ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

External Affairs Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AKOYA

External Affairs Manager

Washington, DC · On-site

$140K - $150K/yr

External Affairs Manager We are hiring an External Affairs Manager to support a federal government contract in Washington, D.C. This role will work directly with senior executive leadership. As a ...

TECO

External Affairs Analyst

Tampa, FL · On-site

External Affairs Analyst Company: Peoples Gas System State and City: Florida - Tampa Shift: 8 Hr. X 5 Days External Affairs Analyst - Government Relations & Community Engagement Are you passionate ...

TECO

External Affairs Analyst

Tampa, FL

External Affairs Analyst Company: Peoples Gas System State and City: Florida - Tampa Shift: 8 Hr. X 5 Days External Affairs Analyst - Government Relations & Community Engagement Are you passionate ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsExternal Affairs Jobs

External Affairs information

See salary details

$36.5K

$85.7K

$117K

How much do external affairs jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for external affairs in the United States is $85,669.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,000.00 and $112,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the External Affairs position, and why are they important?

To thrive in External Affairs, you need strong relationship-building, communication, and project management skills, often supported by a degree in communications, public relations, or a related field. Familiarity with CRM systems, media monitoring tools, and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite are commonly required, and certifications in public affairs or stakeholder engagement can be advantageous. Outstanding interpersonal skills, cultural awareness, and the ability to think strategically under pressure will set candidates apart. These abilities ensure effective representation of the organization, smooth coordination with diverse stakeholders, and successful advancement of institutional goals.

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

In the US, high-paying roles such as chief executive officers, investment bankers, and specialized surgeons can earn $500,000 or more annually. These positions typically require extensive experience, advanced education, leadership skills, and often involve high levels of responsibility and long working hours.

What is an external affairs position?

An external affairs position involves managing an organization's relationships with external stakeholders such as government agencies, media, community groups, and partners. The role often includes communication, public relations, policy advocacy, and strategic outreach to support the organization's goals.

What are the main responsibilities of an External Affairs professional on a daily basis?

External Affairs professionals typically spend their days managing relationships with external stakeholders, such as government agencies, community partners, and media representatives. Responsibilities often include drafting and distributing press releases, coordinating public events, tracking policy developments, and responding to inquiries on behalf of the organization. Collaboration is frequent, with regular meetings alongside internal teams like legal, communications, or senior leadership to ensure alignment on messaging and regulatory compliance. This dynamic role involves both proactive outreach and responsive issue management, providing diverse challenges and opportunities to make a strategic impact.

What does an External Affairs job involve?

An External Affairs job focuses on managing an organization's relationships with external stakeholders, including government agencies, media, industry partners, and the community. Responsibilities typically include public relations, corporate communications, policy advocacy, and stakeholder engagement. Professionals in this role work to enhance the organization's reputation, influence policy, and ensure alignment between external perceptions and internal objectives. Effective communication and strategic networking are essential skills for success in this field.

Is PR a high paying job?

Public relations (PR) roles, including external affairs positions, can offer competitive salaries that vary based on experience, industry, and location. Entry-level PR jobs tend to have lower pay, while senior or managerial roles often provide higher compensation, especially in large organizations or specialized sectors. Certifications and strong communication skills can also influence earning potential.

What is the work of external affairs?

External affairs professionals manage an organization's relationships with external stakeholders such as government agencies, media, community groups, and partners. Their work involves public relations, communication strategies, policy advocacy, and reputation management to support organizational goals.
More about External Affairs jobs
What cities are hiring for External Affairs jobs? Cities with the most External Affairs job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of External Affairs jobs? The most popular types of External Affairs jobs are:
What states have the most External Affairs jobs? States with the most job openings for External Affairs jobs include:
What job categories do people searching External Affairs jobs look for? The top searched job categories for External Affairs jobs are:
External Affairs jobs near you
Infographic showing various External Affairs job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,669 per year, or $41.2 per hour.
External Affairs Manager

External Affairs Manager

AKOYA

Washington, DC • On-site

$140K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

About Akoya

We’re a woman-owned small business that delivers big results in strategic communications. For 25 years, Akoya has thrived in the government consulting landscape helping agencies launch new programs, leverage internal and external support, and drive their missions forward. Our strategic approach to communications increases the quality of services and makes Akoya a comfortable home for motivated communications professionals who value and rely on the idea-sharing and collaboration inherent in our corporate culture.

External Affairs Manager

We are hiring an External Affairs Manager to support a federal government contract in Washington, D.C. This role will work directly with senior executive leadership. As a contractor, this individual will advise and implement external engagement initiatives under the direction of senior leadership. This person will be part of an Akoya team with a contract manager and executive oversight. This role is ideal for a highly experienced science communications professional with exceptional writing, external affairs, and strategic communications skills who is deeply comfortable working alongside senior government leaders in a fast-paced, high-visibility environment in Washington, DC.

What You'll Do
  • Serve as a trusted external affairs and strategic communications lead to senior leadership, providing daily support on external affairs strategy, stakeholder engagement, messaging, and reputational considerations to amplify leadership priorities; support high-level officials with public engagements; engage professionally and diplomatically with senior agency officials, handling sensitive conversations with maturity, political awareness, and executive savviness at all times.
  • Support media relations activities in close coordination with and under the oversight of the agency’s Office of Public Affairs. Responsibilities include planning, executing, and analyzing complex media and engagement campaign strategies, which may include proactive media pitching, coordinating responses to media inquiries, media training, and developing press statements.
  • Plan and support multiple speaking engagements per week on an ongoing basis; identify and cultivate opportunities for media engagement.
  • Produce a consistently high volume of polished written communications under aggressive deadlines across a wide range of formats, including speeches, remarks, op-eds, talking points, newsletters, executive briefing materials, stakeholder correspondence, event materials, social media, and more.
  • Build and sustain productive working relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, including intergovernmental agencies, and program offices agency-wide; serve as a reliable and trusted point of coordination across these offices; navigate sensitive inter- and intra-agency dynamics with discretion, diplomacy, and sound judgment.
  • Collaborate actively as a team player within the Akoya team, coordinating with colleagues to delegate tasks, share workload, and ensure the highest quality, most responsive service to the client; provide flexible, client-first support across the full spectrum of need — from senior strategic advisory work to more executional tasks — with equal professionalism and a service-first mindset.
Requirements
  • Must have a bachelor’s degree in communications, Journalism, Public Affairs, Political Science, English, or a related field and at least 10 years of experience. Alternatively, must have a Master’s degree in a relevant field and 7 years of experience.
  • U.S. citizenship is required with verbal and written fluency in English
  • Must be able to receive and maintain a federal security clearance (public trust level)
  • Must be based in Washington, D.C. This onsite role will report to the federal client location daily. Occasional support outside normal business hours should be expected. Future domestic and international travel with short notice is possible depending on client needs and budgets.
  • Demonstrated excellence in writing and executing external affairs and strategic communications from ambiguous inputs for senior executives in a high-volume, high-visibility environment. Writing must be consistently publication-ready; a writing test will be required as part of the application process.
  • Proven experience in external affairs communications, including prior work at a federal agency, science-focused public affairs firm, or federal contracting firm supporting government-related clients.
  • Deep expertise designing and executing proactive media relations strategies that measurably increase targeted, high-impact press coverage (including top-tier national, trade, and broadcast media) to elevate the public profile as well as strategic priorities of senior leadership.
  • Proven track record in serving as a trusted advisor to senior executives, offering real-time strategic counsel, and preparing leaders for high-profile media interviews through the development of key messages, Q&As, media training, and thorough briefing materials.
  • Exceptional interpersonal skills and executive presence; must be comfortable serving as a day-to-day trusted support contractor alongside senior federal leaders, with the ability to handle highly sensitive and confidential information with professionalism and discretion in a politically dynamic, high-profile government environment.
  • Exceptional attention to detail with a commitment to accuracy and consistency across all deliverables.
  • Ability to manage own work progress and deadlines with limited oversight from the client and Akoya managers and executive team.
  • Skills in implementing processes, tools, and workflows to ensure Akoya, contract, and federal agency compliance.
  • Familiarity with responsible AI principles and practices.


Desired Qualifications
  • Prior experience working directly with senior executives within a federal agency, public affairs firm, or federal contracting environment.
  • Experience at or supporting a government agency or another Cabinet-level agency with a science mission.
  • Established relationships with national, trade, or beat reporters covering science, government, or science and technology.
Base Compensation
  • Base compensation: $140,000 to $150,000. Actual compensation is subject to variation due to factors such as location, education, years of experience, and candidate skillset.
Employee Benefits

Akoya provides generous benefits for its full-time employees including:

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k)
  • Eleven federal holidays
  • Vacation and sick & personal time
  • And more!


Akoya is an Equal Opportunity Employer and, in compliance with applicable laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations, affords equal opportunities for all qualified persons without regard to race, color, religion, age, creed, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.