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Director Of External Communications Jobs (NOW HIRING)

RWE

Sr Director, External Communications

Washington, DC · On-site

Exempt RWE Americas is seeking a strategic and dynamic Senior Director of External Communications to lead the development and implementation of the corporate communications external affairs strategy ...

Dar Group

External Communications Lead

$29K - $29K/yr

Job Summary The External Communications Lead is responsible for developing and executing strategic ... S. Candidates must live within 50 miles of one of our established office locations in the event ...

Brightspeed

External Communications Lead

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$27K - $28K/yr

Be a part of the team that will make this vision a reality....designing and building a world class ... Reporting to the Director, Enterprise Communications, you will partner with internal leaders ...

kennedyjc

Director of Communications

San Diego, CA · Hybrid

$165K - $185K/yr

The Director of Communications leads Kennedy Jenks's internal and external communications strategy, shaping how our story is told and experienced by employees, clients, and the broader industry.

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

As of Jul 27, 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, and why are they important?

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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What cities are hiring for Director Of External Communications jobs? Cities with the most Director Of External Communications job openings:
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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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,257 per year, or $49.2 per hour.

Sr Director, External Communications

RWE

Washington, DC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

RWE Americas, LLC
To start as soon as possible, full time, permanent
Functional area: Communications
Remuneration: Exempt
RWE Americas is seeking a strategic and dynamic Senior Director of External Communications to lead the development and implementation of the corporate communications external affairs strategy in the U.S. This role will be responsible for shaping and executing communication strategies that enhance and protect RWEA's reputation, engage key audiences, and support business objectives. The individual will serve as a strategic advisor and expert external counselor to senior executives and leadership across the organization. In this role, you will manage external communications, lead media relations and public affairs, and lead crisis management. The position will also work closely with parent company representatives (RWE AG), headquartered in Essen, Germany. This role is responsible for leading and developing a team of approximately 3 direct reports. The ideal candidate is a seasoned, strategic communicator with a track record of problem-solving and big-picture thinking, able to develop and lead a team while exercising excellent judgment.
Role Responsibilities:
  • Lead, plan, and execute RWE's external communications strategy in the Americas, in coordination with global headquarters
  • Develop and drive an integrated communications strategy in partnership with internal communications, stakeholder engagement, and Government Affairs to ensure unified messaging and coordinated execution
  • Advance the RWE Americas narrative through proactive storytelling, content development, and strategic management of a coordinated editorial calendar
  • Lead the creation and implementation of a comprehensive media strategy, collaborating closely with global and corporate functions to maximize reach and impact
  • Strengthen and protect RWE's reputation by overseeing crisis communications readiness, including updated crisis plans, heat-map tracking, response procedures, and measurement frameworks
  • Build and drive a structured and measurable executive communications program for the U.S. leadership - shaping a compelling leadership narrative and counseling leadership on strategic, high-impact visibility opportunities
  • Approve and direct the development of high-impact communications materials, including strategic plans, media materials, briefing documents, executive messaging, and planning frameworks, to support enterprise initiatives
  • Partner closely with Government Affairs to track and monitor key policy, legislative, and political developments, ensuring timely, accurate, and strategic communications leadership for priority issues and stakeholders
  • Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing communications team, supporting career growth and building deep expertise aligned with organizational needs
  • Oversee multi-channel storytelling and content strategy-including media, digital platforms, and social media-to effectively position RWE and its leadership with targeted audiences
  • Cultivate strong relationships with media and serve as a spokesperson on key issues and announcements, representing the company with clarity and authority
  • Define and oversee enterprise-wide measurement frameworks and KPIs to evaluate the effectiveness of external communications strategies, ensuring insights and performance data drive continuous improvement and resource optimization
  • Monitor industry trends, emerging technologies, and evolving media landscapes-introducing innovative approaches across traditional, digital, event-based, and social platforms to elevate RWEA's external visibility and impact
  • Serve as a senior advisor to executives on high-stakes internal and external engagements, ensuring message alignment, leader preparedness, and strategic use of executive voices around key corporate and project milestones
  • Counsel and coordinate with project communications in partnership with GA, Stakeholder Engagement - ensuring timely and tailored execution with enterprise priorities
  • Lead and oversee real-time media monitoring and insights, ensuring the Executive and Senior Leadership Teams receive timely, accurate updates on company-specific and industry developments that inform external communications strategy

Job Requirements and Experiences:
  • Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Advertising, Marketing, or a related field
  • Minimum 10 years of experience in internal communications, public relations, or corporate communications; 5 years in a leadership role of a large corporate organization
  • Proven track record of managing high-impact teams and successful execution of high-profile campaigns and media relations
  • Background in the renewable energy or broader energy sector preferred
  • Proven ability to shape long-term external communications strategies that advance business and reputation goals
  • Exceptional judgment and skill in advising senior leaders during high-stakes issues and moments
  • Deep expertise in leading multi-channel media relations, storytelling, and thought-leadership programs
  • Advanced ability to manage crises, navigate sensitive issues, and drive coordinated rapid-response communications
  • Demonstrated success building, managing, and developing high-performing communications teams
  • Strong capability to use analytics, insights, and KPIs to measure impact and optimize communications strategies
  • Exceptional cross-functional collaboration skills, and highly effective at influencing outcomes and building relationships
  • This position is an office-based role with some travel (~20%) and visits to other RWEA offices and field locations
  • Must be able to sit, walk, or stand for long durations of time

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. RWE Americas is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment visas at this time.
Pay range: The annual base salary range for this position in Washington, D.C. is $208,000-$270,000. The listed salary range represents our good faith estimate for this position and represents the range for new hire salaries across all U.S locations. Please note that the salary information is a general guideline only. RWE considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's education & work experience, training & certifications, and key skills as well as market and business considerations at the time of the offer.
Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, 401(k) match, Flexible Spending Accounts, EAP, Education Assistance, Parental Leave, Paid time off, and Holidays. Eligible employees also participate in short-term incentives, in addition to salary.
Apply with just a few clicks: ad code 92865
Any questions? Contact HR: rwe_americas_recruiting@rwe.com
We look forward to meeting you. Of course, you can find us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and Xing, too.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.
RWE Americas, a subsidiary of RWE, is a US-based energy company that is helping to meet the growing demand for energy across the United States. Backed by RWE's 125-year global legacy of managing diverse power assets, RWE Americas operates approximately 13 GW of power projects across 27 states. With a talented workforce of 2,000 employees, RWE Americas develops, constructs and operates wind, solar and battery storage projects, along with natural gas-powered generation, that safely deliver affordable, reliable electricity to our customers. Committed to responsible development, RWE Americas invests in local and rural communities, creating jobs and partnering with stakeholders to support and strengthen the places where we live and work. Learn more about how RWE Americas is generating impact at americas.rwe.com.
At RWE Americas, we foster a culture defined by our Essential Behaviors - Have Courage, Create Impact and Actively Collaborate. We encourage bold thinking and continuous learning, and we value ownership, resilience and inclusion in everything we do. When you join us, you become part of a team that supports your development, respects your contributions and celebrates shared success. This is a place where you can grow your career and make a meaningful difference.
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