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External Affairs Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Alfa Laval

Public Affairs Manager

Richmond, VA · On-site

$108K - $120K/yr

About the job The Public Affairs Manager is responsible for organizing and driving Alfa Laval's external engagement and outreach agenda across areas where we choose to participate, including Food ...

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$36.2K

$84.9K

$116K

How much do external affairs jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for external affairs in Virginia is $84,935.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,400.00 and $111,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an external affairs professional do?

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.

What are the main responsibilities of an external affairs professional?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed for an external affairs professional?

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 are the most commonly searched types of External Affairs jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of External Affairs jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to External Affairs jobs in Virginia?

For External Affairs jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching External Affairs jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for External Affairs jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for External Affairs jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most External Affairs job openings:

External Affairs jobs near you
Infographic showing various External Affairs job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $84,935 per year, or $40.8 per hour.

Director of Advancement and External Affairs

Congressional School

Falls Church, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Congressional Schools seeks a Director of Advancement and External Affairs to start in summer of 2026. The Director of Advancement and External Affairs reports to the Head of School and serves as a key member of the School's Leadership Team. They will be expected to provide meaningful input on a full range of issues facing the school, so a contemporary and comprehensive knowledge of independent school education and Preschool-12 education is much desired.
The Director of Advancement and External Affairs will define a vision for advancement, parent and alumni relations, and implement the necessary infrastructure that strengthens a culture of philanthropy; supports the school's strategic priorities; attracts new sources of funding; promotes the involvement of parents, alumni and friends; and raises the visibility of Congressional School.
Along with the Head of School, the Director of Advancement and External Affairs serves as the chief development officer and strategic advancement leader for Congressional, provides advice to the Head of School regarding fundraising priorities, and leads the advancement team. In addition to formal duties, the successful director of advancement and external affairs must be an integral member of the school community and take an active interest in the social and community-building activities of the school.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Develops the annual advancement plan, providing counsel and working in concert with the Head of School and current Strategic Plan
  • Develops a culture of philanthropy at the School, fostering good will with constituents at every level, cultivates connections with the School community, and develops new relations with those outside the School
  • Works in concert with the Head of School in identifying, cultivating, and soliciting a portfolio of major donors, including donors making planned gifts to the School
  • Devises and manages a fundraising program to attract maximum gift support through an annual fund, planned giving, corporate and foundation grants, and endowment giving
  • Develops, implements and manages the annual giving program
  • Develops and maintains strategic partnerships with key business, community, academic and philanthropic organizations
  • Identifies opportunities to increase the visibility of Congressional School among AISGW, VAIS and NAIS schools, and build the School's reputation and presence as a mission-driven, engaged, strong community player and employer
  • Develops, implements and manages a strong alumni base with a goal toward increasing fundraising initiatives
  • Works in concert with the Head of School to develop and manage a major gifts program, and partners with Head of School in cultivating and soliciting major gifts
  • Designs, organizes, manages, and implements all capital and endowment campaigns
  • Identifies and solicits corporate and foundation grants
  • Serves as a member of the School's Leadership Team
  • Develops an annual budget that is directly linked to the priorities of the department and the institution and works with the CFO/COO to ensure prudent budget expenses
  • Supervises, sets direction and supports goals for the Advancement team (consisting of the Advancement Accociate) in order to maximize their individual talents and encourage professional growth
  • Assists the Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications with the planning and implementation of the School's long-range marketing plan
  • Works closely with the Congressional School Parent Organization (CSPO)
  • Maintains a regular presence in the School community
  • Performs other initiatives, special programs and duties as assigned by the Head of School

QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor's degree, preferably in a related field
  • Five or more years of experience in development, preferably in an independent school
  • Ease in working with donors, parents, board members, community members and other stakeholders and can work independently
  • Broad and deep knowledge of fundraising, communications, and marketing, and the ways in which these three functional areas must integrate seamlessly in order to form a successful, comprehensive advancement effort
  • Previous experience with Blackbaud's Raiser's Edge; proficiency in basic data management systems, and basic computer applications; willingness and ability to learn additional applications as needed
  • Proven track record in all key advancement areas
  • Experience with grants/grant writing
  • Knowledge of current best practices in development and external affairs
  • Strong oral and written communication skills, with a high capacity for accuracy, attention to detail, and analysis
  • Excellent judgment and ability to work in a changing environment
  • Outstanding relationship building and collaboration skills to work with a diverse constituency.
  • Strong results-orientation and highly collaborative style
  • Management skills that allow one to oversee, motivate, and delegate effectively to a team while retaining ultimate responsibility for the activities of the department
  • An ability to work in a joyful, collegial and collaborative environment
  • A sense of humor, warm personality, and growth-mindset

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