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External Relations Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

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External Relations information

See Minnesota salary details

$33.8K

$81.9K

$131.2K

How much do external relations jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for external relations in Minnesota is $81,904.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,700.00 and $95,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is external relations?

External relations refer to the management of an organization's interactions and communications with outside entities such as partners, stakeholders, media, government agencies, and the general public. Professionals in this field work to build and maintain positive relationships that support the organization's goals, reputation, and growth. Their responsibilities often include public relations, community engagement, crisis communication, and collaboration with external partners. Effective external relations help organizations to enhance their visibility, influence policy, and create strategic alliances.

How does the external relations role typically collaborate with other departments within an organization?

External Relations professionals work closely with departments such as Marketing, Communications, Public Affairs, and Executive Leadership to ensure consistent messaging and strategy alignment. They often coordinate cross-functional teams when managing campaigns, events, or crisis communications, and act as a bridge between the organization and external stakeholders. Effective collaboration is key, as it helps maintain the organization’s reputation and fosters beneficial partnerships. Regular meetings and updates with internal teams are common to keep everyone informed and aligned on goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an external relations professional, and why are they important?

To excel in External Relations, you need strong communication, relationship-building, and strategic planning skills, often supported by a degree in communications, public relations, or a related field. Familiarity with media monitoring tools, CRM systems, and digital communication platforms is typically required. Exceptional interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and adaptability help professionals stand out when engaging diverse stakeholders. These competencies ensure effective representation, foster partnerships, and enhance the organization's reputation in competitive environments.

What is the difference between External Relations vs Public Relations?

AspectExternal RelationsPublic Relations
Primary FocusManaging relationships with external stakeholders, partners, and government entitiesShaping public perception and media communication
Work EnvironmentCorporate, nonprofit, government sectorsMedia outlets, PR agencies, corporate communications
Required CredentialsCommunications, public relations, or related degrees; often certifications in stakeholder engagementCommunications, journalism, or PR degrees; media relations certifications

External Relations and Public Relations both involve communication strategies, but External Relations emphasizes building relationships with external stakeholders like partners and government, while Public Relations focuses on managing the organization's public image and media interactions. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job focus within the communications field.

What do external relations do?

External relations professionals manage an organization's relationships with outside entities such as partners, government agencies, media, and the community. They handle communication strategies, public relations, and stakeholder engagement to support organizational goals. Strong communication skills and knowledge of public affairs are essential in this role.

What are popular job titles related to External Relations jobs in Minnesota?

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

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

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

External Relations jobs near you
Infographic showing various External Relations job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,904 per year, or $39.4 per hour.

Vice President of Marketing & External Relations

Nashville Public Radio

Albert Lea, MN • On-site

$120 - $160/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Hiring Salary: $120,000 – 160,000

Compensation is determined by a combination of factors, including but not limited to education, work experience, and certifications. The actual offer may vary, reflecting the candidate's unique blend of experience, educational background, and skill level.

Freeborn Mower Electric Cooperative (FMEC) invites applications for the position of VP Marketing & External Relations in Albert Lea, MN and has selected Dairyland Power Cooperative to facilitate the search process.

Freeborn Mower Electric Cooperative is a member-owned electric cooperative serving primarily Freeborn and Mower Counties in southern Minnesota. Founded in 1936, FMEC has been part of the community for more than 85 years and today serves more than 18,000 member-owners across a 1,235-square-mile service territory. The cooperative is committed to delivering safe and reliable power, dependable energy solutions, helpful programs and a positive experience for every member. Governed by a nine-member board elected by the membership and supported by a skilled local workforce, FMEC is a not-for-profit cooperative grounded in the Seven Cooperative Principles. Local ownership, community accountability and long-term member trust guide FMEC’s work as it supports economic growth, local initiatives and the well‑being of the communities it serves. The Vice President of Marketing and External Relations will play a key leadership role in strengthening FMEC’s member communications, public presence, community partnerships and engagement with local stakeholders.

Position Summary

The Vice President of Marketing & External Relations provides strategic leadership and executive oversight for the cooperative’s communications, marketing, energy services, key accounts, member services, and external relations functions. This executive leadership role supports FMEC’s commitment to safe, reliable and affordable electric service while strengthening member relationships, community partnerships and public engagement.

The Vice President of Marketing & External Relations reports to the President & CEO and leads the Communications and Marketing Team, Energy Solutions Team and Member Services Team. This position works closely with cooperative leadership, employees, board members, members, policymakers and community partners to advance FMEC’s mission and support the long‑term well‑being of the communities it serves.

Job Responsibilities

These examples illustrate the various types of work performed in this position. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

Strategic Leadership & Member Experience
  • Provide executive leadership for FMEC’s communications, marketing, member services, energy solutions, key accounts and external relations functions
  • Develop strategies that strengthen member trust, improve service accessibility and support FMEC’s commitment to safe, reliable and affordable electric service
  • Lead public-facing teams and programs, including member communications, account support, billing, energy solutions, key account engagement and member‑impacting technology improvements
  • Establish performance measures to evaluate program effectiveness, member engagement and service improvements
Communications & External Relations
  • Oversee FMEC’s brand, member communications, media relations, public messaging and community engagement efforts, including communications during major outages or member‑impacting initiatives
  • Represent FMEC with members, board members, elected officials, policymakers, community leaders, industry partners and other external stakeholders
  • Support government relations activities in coordination with MREA, NRECA and Dairyland Power Cooperative
  • Monitor legislative, regulatory and industry developments affecting FMEC and advise leadership on related risks, opportunities and member impacts
Energy Solutions & Economic Development
  • Provide executive oversight for energy efficiency, rebate, load management, distributed generation and related member programs
  • Build relationships with commercial, industrial and institutional members through a strong key accounts program
  • Collaborate with chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, municipal partners and regional groups to support business growth, community vitality and responsible long‑term load growth
Qualifications Education & Experience
  • Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, communications, public policy, or related field required; advanced degree preferred
  • Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in marketing, communications, member/customer service, external affairs, energy programs or a related field, including at least three (3) years of leadership experience. Electric cooperative, utility or related industry experience preferred.
  • Electric cooperative, utility or related industry experience preferred
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
  • Executive-level leadership experience with the ability to guide teams, programs and organizational priorities
  • Strong understanding of marketing, communications, member engagement and public relations strategies
  • Demonstrated ability to guide an organizations digital presence, including website content, social media strategy, email communications, digital advertising and online member engagement
  • Knowledge of electric utility programs, including energy efficiency, load management and distributed generation
  • Ability to build effective relationships with members, employees, board members, policymakers, community partners and industry organizations
  • Strong strategic planning, decision‑making and problem‑solving skills
  • Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills, including the ability to represent FMEC in public and professional settings
  • High level of professionalism, executive presence, discretion and sound judgment
Other Requirements
  • Overnight travel up to 10%
  • Valid driver’s license
Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand/sit; walk; use hands/fingers to handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Benefits

We are committed to providing our greatest asset, our People, with as many perks and benefits as possible. Some benefits of working with us include:

  • Health and Dental insurance + employer HSA contribution
  • Life insurance
  • Generous 401(k)
  • Paid Vacation, Sick and Holiday time
  • Robust Wellness Program
  • Hybrid work option; 1 day/week work from home
  • VoliPay (Volunteer Program)

Freeborn Mower Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, age, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

If you are an individual with disabilities who needs accommodation or you are having difficulty using our website to apply for employment, contact our HR Department at 608-788-4000.

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