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Public Affairs Advisor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Summary The Public Affairs Advisor Senior provide strategic advice, counsel, and engagement in support of the company's public policy, legislative, regulatory, and executive branch priorities. Work ...

$180 - $240/hr

Advise leaders on communications, stakeholder engagement, reputation management, labor dynamics ... Public Affairs Leadership & Coordination * Serve as the primary Public Affairs leader and point of ...

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FTE: 1.000000 | Full Time | Primarily Mon - Fri / 8AM - 5PM Starting Wage: $65,000.00-$89,398.40, depending on experience Position Summary The Public Affairs Communications Advisor is responsible for ...

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Public Affairs Advisor information

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$55.5K

$94.2K

$155K

How much do public affairs advisor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for public affairs advisor in the United States is $94,165.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,500.00 and $104,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a public affairs advisor do?

A Public Affairs Advisor helps organizations manage their relationships with government agencies, media, and the public. They monitor policy developments, advise on regulatory issues, and develop strategies to communicate the organization’s position on relevant topics. Their work often includes lobbying, crisis communication, and building networks with key stakeholders to influence public policy and opinion. Public Affairs Advisors play a crucial role in ensuring their organization's interests are effectively represented and understood by external audiences.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a public affairs advisor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Public Affairs Advisor, you need a background in communications, public relations, or political science, often supported by a relevant degree and experience in stakeholder engagement. Familiarity with media monitoring tools, social media platforms, and government relations software is typically required. Exceptional interpersonal skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to communicate complex issues clearly set top candidates apart. These skills are crucial for effectively managing an organization’s reputation, influencing policy, and building strong relationships with stakeholders.

How does a public affairs advisor typically collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders?

A Public Affairs Advisor often serves as a bridge between their organization and various external stakeholders, including government agencies, advocacy groups, and the media. Internally, they work closely with departments such as communications, legal, and executive leadership to ensure consistent messaging and policy alignment. Externally, they engage in relationship-building, monitor legislative developments, and represent the organization's interests during meetings or public hearings. This role requires strong communication and negotiation skills, as well as the ability to coordinate input from multiple sources to support organizational objectives.

What is the difference between Public Affairs Advisor vs Communications Specialist?

AspectPublic Affairs AdvisorCommunications Specialist
CredentialsBachelor's degree in Public Relations, Political Science, or related field; often requires experience in government or advocacyBachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, or related field; may require media or content creation experience
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, non-profits, advocacy groups, or corporate public affairs departmentsMedia outlets, corporate marketing teams, PR agencies, or internal communications departments
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in public sector, government, and advocacy sectorsPrimarily in private sector, media, and corporate communications

While both roles involve communication and stakeholder engagement, a Public Affairs Advisor focuses on managing relationships with government and public policy, whereas a Communications Specialist concentrates on media relations, content creation, and internal/external messaging. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

Is a public affairs advisor a stressful job?

Public affairs advisors often work in fast-paced environments that require managing multiple stakeholders and deadlines, which can contribute to stress. The job may involve handling sensitive issues, requiring strong communication skills and the ability to adapt quickly, but stress levels vary depending on the organization and specific responsibilities.

What degree do I need to work in a public affairs advisor?

A public affairs advisor typically needs at least a bachelor's degree in fields such as political science, communications, public relations, or a related area. Advanced degrees or certifications in public policy or government relations can enhance job prospects and effectiveness in the role.
More about Public Affairs Advisor jobs

What cities are hiring for Public Affairs Advisor jobs?

Cities with the most Public Affairs Advisor job openings:

What states have the most Public Affairs Advisor jobs?

States with the most job openings for Public Affairs Advisor jobs include:

Infographic showing various Public Affairs Advisor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,165 per year, or $45.3 per hour.

Public Affairs Advisor Senior

Arizona Public Service

Phoenix, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Arizona Public Service rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Arizona Public Service generates reliable, affordable and clean energy for 2.7 million Arizonans. As the state's largest and longest-serving energy provider, our more than 6,000 dedicated employees power our vision of creating a sustainable energy future for Arizona.
Summary
The Public Affairs Advisor Senior provide strategic advice, counsel, and engagement in support of the company's public policy, legislative, regulatory, and executive branch priorities. Work closely with Public Policy Office leadership to develop and execute strategies to build and maintain productive relationships with state elected officials, executive branch agencies, regulatory stakeholders, key political figures and external stakeholder groups. Serve as a trusted advisor to company leadership on public policy issues affecting the business and support advocacy efforts that advance the company's strategic objectives.
Minimum Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in Political Science, Public Administration, Public Policy or related field
  • Plus a minimum of eight (8) years of experience in government affairs, public affairs, public policy, legislative affairs, community relations, grassroots advocacy, campaigns, or related industries.
  • In lieu of degree, 12 years' equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Special Skills, Knowledge or Qualifications:
  • Excellent verbal and written communication, negotiation, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
  • Ability to interpret business requirements and develop strategies that support organizational priorities.
  • Demonstrated experience engaging with elected officials, political figures, government agencies, trade associations, and external stakeholders.
  • Position involves statewide travel.

Major Accountabilities
1) Provide strategic advice, counsel, and engagement in support of the company's legislative, regulatory, stakeholder engagement and public policy priorities.
2) Build and maintain productive relationships with state legislators, legislative leadership, executive branch officials, grassroots political officials and key organizational stakeholders.
3) Develop and implement engagement strategies with state legislators, legislative leadership, executive branch officials, grassroots political officials and key organizational stakeholders.
4) Monitor legislative, regulatory, and political developments and assess potential impacts on company operations, customers, and strategic initiatives.
5) Coordinate with internal business units to identify policy priorities and develop advocacy strategies that advance organizational objectives.
6) Represent the company before governmental entities, political party leadership, industry associations, stakeholder groups, and public forums.
7) Prepare briefing materials, advocacy content, policy analyses, presentations and testimony for internal and external consumption.
8) Advise and support company executives and staff in meetings with elected officials, government agencies, and other external stakeholders, and accompany executives as necessary during high-level engagements and negotiations.
9) Identify emerging public policy risks and opportunities and develop strategies to mitigate risks and advance company interests.
10) Coordinate with external consultants, contract lobbyists, industry partners, and trade associations to ensure alignment of advocacy efforts and strategic objectives.
11) Support stakeholder engagement efforts related to legislative, regulatory, or governmental matters as needed.
Export Compliance / EEO Statement
This position may require access to and/or use of information subject to control under the Department of Energy's Part 810 Regulations (10 CFR Part 810), the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) (15 CFR Parts 730 through 774), or the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) (22 CFR Chapter I, Subchapter M Part 120) (collectively, 'U.S. Export Control Laws'). Therefore, some positions may require applicants to be a U.S. person, which is defined as a U.S. Citizen, a U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder'), a Political Asylee, or a Refugee under the U.S. Export Control Laws. All applicants will be required to confirm their U.S. person or non-US person status. All information collected in this regard will only be used to ensure compliance with U.S. Export Control Laws, and will be used in full compliance with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of national origin and other factors. For positions at Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Stations (PVNGS) all openings will require applicants to be a U.S. person.
Pinnacle West Capital Corporation and its subsidiaries and affiliates ('Pinnacle West') maintain a continuing policy of nondiscrimination in employment. It is our policy to provide equal opportunity in all phases of the employment process and in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. This policy of nondiscrimination shall include, but not be limited to, recruiting, hiring, promoting, compensating, reassigning, demoting, transferring, laying off, recalling, terminating employment, and training for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, disability, age, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, protected veteran status, or any other classification or characteristic protected by law.
For more information on applicable equal employment regulations, please refer to EEO is the Law poster. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of every person hired to work in the United States, refer to E-Verify poster. View the employee rights and responsibilities under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
In compliance with the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, the Company is committed to a work environment that is free from the effects of alcohol and controlled substances, and free from the abuse or inappropriate use of prescribed and over-the-counter medications. The Company requires employees to be subject to drug and alcohol testing that is job-related and consistent with business necessity, regulatory requirements and applicable laws.
Hybrid: Employees in hybrid roles work both in their home offices (virtually) and alongside their colleagues (in person).
In order for employees to build strong relationships and to promote meaningful in-person interactions, hybrid employees are expected to work about 40% of their time in-person at an APS or other (non-home office) location.
  • Employees are expected to reside in Arizona (or New Mexico for Four Corners-based employees).
  • Working from a home office requires adequate technology and an appropriate ergonomic set up.
  • Role types are subject to change based on business need.

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