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External Communication Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Communications Specialist Description: Role Requirements for Supply Chain Excellence Sr. ... external communications QUALIFICATIONS: A minimum of a Bachelor s degree is required. A minimum of ...

External Communications Specialist

Centreville, VA · On-site

$53K - $70K/yr

The External Communications Specialist will support external communications efforts by helping translate business priorities into clear, accurate, and engaging content for external audiences. This ...

Communication Specialist

Nashville, TN · On-site

$51K - $68K/yr

Communication Specialist-Int Department: TN DOH Location: 710 James Robertson Parkway 7th Floor ... Build and maintain relationships with internal and external partners. * Contribute to campaign ...

Communication Specialist

Bedford, MA · On-site

$28.75 - $37/hr

Communication Specialist Reports To: Director of Communication Position Summary Under the direction ... Maintain clear, professional, and courteous communication with all internal and external ...

$55K - $65K/yr

The Communication Specialist is responsible for both internal and external communications under the direction of the Communications Manager. Their pivotal role involves facilitating seamless ...

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External Communication Specialist information

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$31K

$67K

$111.5K

How much do external communication specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for external communication specialist in the United States is $67,006.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,500.00 and $71,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is PR a high paying career?

Public Relations (PR) specialists, including external communication specialists, can earn a wide range of salaries depending on experience, industry, and location. Entry-level roles typically pay lower, while experienced professionals in senior positions or with specialized skills can earn higher salaries, often supplemented by bonuses and benefits. Overall, PR can be a financially rewarding career for those with strong communication skills and strategic expertise.

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

To thrive as an External Communication Specialist, you need strong written and verbal communication skills, a degree in communications or a related field, and experience in media relations. Familiarity with public relations software, content management systems, and media monitoring tools like Cision or Meltwater is typically required. Outstanding interpersonal skills, adaptability, and crisis management abilities set top candidates apart. These skills are crucial for maintaining a positive public image, managing brand reputation, and effectively delivering messages to external audiences.

How much does a communication specialist earn?

The average salary for an external communication specialist in the United States ranges from $50,000 to $80,000 per year, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level roles typically start around $45,000, while experienced professionals with advanced skills or certifications can earn over $90,000 annually.

How does an External Communication Specialist typically collaborate with other departments within an organization?

As an External Communication Specialist, you will regularly work alongside teams such as marketing, public relations, product management, and senior leadership to ensure consistent messaging to the public and stakeholders. Collaboration often involves gathering key information, aligning communication strategies with business objectives, and coordinating the timing and content of press releases, social media posts, and other public-facing materials. This cross-functional teamwork is essential for maintaining a unified brand voice and responding effectively to media inquiries or public issues.

What kind of jobs in media bring in $150,000 a year?

In media, high-paying roles such as senior communications director, media relations manager, or corporate communications executive can earn $150,000 or more annually. These positions typically require extensive experience, strong strategic skills, and often involve managing large teams or complex campaigns.

What is the difference between External Communication Specialist vs Public Relations Coordinator?

AspectExternal Communication SpecialistPublic Relations Coordinator
CredentialsBachelor's in Communications, Marketing, or related fieldsBachelor's in Communications, Public Relations, or related fields
Work EnvironmentCorporate, agency, or nonprofit settings focusing on external messagingPublic relations firms, corporate communications, or nonprofit organizations
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across various industries to manage external communicationsCommonly employed in PR agencies and corporate PR departments
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for external messaging rolesRelated but more focused on media relations and reputation management

The External Communication Specialist primarily handles external messaging strategies, including media outreach and public engagement. The Public Relations Coordinator focuses more on media relations, press releases, and reputation management. While both roles require similar credentials and work environments, their specific responsibilities differ, making them distinct but related positions in the communications field.

What are External Communication Specialists?

External Communication Specialists are professionals responsible for managing an organization's communication with outside audiences, such as the media, clients, stakeholders, and the public. They craft press releases, handle media inquiries, develop communication strategies, and ensure that the organization's message is clear and consistent. Their goal is to build and maintain a positive public image and foster strong relationships with external parties. These specialists often work closely with marketing, public relations, and leadership teams to align messaging with organizational goals.

What does an external communications specialist do?

An external communications specialist manages an organization’s public image by creating and distributing messages through media, press releases, social media, and other channels. They develop communication strategies, build relationships with media outlets, and ensure consistent messaging to enhance the organization’s reputation.
More about External Communication Specialist jobs
What cities are hiring for External Communication Specialist jobs? Cities with the most External Communication Specialist job openings:
Infographic showing various External Communication Specialist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,006 per year, or $32.2 per hour.

Communication Specialist

Golden Gate Regional Center

San Rafael, CA • On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

Communications Specialist

Starting Salary Range: $75,518 - $90,621

GGRC is looking to hire a Communications Specialist for our San Francisco Office, also open to our offices in San Mateo, and San Rafael, CA. The communications role for GGRC serves as a go-to resource for quality, accessibility, and inclusive communications across all of GGRC’s internal and external channels. This role supports the implementation of communications strategies, manages workflows, and helps build and maintain the internal systems and practices that enable effective communication across the organization.

Working in partnership with GGRC leadership and program teams, the communications role focuses on project management, coordination, and execution of communications across departments. The role ensures that communications are clear, consistent, timely, and aligned, while keeping complex, multi-stakeholder projects on track.

At the center of this role is a commitment to accessible, inclusive, person-centered and disability-forward communication. The communications role helps ensure that all communications reflect dignity, clarity, and respect, and that accessibility is embedded as a standard across all of GGRC internal and external channels.

This position will require local travel within the Counties of San Francisco, San Mateo and Marin. Periodic travel to Sacramento and throughout the state. Access to reliable transportation permitting travel to and between many different locations throughout the day to perform the outlined responsibilities of the position.

Responsibilities

  • Communications Coordination & Implementation
    • Implement communications strategies and tactics aligned with GGRC’s mission and priorities
    • Maintain communication planning tools, calendars, and coordination systems
    • Coordinate editorial calendars, cross-team content workflows, and messaging across teams to ensure consistency and alignment
    • Track deliverables, timelines, and dependencies across multiple projects
    • Ensure that requests that come through the website contact and elsewhere are routed to the appropriate department
  • Channel Management & Quality
    • Serve as a quality control lead across all communications, ensuring clarity, consistency, and alignment with established standards
    • Ensure all communications meet accessibility and inclusion standards (plain language, ADA compliance, multilingual access where appropriate)
    • Manage and maintain communications channels, including website, social media, newsletters, and publications. Make sure information is accurate and current, especially on the website
    • Use analytics, feedback, and community input to spot gaps or inconsistencies and drive continuous improvement
    • Identify when to leverage external consultants or additional resources
  • Communications Culture & Capacity Building
    • Support department teams in developing and delivering clear, consistent communications; maintain feedback loops that surface staff insights; and ensure materials are accurate, timely, and aligned with organizational priorities
    • Serve as a resource and partner to staff, helping them communicate clearly and effectively
    • Develop and maintain templates, tools, and guidance for consistent communications
    • Support trainings and coaching to strengthen staff and board communication skills at all levels of the organization
    • Reinforce best practices in accessible, inclusive, and respectful communication
    • Help build a culture of clarity, responsiveness, and accountability in communications
    • Support storytelling efforts by helping staff identify and capture compelling stories that reflect GGRC’s impact
    • Identify growth areas and bring in third party experts as needed to strengthen the team’s communications skills
  • External Communications
    • Coordinate communications to priority audiences, including individuals with developmental disabilities, families, providers, policymakers, and community partners
    • Support development and distribution of external communications (e.g., announcements, updates, press releases)
    • Ensure materials reflect dignity, clarity, and lived experience of the communities GGRC serves
    • Coordinate media inquiries, public statements, and outreach logistics as needed
    • Coordinate communications for events, including timelines, materials, and outreach, ensuring clear, consistent, and accessible information for all audiences
  • Issues Response & Leadership Support
    • Support coordination of communications for time-sensitive or high-visibility issues
    • Draft and refine messaging, talking points, and materials for leadership as needed
    • Help track external developments (policy, media, community context) and flag implications
    • Coordinate internal workflows to ensure timely and consistent responses
    • Support preparation of leadership and board-facing materials
  • What Success Looks like
    • Communications projects are well-coordinated, on time, and aligned across teams
    • Significant communications have been approved by appropriate leadership staff
    • Staff have clear tools and guidance to communicate effectively
    • Communications are consistently high-quality, accessible, and inclusive
    • Content workflows run smoothly, reducing last-minute requests and confusion
    • Leadership and staff are supported with clear, timely communications materials
    • The organization communicates with clarity and credibility across channels

Requirements

Education/Experience

  • Master’s prefer. Require BA (Communication, marketing, Business, literature, or related
  • 5–8+ years of experience in communications, public affairs, or a related field
  • Experience managing Social media for similar organizations
  • Experience coordinating communications across teams or departments
  • Demonstrated experience supporting disability inclusion, accessibility, and respectful representation

Preferred:

  • Experience in disability services, healthcare, statewide government or regulatory agencies
  • Familiarity with legislative and public policy processes
  • Experience working in multi-stakeholder or highly regulated environments
  • Experience with content management systems and video/visual storytelling tools Multilingual skills (e.g., Spanish, Chinese, Tagalog)

Benefits

What are the benefits to working with GGRC?
We offer a comprehensive benefits package including Medical and Dental benefits with a generous employer contribution and additional employer paid Life, Disability and Vision coverage

10% employer contribution to a 403(b) retirement account to help you save for the future!

GENEROUS TIME OFF BENEFITS!!!

No really, we mean generous:

13 vacation days, 15 sick days, 11 paid holidays, 6 personal holidays, and up to 5 paid days for continuing education

What makes GGRC so special?

GGRC values diversity, we believe in creating an environment where people of all backgrounds can collaborate to find solutions to complex problems. We are community minded and passionate.

GGRC values each person as a full, robust, and unique individual and interacts with each person in a manner that is respectful and responsive. We endeavor to place each person at the center of his, her or their own life. We approach each person as an expert on his, her or their own life and identity with a clear and attentive inquiry into what is important to, as well as important for, that one person (whether coworker or person-served, family member or other stakeholder).

How to apply:

GGRC values diversity; people of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Please complete the application and submit your most recent resume. If you feel that the questions do not accurately capture what you have to offer Golden Gate Regional Center, you are also welcome to attach a cover letter. Applications are being reviewed on a rolling basis so we encourage you to submit yours soon. We look forward to reading your application.

Golden Gate Regional Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer