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External Affairs Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We work in a fast-paced environment, so the right person for this internship is comfortable managing shifting priorities and deadlines. Job Duties As an External Affairs intern, you will support work ...

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... and supporting external engagement, policy coordination, legislative research, and constituent ... The Legislative Affairs Manager supports legislative strategy through policy research, legislative ...

Legislative Affairs Manager

Boston, MA · On-site

$94K - $122K/yr

Legislative Affairs Manager Organization: MassHousing Location: One Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02108 ... and supporting external engagement, policy coordination, legislative research, and constituent ...

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External Affairs Manager information

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$25.5K

$96.4K

$158K

How much do external affairs manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for external affairs manager in the United States is $96,382.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,000.00 and $118,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does an External Affairs Manager typically collaborate with internal departments to achieve organizational goals?

An External Affairs Manager regularly works cross-functionally, partnering with departments such as communications, legal, government relations, and operations to ensure consistent messaging and effective advocacy strategies. They coordinate joint initiatives, share insights on stakeholder priorities, and help align public affairs activities with broader organizational objectives. This collaboration often involves regular meetings, joint planning sessions, and ongoing updates to ensure all teams are informed and engaged. Building strong internal relationships is crucial for anticipating challenges and leveraging diverse expertise.

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

To thrive as an External Affairs Manager, you need expertise in stakeholder engagement, public relations, and policy analysis, often supported by a degree in communications, public affairs, or a related field. Familiarity with CRM systems, media monitoring tools, and regulatory databases is commonly required. Exceptional interpersonal communication, negotiation, and crisis management skills help professionals build relationships and represent their organization effectively. These abilities are crucial for advancing organizational objectives, managing reputational risks, and influencing external stakeholders.

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

AspectExternal Affairs ManagerPublic Relations Specialist
CredentialsBachelor's degree in communications, public relations, or related field; often requires experience in government or corporate communicationBachelor's degree in communications, journalism, or related field; certifications like APR can be beneficial
Work EnvironmentCorporate or government settings, managing external relationships and policy communicationPR agencies or corporate PR departments, focusing on media relations and brand image
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in corporations, government agencies, and non-profits for strategic external communicationCommon in PR firms and corporate marketing teams for media and public image management

While both roles involve external communication, the External Affairs Manager focuses on strategic relationships, policy, and stakeholder engagement, often in a broader organizational context. The Public Relations Specialist primarily manages media relations and brand image. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What does an External Affairs Manager do?

An External Affairs Manager is responsible for managing an organization's relationships with external stakeholders, such as government agencies, community groups, regulatory bodies, and the media. Their main tasks include developing strategies for advocacy, representing the company in public forums, monitoring policy developments, and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations. They play a key role in shaping public perception, influencing policy decisions, and supporting the organization's business goals through effective communication and engagement.
More about External Affairs Manager jobs
What cities are hiring for External Affairs Manager jobs? Cities with the most External Affairs Manager job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of External Affairs jobs? The most popular types of External Affairs jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for External Affairs Manager jobs? The top employers for External Affairs Manager jobs are:
What states have the most External Affairs Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for External Affairs Manager jobs include:
Infographic showing various External Affairs Manager 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 $96,382 per year, or $46.3 per hour.
External Affairs Advisor

Other

Re-posted 8 days ago


LyondellBasell rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 42 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 92 rated chemical manufacturers


Job description

LyondellBasell is a leader in the global chemical industry creating solutions for everyday sustainable living. With a nearly 70-year legacy that includes a Nobel Prize in Chemistry and our proprietary MoReTec recycling technology, LYB is enabling a more sustainable future for generations to come.  LYB develops high-quality and innovative products for applications ranging from sustainable transportation and food safety to clean water and quality healthcare. LYB places high priority on diversity, equity and inclusion and is Advancing Good with an emphasis on our planet, the communities where we operate and our future workforce. We're addressing the global challenges of ending plastic waste, taking climate action, and supporting a thriving society, while generating value for our customers, investors, and society.

Come Join an Inclusive Team

This role will be stationed at one of our Eastern Harris County plants. 

As an External Affairs Advisor at LYB, you'll help shape how the company shows up to key external stakeholders by building trust, navigating issues and strengthening the company's reputation in the communities where we operate. As the primary External Affairs contact for assigned sites, you'll lead day-to-day stakeholder engagement and local communications execution, using established playbooks and partnering with Communications, Legal and site leadership to ensure alignment and timely escalation when needed.

A Day in the Life
  • Support External Affairs coverage for assigned sites by executing stakeholder engagement and communications plans for events, issues and crisis situations.
  • Maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including community leaders, Community Advisory Panels (CAPs), local government entities, NGOs and partners.
  • Provide strategic counsel to site leadership on social investment priorities, aligning community investments with business objectives, local needs and the company's corporate citizenship framework.
  • Support local media engagement by routing inquiries, preparing background materials, and coordinating logistics for interviews or site visits as needed.
  • Monitor emerging local issues and stakeholder feedback, escalating themes and recommending updates to engagement plans.
  • Support issues and incident communications by drafting materials (FAQs, holding statements, leader briefs) and coordinating updates through established processes.
  • Create audience-focused content and messaging for external channels, translating complex topics into clear, compelling narratives.
  • Partner with Communications colleagues and the in-house design team to produce high-quality visuals and written stories aligned with corporate messaging and brand standards.
  • Surface manufacturing stories and gather supporting content for Internal Communications to develop and publish for enterprise audiences.
  • Create and maintain communications toolkits and resources, including key messages, presentations, FAQs, briefing materials and training content.
  • Track KPIs to measure impact, benchmark progress and identify opportunities to improve engagement and channel performance.
  • Contribute new ideas, tools and innovative approaches to strengthen team effectiveness and elevate communications outcomes.
  • Represent the company at various community and business events with integrity and professionalism.
  • Perform additional duties, as assigned.
You Bring This Value
  • Strong interpersonal, communication and presentation skills, both written and verbal.
  • Excellent writing capabilities with command of AP style.
  • Proven ability to prioritize work, manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines with strong attention to detail.
  • Strong collaboration and listening skills, with the ability to work effectively across functions and levels.
  • Solution oriented, pragmatic approach to problem solving and project execution.
  • Sound judgment and discretion, including the ability to manage confidential and sensitive information.
  • Proactive self-starter with strong ownership mindset and commitment to continuous improvement and high performance.
  • Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, and the ability to build trust and credibility with diverse audiences.

Education

  • Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, public relations or related field.

Work Experience

  • Minimum of 6 or more years of relevant working experience as a communications professional in external affairs or public relations.
  • Prior experience working in the petrochemical, manufacturing or related industry preferred.
  • Knowledge of the Incident Command System (or similar) structure preferred.

Languages

  • Superior mastery of the English language, particularly in written form, is a must. Spanish fluency a plus.
Competencies
Build Partnerships
Deliver Results
Drive Innovation
Grow Capabilities
Promote Inclusion
Motivational Fit
Technical Skills

Learn more about our benefits:  Benefits/Health & Welfare | LyondellBasell

Stay Connected!

  • Visit our LYB Website
  • Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram
  • Like us on Facebook
  • Subscribe to our YouTube channel
    LyondellBasell is an equal opportunity employer.  We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.  The US EEO is the Law poster is available here.
    LYB is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation related to LYB's recruiting process, please email us at Careers@lyb.com.
    Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
    LyondellBasell does not accept or retain unsolicited resumes or phone calls and/or respond to them or to any third party representing job seekers.
    Privacy Statement: For information regarding how LyondellBasell processes your personal data, please read our Privacy Statement.

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