in Detroit, MI
  • Perform other duties as assigned

    Required Knowledge, Skills, and Qualifications:

    • Experience leading communications during periods of organizational growth or change
    • Experience developing narrative change, thought leadership, public engagement, or issue-based communications strategies that influence audiences beyond traditional marketing
    • Experience cultivating relationships with philanthropic, nonprofit, government, media, and community partners
    • Strong understanding of brand strategy, media relations, digital communications and websites, and graphic design
    • Experience with Adobe Creative Suite and basic website management
    • Commitment to equity, community-centered communications, and strengthening the nonprofit sector

    Preferred Experience:

    • Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, or related field
    • 5+ years of similar work experience, especially nonprofit communications
    • Experience with software tools for managing client interactions and maintaining client records, like Airtable, HubSpot, and SharePoint

    Salary & Benefits:

    Starting at $80,000 and may be adjusted according to qualifications and experience

    We are extraordinarily proud of the benefits package we offer our employees. PTO includes generous vacation and sick leave, company holidays, and regular Mental Health Fridays. We have competitive health, dental, and vision benefits, and an employer sponsored 403(b) retirement plan.

    Equal Opportunity Employer:

    Michigan Community Resources is an equal opportunity employer.

    Employment Type: FULL_TIME

    Apply