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Public Affairs Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Public Affairs Director

New York, NY · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

The Director of Public Affairs oversees the development and operationalization of the Law School's media outreach, response, and social media strategy, effectively promoting the Law School ...

Public Affairs Director

New York, NY · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

The Director of Public Affairs oversees the development and operationalization of the Law School's media outreach, response, and social media strategy, effectively promoting the Law School ...

Public Affairs Director

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Manage communications related to public events * Report to the Chief Communications Officer and Assistant Dean for Communications Requirements * Bachelor's Degree * 7+ years relevant professional ...

New

$134 - $159/hr

The Public Affairs Director will lead corporate communications efforts tied to policy priorities, guides advocacy engagement, and manages key third-party stakeholders. This role will work cross ...

The Public Affairs Director will lead corporate communications efforts tied to policy priorities, guides advocacy engagement, and manages key third-party stakeholders. This role will work cross ...

The Public Affairs Director will lead corporate communications efforts tied to policy priorities, guides advocacy engagement, and manages key third-party stakeholders. This role will work cross ...

The Public Affairs Director will lead corporate communications efforts tied to policy priorities, guides advocacy engagement, and manages key third-party stakeholders. This role will work cross ...

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Showing results 1-20

Public Affairs Director information

See salary details

$24.5K

$130.2K

$210.5K

How much do public affairs director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for public affairs director in the United States is $130,157.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,000.00 and $171,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a public affairs director do?

A public affairs director combines government relations with media communications to create a positive public image of their client or to spark interest. In this role, you must form relationships with various people in the public and generate new opportunities for your clients. You may oversee a public relations staff, maintaining all communication activities with the media or the public in order to control the result. Your job duties include conducting market research on public opinion, calculating budgets, and pursuing advertising campaigns with your client’s goals in mind. You also arrange interviews, write speeches, and do anything else needed to repair a client’s reputation. Qualifications for a career as a public affairs director include experience in public relations, specifically in a high position with a PR company.

What does a public affairs director do?

A Public Affairs Director is responsible for managing an organization’s relationship with the public, government agencies, and other key stakeholders. They develop and implement strategies to influence public policy, shape public opinion, and ensure the organization’s voice is represented in important conversations. Their duties often include overseeing media relations, lobbying efforts, crisis communications, and advocacy campaigns. Additionally, they monitor legislative and regulatory developments that could impact the organization and advise leadership on appropriate responses.

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

To thrive as a Public Affairs Director, you need expertise in strategic communications, public policy, and stakeholder engagement, typically supported by a degree in public relations, communications, or political science. Familiarity with media monitoring tools, CRM systems, and government relations platforms is valuable, as is experience with regulatory compliance. Outstanding negotiation, crisis management, and relationship-building skills help you effectively influence public opinion and navigate complex political landscapes. These skills are crucial for shaping organizational reputation, managing external perceptions, and successfully advocating for business or organizational interests.

How does a public affairs director typically collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to advance organizational goals?

A Public Affairs Director works closely with internal teams such as communications, legal, and executive leadership to align messaging and strategies with organizational objectives. Externally, they engage with government officials, community leaders, media, and advocacy groups to build relationships, advocate for policy positions, and manage the organization's public image. Effective collaboration often involves coordinating meetings, preparing briefing materials, and facilitating open communication to ensure a unified approach to public affairs initiatives.

What is the difference between Public Affairs Director vs Public Relations Manager?

AspectPublic Affairs DirectorPublic Relations Manager
CredentialsBachelor's degree in communications, political science, or related field; often requires experience in government or policyBachelor's degree in communications, marketing, or related field; experience in media relations preferred
Work EnvironmentTypically in government agencies, non-profits, or corporations engaging with public policy and government relationsPrimarily in corporate, agency, or organizational settings focusing on media and brand image
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in government, non-profits, and large corporations for policy advocacyCommon in private companies, PR firms, and marketing departments

The Public Affairs Director focuses on government relations, policy advocacy, and stakeholder engagement, often working in government or non-profit sectors. In contrast, the Public Relations Manager concentrates on media relations, brand management, and communication strategies within organizations. While both roles require strong communication skills, their primary focus areas and industries differ.

What cities are hiring for Public Affairs Director jobs?

Cities with the most Public Affairs Director job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Public Affairs jobs?

The most popular types of Public Affairs jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for Public Affairs Director jobs?

The top employers for Public Affairs Director jobs are:

What states have the most Public Affairs Director jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Public Affairs Director 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 $130,157 per year, or $62.6 per hour.

Public Affairs Director

New York University

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$100 - $120/hr

Other

Posted 6 days ago


New York University rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

82nd of 631 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position Summary

The NYU School of Law brings together world-class faculty, exceptional students, and skilled staff to foster groundbreaking research and pedagogy that produces leaders who are sharp, passionate, and humane. Reporting to the Chief Communications Officer and Assistant Dean for Communications, the Director of Public Affairs will contribute to shaping the institutional messaging and strategic direction of the Law School. They will play a key role in crafting the school’s communication strategy and overseeing its implementation, advancing operational excellence across the organization. The Director of Public Affairs oversees the development and operationalization of the Law School’s media outreach, response, and social media strategy, effectively promoting the Law School’s scholarship, students, clinics, and programs. The Director plays a leading role as content strategist, helping to identify and reach key stakeholders and audiences within the NYU Law community (such as current students and alumni) and beyond (such as scholars and leaders across the legal and business communities). The Director is also responsible for generating high level editorial content, as well as managing communications related to public events.

Qualifications
  • Required Education: Bachelor's Degree
  • Preferred Education: Juris Doctorate (J.D.) or Masters in Journalism or Digital Media is preferred
  • Required Experience: 7+ years relevant professional experience in the fields of communications, public relations, and/or marketing.
  • Required Skills, Knowledge and Abilities: Excellent written and verbal communications skills and the ability to translate complex issues and topics into readable, compelling content. Solid, demonstrable communications track record, including effectively identifying and reaching target audiences. Proven expertise in crisis management, including communications planning and messaging. Proven story-telling ability across multiple platforms. Experience with academic and long-form journalistic writing a plus. Familiarity with digital marketing and communications trends, including AI and large language models. Sophisticated interpersonal and relationship management skills. Demonstrated skill in strategic planning, agenda setting, and aligning resources with priorities. Experience with Adobe Creative Cloud, public relations database, and media measurement platforms.
  • Preferred Skills, Knowledge and Abilities: Supervisory experience a plus. Understanding of SEO strongly preferred.
Additional Information

In compliance with NYC's Pay Transparency Act, the annual base salary range for this position is USD $100,000.00 to USD $120,000.00. New York University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as, market and organizational considerations when extending an offer. This pay range represents base pay only and excludes any additional items such as incentives, bonuses, clinical compensation, or other items.

NYU Law is an intellectual powerhouse and innovator in legal education, known for its focus on leadership, global issues, and public service. As part of this diverse and accomplished community, you’ll work with top faculty, support learning and research, and have regular opportunities to develop professionally. Located in Greenwich Village, one of New York’s most inviting neighborhoods, the Law School offers highly competitive benefits and perks, notably tuition remission. NYU aims to be among the greenest urban campuses in the country and carbon neutral by 2040. Learn more at nyu.edu/nyugreen.NYU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to a policy of equal treatment and opportunity in every aspect of its recruitment and hiring process without regard to age, alienage, caregiver status, childbirth, citizenship status, color, creed, disability, domestic violence victim status, ethnicity, familial status, gender and/or gender identity or expression, marital status, military status, national origin, parental status, partnership status, predisposing genetic characteristics, pregnancy, race, religion, reproductive health decision making, sex, sexual orientation, unemployment status, veteran status, or any other legally protected basis. All interested persons are encouraged to apply at all levels.

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About New York University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Since its founding in 1831, NYU has been an innovator in higher education, reaching out to an emerging middle class, embracing an urban identity and professional focus, and promoting a global vision that informs its 20 schools and colleges. Today, that trailblazing spirit makes NYU one of the most prominent and respected research universities in the world, featuring top-ranked academic programs and accepting fewer than one in eight undergraduates. Anchored in New York City and with degree-granting campuses in Abu Dhabi and Shanghai as well as 12 study away sites throughout the world, NYU is a leader in global education, with more international students and more students studying abroad than any other US university.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

New York, NY, US

Year founded

1831