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External Relations Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Everfox

Director, Government Relations

Herndon, VA · On-site

Director, Government Relations Reports To: Chief Corporate Affairs Officer (CCAO) Position Summary ... External Stakeholders & Partnerships Cultivate relationships with industry associations ...

Everfox

Director, Government Relations

Herndon, VA · On-site

Title Director, Government Relations Reports To Chief Corporate Affairs Officer (CCAO) Position ... External Stakeholders & Partnerships Cultivate relationships with industry associations ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsExternal Relations JobsExternal Relations Jobs in Virginia

External Relations information

See Virginia salary details

$34.2K

$82.9K

$132.9K

How much do external relations jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for external relations in Virginia is $82,908.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,400.00 and $96,700.00 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 Virginia?

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

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

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

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

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

External Relations jobs near you
Infographic showing various External Relations job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,908 per year, or $39.9 per hour.

Director, External & Financial Communications

Mclean, VA • On-site

Sunriseseniorliving
See more jobs at Sunriseseniorlivingexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Lead the development and execution of external and corporate communications strategies aligned with business and growth objectives.

  • Manage media relations, public relations, thought leadership, and executive positioning across various media outlets.

  • Partner with senior leadership on financial and investor communications, crisis management, and reputation management.

Sunrise Senior Living rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 170 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Why Join Sunrise Senior Living

At Sunrise Senior Living, we believe meaningful work starts with purpose. Our team members are passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of residents every day.

Sunrise Senior Living is seeking a Director of External Communications to lead corporate communications, media relations, thought leadership, and reputation management. This strategic leader will shape Sunrise's market narrative, strengthen brand awareness, position executives as industry authorities, and support strategic growth, business development, M&A, and investor communications.

Key Responsibilities

  • Support Development, Growth, Marketing Communications, and M&A initiatives with strategic messaging and external communications.
  • Develop and execute an integrated external communications and corporate communications strategy aligned with business and growth objectives.
  • Build compelling corporate narratives and messaging that differentiate Sunrise and establish category leadership.
  • Lead media relations, public relations, earned media, thought leadership, and executive positioning across business, industry, and financial media.
  • Build relationships with journalists, analysts, industry influencers, and key external stakeholders.
  • Lead crisis communications, issues management, reputation management, and rapid-response strategies in partnership with Legal and executive leadership.
  • Partner with Finance and senior leadership on financial and investor communications, acquisitions, corporate announcements, and market-moving initiatives.
  • Develop executive thought leadership, including op-eds, speaking opportunities, media appearances, and industry recognition.
  • Manage PR agencies, communications vendors, budgets, KPIs, and program performance.
  • Establish communications analytics and reporting to measure media coverage, brand perception, stakeholder engagement, investor sentiment, and ROI.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, Public Relations, or related field required.
  • 10+ years of progressive corporate communications, public relations, media relations, or strategic communications experience.
  • Experience with financial and investor communications and communicating complex business and financial information.
  • Demonstrated success developing external communications strategies and shaping corporate narratives.
  • Strong experience with media relations, thought leadership, crisis communications, executive communications, and reputation management.
  • Exceptional writing, editing, presentation, and executive communication skills.
  • Experience managing PR agencies, vendors, budgets, and strategic communications programs.
  • Strong analytical and business acumen with experience measuring communications effectiveness and ROI.
  • Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, highly visible corporate environment and influence senior executives.

Director, External & Financial Communications | Corporate Communications | Media Relations | PR


Pay Range:175,013.33 - 218,766.66

Ready to take the next step and make a bigger impact than you ever imagined? As part of our team, you will help brighten the future for everyone at Sunrise and beyond. That is why we make it a priority to celebrate the unique ways you bring moments of togetherness and joy to everyone you serve. And when combined with the support, benefits, and growth opportunities we offer, the result is a career that PositivelyShines with everything you need to reach your goals - at work and in your life.

We also offer benefits and other compensation that include:

  • Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and Disability Plans

  • Retirement Savings Plans

  • Employee Assistant Program / Discount Program

  • Paid time off (PTO), sick time, and holiday pay

  • myFlexPay offered to get paid within hours of a shift

  • Tuition Reimbursement

  • In addition to base compensation, Sunrise may offer discretionary and/or non-discretionary bonuses. The eligibility to receive such a bonus will depend on the employee's position, plan/program offered by Sunrise at the time, and required performance pursuant to the plan/program.

  • Some benefits have eligibility requirements

Apply today to learn why Sunrise Senior Living is a certified Great Place to WorkEqual Opportunity Employer

Sunrise Senior Living is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

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