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Executive External Affairs Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Reporting directly to the Executive Director/CEO, the Director also strengthens internal ... Leads the External Affairs department by overseeing personnel, budgets, contracts, major account ...

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Executive External Affairs information

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$26.5K

$93.6K

$184K

How much do executive external affairs jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for executive external affairs in the United States is $93,552.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,000.00 and $120,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Executive External Affairs?

Executive External Affairs refers to a leadership role responsible for managing an organization's relationships with external stakeholders, such as government agencies, industry partners, the media, and the public. Professionals in this position develop strategies to influence public policy, enhance the organization's reputation, and support business objectives through advocacy and communication efforts. They often oversee government relations, public affairs, community engagement, and corporate social responsibility initiatives. The goal is to align external perceptions and policies with the organization's mission and goals.

What is the difference between Executive External Affairs vs Public Relations Manager?

AspectExecutive External AffairsPublic Relations Manager
CredentialsBachelor's degree, often advanced in communications, political science, or related fieldsBachelor's degree in communications, marketing, or related fields
Work EnvironmentCorporate offices, government agencies, or NGOsCorporate offices, PR agencies, or media outlets
Employer & IndustryCorporations, government, non-profitsBusinesses, PR firms, non-profits
Primary FocusManaging external relationships, government affairs, policy advocacyManaging media relations, brand image, and communication strategies

While both roles involve external communication, Executive External Affairs focuses on strategic relationships with government and stakeholders, whereas Public Relations Managers primarily handle media and brand reputation. The roles often overlap but serve different strategic purposes within organizations.

Is PR a high paying job?

Public relations (PR) roles, including executive external affairs positions, can offer competitive salaries, especially with experience and in large organizations. Salaries vary based on industry, location, and level of responsibility, with senior roles typically earning higher compensation. However, PR jobs are generally considered to have moderate to high earning potential compared to other communication roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Executive External Affairs professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Executive External Affairs professional, you need expertise in public relations, stakeholder engagement, and policy analysis, often supported by a degree in communications, public affairs, or related fields. Familiarity with CRM platforms, media monitoring tools, and regulatory compliance systems is typically required. Outstanding interpersonal skills, strategic thinking, and persuasive communication are crucial soft skills for building relationships and influencing key stakeholders. These competencies are vital for effectively advocating organizational interests, managing reputational risks, and fostering positive external partnerships.

What does an external affairs person do?

An external affairs person manages an organization's relationships with external stakeholders such as government agencies, partners, media, and the public. They handle communication strategies, public relations, and advocacy efforts to support the organization's goals and reputation.

What jobs pay 200,000 a year in the USA?

Executive External Affairs roles, such as Chief External Affairs Officers or Vice Presidents of External Relations, can earn $200,000 or more annually, especially in large organizations or corporations. These positions typically require extensive experience, strong communication skills, and often a background in public relations, government affairs, or corporate strategy.

How does an Executive External Affairs professional typically collaborate with other departments within an organization?

Executive External Affairs professionals regularly work cross-functionally, coordinating with departments such as public relations, government affairs, legal, marketing, and senior leadership. They facilitate consistent messaging, ensure compliance with regulatory standards, and align external communications with organizational goals. This collaboration often involves strategizing on stakeholder engagement, preparing briefing materials, and representing the organization in meetings with external partners, which requires strong interpersonal and negotiation skills.

What jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

Executive External Affairs roles, such as Chief External Affairs Officers or Vice Presidents of External Relations, can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially in large corporations or industries like finance, technology, and healthcare. These positions typically require extensive experience, strategic skills, and often involve managing government relations, public policy, and corporate reputation. Compensation may include base salary, bonuses, and stock options.
More about Executive External Affairs jobs
What cities are hiring for Executive External Affairs jobs? Cities with the most Executive External Affairs job openings:
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What states have the most Executive External Affairs jobs? States with the most job openings for Executive External Affairs jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Executive External Affairs jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Executive External Affairs jobs are:
Executive External Affairs jobs near you
Infographic showing various Executive External Affairs job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,552 per year, or $45 per hour.
Chief External Affairs Officer

Chief External Affairs Officer

ADAPT Community Network

Manhattan, NY • On-site

Other

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Description

Why Join ADAPT?

It's more than a job; it's a calling. It's where passion meets purpose. ADAPT Community Network, formerly United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of NYC provides a multitude of services to people with developmental disabilities. At ADAPT, we are 3,000 strong, and it takes every one of us to empower the lives of the people we support. With caring and great resources at hand, we know what it takes to help people live fuller, happier, healthier lives. Our employees show their commitment to the people we support every day, and we all deliver on our promise to provide innovative and comprehensive services to individuals with developmental disabilities.


For your next career move, apply with us at ADAPT Community Network! Wherever you work among our many locations around New York City, ADAPT offers paid training, competitive benefits, and we foster a team culture of learning, support, collaboration and career growth.


SUMMARY

The Chief External Affairs Officer (CEAO) leads ADAPT Community Network and its affiliates' external engagement efforts, overseeing government relations, public affairs, communications, advocacy, and community partnerships. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the CEAO is a vital member of the executive leadership team, responsible for enhancing the organization's public profile, building strategic relationships, and driving its external impact.


ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Key duties and responsibilities of the Chief External Affairs Officer include but are not limited to:

  • Develop and execute a comprehensive external affairs strategy that advances organizational priorities, advocacy objectives, and long-term growth for ADAPT Community Network and its affiliates.
  • Serve as the organization's senior executive overseeing government relations, public affairs, communications, and community engagement functions.
  • Cultivate, strengthen, and sustain high-impact relationships with elected officials, government agencies, policymakers, advocacy organizations, and community leaders.
  • Proactively track, analyze, and interpret legislative, regulatory, and policy developments; provide timely, strategic counsel to executive leadership on risks, opportunities, and emerging issues.
  • Partner closely with the CEO and executive leadership team to shape organizational positioning, drive public messaging, manage crisis communications, and advance stakeholder engagement strategies.
  • Lead an integrated external communications platform, including media relations, public relations, executive communications, digital strategy, social media, and reputation management.
  • Drive and amplify advocacy efforts across key issue areas including disability rights, Medicaid funding, housing access, workforce development, accessibility, and community inclusion.
  • Represent the organization as a senior ambassador at legislative forums, public events, media engagements, conferences, and high-level stakeholder meetings.
  • Build and expand strategic alliances with government entities, nonprofit and advocacy organizations, healthcare systems, community partners, and philanthropic institutions.
  • Direct crisis communications and issues management efforts, ensuring rapid, coordinated, and effective response strategies.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with Fundraising & Development, Program Operations, Compliance, Human Resources, and other teams to advance enterprise-wide initiatives and enhance public impact.
  • Advise executive leadership on public policy trends, reputational considerations, external risks, and opportunities to strengthen visibility and influence.
  • Support Board engagement by contributing to presentations, briefing materials, and strategic external engagement planning.
  • Lead, mentor, and manage high-performing teams across communications, public affairs, government relations, and community engagement functions.
  • Serve as a trusted strategic advisor to the CEO on organizational visibility, external positioning, and high-value stakeholder opportunities.
  • Contribute to enterprise strategic planning, executive decision-making, and organizational leadership initiatives.
  • Perform additional duties as assigned to support the CEO and advance organizational priorities.

QUALIFICATIONS

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

  • Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred in Public Administration, Communications, Public Policy, Government, Nonprofit Management, Political Science, or related field.
  • Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in external affairs, public affairs, government relations, communications, advocacy, or related functions.
  • Experience within nonprofit, healthcare, human services, government, or mission-driven organizations strongly preferred.
  • Demonstrated experience building relationships with government agencies, elected officials, policymakers, media representatives, advocacy organizations, and community stakeholders.
  • Strong understanding of legislative, regulatory, public policy, and government affairs environments.
  • Exceptional written, verbal, presentation, and executive communication skills.
  • Demonstrated experience leading complex external communications, stakeholder engagement, and reputation management initiatives.
  • Experience navigating politically sensitive, high-profile, and rapidly evolving environments.
  • Strong strategic thinking, executive presence, judgment, and relationship management skills.
  • Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and collaborate effectively across executive leadership teams.
  • Experience supervising teams, consultants, agencies, and external partners preferred.
  • Passion for ADAPT's mission and demonstrates a commitment to the non-profit disability sector.


COMPENSATION: $250,000 - $275,000 Annually + Industry-Leading Benefits!


At ADAPT, we value diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging. We strive to ensure that our employees are comfortable bringing their whole, authentic self to work and that the people we support can also be their authentic selves. We value diverse backgrounds, opinions, ideas, and ways of thinking. We aim to build an inclusive and diverse workforce that is empowered and supported with leaders who create diverse and inclusive teams. We continuously seek opportunities for the organization to foster a more positive, respected, united, and collaborative culture.


ADAPT Community Network is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Qualified candidates of diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds and status are encouraged to apply for vacant positions at all levels.

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