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External Relations Manager Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Cato Institute

Media Relations Manager

Washington, DC · Hybrid

$75K - $120K/yr

... Relations Manager to help drive national media engagement for one of the world's leading public ... external media partners. This is a hybrid position in Washington, DC. The salary range for this ...

Hudson Institute

Media Relations Manager

Washington, DC

$60K - $80K/yr

Description Hudson Institute seeks a media relations manager to develop and operationalize Hudson ... of external affairs. About Hudson Institute Hudson Institute is a research-focused public policy ...

URAC

Manager, State Relations

Washington, DC · On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

Engage with external audiences, public officials, and URAC staff to develop and implement URAC ... Experience managing multiple priorities and projects to accomplish government relations goals and ...

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External Relations Manager information

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$40.8K

$139.3K

$156.9K

How much do external relations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for external relations manager in Washington is $139,277.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $156,300.00 and $156,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an external relations manager do?

An External Relations Manager is responsible for building and maintaining positive relationships between an organization and its external stakeholders, such as government agencies, media, partners, and the public. Their main duties include developing communication strategies, representing the organization at events, managing public relations campaigns, and handling crisis communication. They work to enhance the organization's reputation and ensure effective communication with external audiences.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an external relations manager?

To thrive as an External Relations Manager, you need expertise in public relations, stakeholder engagement, and communication strategy, often supported by a degree in communications, public relations, or a related field. Familiarity with CRM systems, media monitoring tools, and event management software is typically required. Outstanding interpersonal skills, strategic thinking, and adaptability set exceptional candidates apart in this role. These skills are important because they enable effective relationship-building, brand management, and alignment of organizational goals with external partners.

How does an external relations manager typically collaborate with internal teams to ensure consistent messaging and relationship-building?

An External Relations Manager works closely with various internal departments such as marketing, communications, and leadership to align messaging and strategy. Regular meetings and updates are common to ensure that all external communications reflect the organization's goals and values. The role often involves gathering insights from internal stakeholders, relaying feedback from external partners, and facilitating cross-departmental projects. This collaborative approach helps build unified relationships with external audiences and strengthens the organization's public image.

What are the most commonly searched types of External Relations jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of External Relations jobs in Washington are:

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For External Relations Manager jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching External Relations Manager jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for External Relations Manager jobs in Washington are:

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Cities in Washington with the most External Relations Manager job openings:

External Relations Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various External Relations Manager job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Internship, and 50% Full Time. Highlights an 50% In-person, and 50% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $139,277 per year, or $67 per hour.

Media Relations Manager

Cato Institute

Washington, DC • Hybrid

$75K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Description


The Cato Institute seeks a strategic, proactive, and highly organized Media Relations Manager to help drive national media engagement for one of the world's leading public policy organizations. This role is responsible for building and maintaining relationships with journalists, securing high-impact media placements, managing rapid-response communications, and positioning Cato scholars as trusted experts across breaking news and long-term policy conversations.


The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced news environment, understands the modern media landscape, and can balance strategic planning with day-to-day execution. This position reports to the Associate Director of Media Relations and works closely with scholars, Public Affairs, Government Affairs, Publications, Digital, and external media partners.


This is a hybrid position in Washington, DC.


The salary range for this role is $75,000 - $120,000 per year. Compensation is based on the successful candidate's educational background, experience, and skills.


About Cato


The Cato Institute is a public policy research organization - a think tank - dedicated to the principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace. Its scholars and analysts conduct independent, nonpartisan research on a wide range of policy issues.


Founded in 1977, Cato owes its name to Cato's Letters, a series of essays published in 18th-century England that presented a vision of a society free from excessive government power. Those essays inspired the architects of the American Revolution. And the simple, timeless principles of that revolution - individual liberty, limited government, and free markets - turn out to be even more powerful in today's world of global markets and unprecedented access to information than Jefferson or Madison could have imagined. Social and economic freedom is not just the best policy for a free people; it is an indispensable framework for the future.?


The Cato Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.


Responsibilities:

  • Develop and execute proactive media outreach strategies to elevate Cato scholars, research, events, and institutional priorities
  • Build and maintain relationships with national, regional, trade, and broadcast journalists
  • Identify timely news hooks and rapidly respond to breaking news cycles with expert commentary and media opportunities
  • Draft and distribute media pitches, expert advisories, statements, press releases, and talking points
  • Coordinate interviews, media appearances, editorial board meetings, and reporter briefings
  • Support opinion media strategy, including op-ed placement opportunities and commentary outreach
  • Collaborate with internal teams to align media efforts with broader organizational campaigns and priorities
  • Monitor media coverage, track trends, and identify emerging opportunities across policy areas
  • Assist scholars with media preparation, messaging development, and interview coaching
  • Maintain accurate records of outreach, placements, and journalist engagement using media databases and tracking tools
  • Represent Cato at media events, conferences, and networking opportunities as needed
  • Contribute to reporting on media outcomes, coverage metrics, and strategic impact

Requirements

Education/ Experience

  • Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, political science, or related field
  • 3-6+ years of experience in media relations, public affairs, journalism, communications, or related field
  • Strong understanding of the US media landscape and news cycle dynamics
  • Experience working with media monitoring and CRM tools such as Meltwater, Muck Rack, or similar platforms preferred
  • Interest in public policy, economics, civil liberties, foreign policy, or related issue areas preferred
  • A strong understanding of, and alignment with, libertarian or classical liberal principles preferred


Skills

  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
  • Proven ability to pitch and secure earned media placements
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Professionalism and confidence working with senior scholars, journalists, and institutional leadership
  • Strong news judgment and ability to identify compelling story angles
  • Comfortable operating in a rapid-response environment
  • Collaborative mindset with the ability to work across departments
  • Self-starter who can independently manage projects and relationships
  • Experience supporting high-profile media campaigns or policy communications initiatives


Benefits

All Cato employees are offered the following benefits:

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Employer contribution to a Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Generous vacation and sick days
  • Paid parental leave
  • Employer-provided life and disability insurance
  • 401(k) employer match
  • Transit/ Parking benefits
  • Pet discount plan


Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. This position does not offer visa sponsorship.

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