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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 Sep 14, 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 the most commonly searched types of External Relations jobs in Minnesota?

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

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.

Director of External Relations

Eden Prairie, MN • On-site

Minnesota Council of Nonprofits
Non-Profits • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Minnesota Council of Nonprofitsexternal

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Director of Development and Communications PROP (People Reaching Out to Other People)

is seeking an experienced, dynamic, and relationship-driven Director of Development and Communications to lead the organization’s fundraising, communications, and community engagement efforts.

At PROP, we believe that no neighbor should face hunger or financial hardship alone. Every day, we work alongside our community to provide food, financial assistance, and hope to individuals and families navigating challenging circumstances.

This is an exciting opportunity for a strategic and passionate nonprofit leader who thrives on building meaningful relationships, inspiring philanthropic support, increasing community awareness, and telling the story of an organization making a meaningful difference in the lives of local neighbors.

The Director will serve as a key member of the leadership team and a passionate ambassador for PROP, strengthening relationships with donors, businesses, foundations, civic organizations, community leaders, and other partners.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Development and Communications is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive strategy for fundraising, donor engagement, communications, marketing, public relations, and community partnerships.

This position will lead all aspects of development, including individual giving, major gifts, grants, corporate and foundation support, events, donor cultivation and stewardship, and in-kind contributions.

The Director will also lead PROP’s communications strategy, ensuring that the organization’s mission, programs, impact, and community needs are communicated effectively and consistently across multiple platforms.

The ideal candidate is an exceptional communicator, grant writer, strategic thinker, relationship builder, and fundraiser who can translate PROP’s impact into compelling stories that inspire people and organizations to take action and invest in the mission.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES Development & Fundraising
  • Lead and implement PROP’s short- and long-term fundraising strategy and annual development plan.
  • Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward current and prospective donors, including individuals, businesses, foundations, and community organizations.
  • Research new grant opportunities and lead all aspects of grant development, including proposal writing, submission, tracking, and reporting.
  • Develop and maintain strong relationships with major donors and prospective major donors.
  • Develop strategies to increase individual giving, corporate support, foundation funding, and other philanthropic revenue.
  • Plan and manage fundraising events and campaigns.
  • Identify opportunities to increase financial and in-kind contributions to PROP.
  • Establish fundraising goals, track progress, and regularly report results to the Executive Director and Board.
  • Ensure timely and accurate tracking and maintenance of donor information in PROP’s donor database, Bloomerang.
  • Work closely with the Executive Director, Board, staff, and volunteers to maximize fundraising opportunities.
Communications & Marketing
  • Develop and execute a comprehensive communications and marketing strategy that supports PROP’s mission and fundraising goals.
  • Develop compelling content that communicates PROP’s impact and inspires community support.
  • Oversee organizational messaging, brand identity, voice, and reputation.
  • Coordinate communications across social media, website, newsletters, print materials, media relations, and other platforms.
  • Identify opportunities to increase PROP’s visibility and strengthen awareness of its programs and services.
  • Work with the communications team to establish annual goals, objectives, strategies, and performance measures.
  • Ensure consistent messaging and branding across all external communications.
Community Engagement & Partnerships
  • Serve as a visible ambassador for PROP throughout the community.
  • Build and maintain relationships with businesses, civic organizations, faith communities, foundations, schools, elected officials, and other community partners.
  • Make regular presentations to businesses, organizations, civic groups, and community partners to increase awareness of PROP’s mission and impact.
  • Provide tours, information sessions, and other opportunities for community members and organizations to learn about PROP.
  • Identify new opportunities for strategic partnerships and community engagement.
  • Represent PROP at community events, meetings, and networking opportunities.
Leadership
  • Serve as a member of PROP’s leadership team and contribute to organizational strategy and planning.
  • Collaborate with staff and leadership to advance organizational goals.
  • Manage and prioritize multiple projects and initiatives in a fast-paced nonprofit environment.
  • Build strong, productive, and collaborative working relationships with colleagues, volunteers, donors, and community partners.
EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
  • Minimum of five years of nonprofit fundraising and development experience.
  • Demonstrated success in grant writing, grant research, reporting, donor cultivation, and fundraising of at least $2 million dollars a year.
  • Experience developing and maintaining relationships with major donors, businesses, foundations, and community partners.
  • Demonstrated experience with fundraising strategy, event management, and donor stewardship.
  • Strong marketing, communications, social media, and community engagement skills.
  • Excellent public speaking, presentation, written, and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of audiences and build meaningful relationships.
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects and deadlines.
  • Strategic thinker with the ability to identify opportunities, solve problems, and take initiative.
  • Ability to work collaboratively and effectively as part of a leadership team.
  • Demonstrated passion for PROP’s mission and commitment to addressing hunger and financial hardship in our community.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • CFRE certification and/or graduate degree in nonprofit management, philanthropy, communications, or a related field.
  • 10+ years of nonprofit fundraising and communications experience.
  • Experience working in hunger relief, human services, community development, or a related nonprofit field.
  • Familiarity with the Eden Prairie and Chanhassen communities.
  • Experience with Bloomerang or another nonprofit donor database.
  • Experience developing successful major gift, corporate, foundation, and annual giving programs.
PROP PERKS
  • Generous paid time off and holidays
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Simple IRA plan
  • Life insurance
  • Short- and long-term disability insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program
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