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Public Affairs Director Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

Rayonier

Director, Public Affairs

Atlanta, GA

We are seeking a Director of Public Affairs (Western Region) to lead our state and local government relations, public policy advocacy, and strategic community engagement. In this role, you will ...

Rayonier, Inc.

Director, Public Affairs

Atlanta, GA · On-site

We are seeking a Director of Public Affairs (Western Region) to lead our state and local government relations, public policy advocacy, and strategic community engagement. In this role, you will ...

Ryan LLC

Director, Legislative Affairs

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$120 - $150/hr

S. The Legislative Affairs Director will assist the Principals and Advocacy Services Practice with ... Maintains comprehensive database of public policy initiatives and facilitates status update ...

Ryan, LLC

Director, Legislative Affairs

Atlanta, GA · Hybrid

S. The Legislative Affairs Director will assist the Principals and Advocacy Services Practice with ... Maintains comprehensive database of public policy initiatives and facilitates status update ...

LivCor LLC

Senior Manager - Public Affairs

Atlanta, GA · On-site

This role requires a self-directed, solutions-oriented person who can operate effectively in a fast ... Proven experience in public affairs, strategic communications, crisis management, government ...

Medela

Manager, Medical Affairs Operations

Atlanta, GA · On-site +1

$130K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Nursing, Life Sciences, Public Health, Nutrition Science, or related health ... Minimum 2 years of direct people leadership experience * Proven ability to manage complex cross ...

Cobb County, GA

Communications Director

Marietta, GA · On-site

$101K - $135K/yr

The Communications Director represents Cobb County among regional partners, helping position the ... or public affairs, to include experience in crisis communications, policy or government ...

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Public Affairs Director information

See Decatur, GA salary details

$23.9K

$127.1K

$205.5K

How much do public affairs director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for public affairs director in Decatur, GA is $127,077.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,900.00 and $167,400.00 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.

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 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.

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.

More about Public Affairs Director jobs
What cities near Decatur, GA are hiring for Public Affairs Director jobs? Cities near Decatur, GA with the most Public Affairs Director job openings:
Public Affairs Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Affairs Director job openings in Decatur, GA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,077 per year, or $61.1 per hour.

External Affairs Director

Planned Parenthood Southeast, Inc.

Atlanta, GA • On-site

$90/hr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Job Title: External Affairs Director
Location: Varies - Atlanta, GA or Birmingham, AL
Reports To: Chief Communications Officer
FLSA Status: Exempt
Salary: $90, 000 - $100,000
The External Affairs Director serves as PPSE's primary advocacy and communications strategist, leading the affiliate's work in public affairs, local advocacy, community relations, and communications. The External Affairs Director is responsible for managing the reputation and public face of PPSE. The Director will play a vital role in monitoring the external environment for impacts to PPSE's operations and programs in Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi. This position will serve as a key liaison for the affiliate with PPFA/PPAF as they conduct advocacy work in Georgia.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  1. Proven ability to communicate effectively to multiple audiences, including the media, policy makers, donors, supporters and the public.
  2. Ability to communicate effectively with individuals of all backgrounds.
  3. Must have excellent written communication skills.
  4. Accuracy and attention to detail are essential.
  5. Proven ability to manage departmental budget and external vendors.
  6. Ability to work independently and as a team member.
  7. Must have strong analytical, investigative, and pattern recognition skills.
  8. Ability to prioritize and manage numerous projects simultaneously.
  9. Self-motivated, with ability to work with little direct supervision.
  10. Basic understanding and knowledge of the current reproductive health care landscape
  11. Availability to work flexible hours, including weekends and evenings as required.
  12. Ability and willingness to travel within Metro Atlanta and Birmingham
  13. Reliable means of transportation for onsite and off-site work.
  14. If using a personal vehicle to drive for work purposes, a valid state driver license and current auto insurance in compliance with the minimum requirements of the state's vehicle code are required.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:
  1. Bachelor's degree in English, communications, marketing, political science, public policy or equivalent work experience required
  2. Minimum ten (10) years of relevant experience.
  3. Passion and commitment to the mission, vision, and values of Planned Parenthood
  4. Superb interpersonal and leadership skills with an impressive history of forging strong relationships with multiple stakeholders.
  5. A record of success in a senior-level public affairs, advocacy and/or communications position in the government, not-for-profit or private sector.
  6. Experience successfully leading projects, developing communications plans, and writing reports in a clear and cogent manner.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
1. Provide high-level counsel to the Leadership Team on issues impacting the affiliate's
public perception and brand reputation.
2. Interpret and elevate policy issues that may affect PPSE's operations and programs.
3. Create and implement proactive, affiliate-wide communications strategies. Serve as
agency spokesperson, develop press relationships, and manage crisis communications.
4. Identify and build key strategic external partnerships across the region to advance the
mission and vision of PPSE.
5. Represent PPSE at community events, building strong relationships with key external
stakeholders.
6. Serve as a liaison to the PPFA/PPAF team engaged in advocacy in Georgia to ensure
that policy objectives are aligned with and informed by PPSE's operational goals.
7. Monitor public policy and legislation in Alabama and Mississippi. Collaborate with internal
and external stakeholders on policy advocacy opportunities.
8. Ensure compliance with all relevant local, state, and federal laws and regulations
governing the advocacy activities of non-profit organizations.
9. Maintain current knowledge on federation-wide messaging and all relevant policy issues
as they pertain to sexual and reproductive health care.
OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Performs other duties as may be assigned by management.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The physical requirements of this position are identified below. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
This position requires the ability to see, hear, speak, stand, walk, sit, use hands for fingering and grasping, and push, pull, and reach on a continual basis throughout the workday. The role also requires occasional stooping, bending, and kneeling, as well as occasional driving.
The employee must be able to lift and/or carry up to 25 pounds occasionally. Lifting or carrying more than 25 pounds is not a requirement of this position.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

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