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Public Affairs 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 ...

LivCor LLC

Senior Manager - Public Affairs

Atlanta, GA · On-site

The Senior Manager role will be a critical member of our Public Affairs team, responsible for identifying, assessing, and resolving complex issues across the business. The individual will partner ...

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All JobsPublic Affairs JobsPublic Affairs Jobs in Decatur, GA

Public Affairs information

See Decatur, GA salary details

$35.6K

$83.6K

$114.2K

How much do public affairs jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for public affairs in Decatur, GA is $83,642.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,400.00 and $109,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is public affairs?

Public affairs refers to the management of relationships between organizations and governments, the media, and the public. Professionals in this field work to influence public policy, communicate key messages, and advocate for their organization’s interests. They often monitor legislative and regulatory developments, build relationships with stakeholders, and execute communication strategies. Public affairs roles are common in government agencies, corporations, non-profits, and trade associations.

How does a public affairs professional typically collaborate with other departments within an organization?

Public Affairs professionals frequently work cross-functionally, collaborating closely with departments such as Communications, Legal, Government Relations, and Marketing. They help ensure that messaging is consistent and align organizational objectives with public policy or stakeholder expectations. This collaboration often involves joint planning of campaigns, coordinating responses to regulatory changes, and managing external communications during sensitive situations. Building strong relationships with internal teams is key to effectively representing the organization’s interests to external audiences.

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

To thrive as a Public Affairs professional, you need strong written and verbal communication skills, a background in political science, communications, or public relations, and often a relevant degree. Familiarity with media monitoring tools, social media platforms, stakeholder management systems, and sometimes certifications like APR (Accredited in Public Relations) are beneficial. Exceptional interpersonal skills, strategic thinking, and adaptability help professionals build relationships and navigate complex, dynamic environments. These skills are crucial for effectively managing public perception, fostering stakeholder engagement, and supporting organizational objectives.

What is the difference between Public Affairs vs Public Relations?

AspectPublic AffairsPublic Relations
Primary FocusGovernment relations, policy advocacy, stakeholder engagementBrand image, media relations, reputation management
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, non-profits, corporations engaging with policymakersMedia outlets, marketing firms, corporate communication departments
Required CredentialsCommunications, political science, public policy degrees; often requires understanding of legislationCommunications, marketing, journalism degrees; focus on media and messaging skills
Common UsageUsed by organizations to influence policy and government decisionsUsed to shape public perception and media coverage

While both roles involve strategic communication, Public Affairs primarily focuses on government relations and policy advocacy, whereas Public Relations centers on managing a company's public image and media relations. Understanding these differences helps organizations target their communication efforts effectively.

Is public affairs a stressful job?

Public affairs professionals often face stress due to managing multiple stakeholders, tight deadlines, and the need for clear communication. The job can involve high-pressure situations, especially during crises or policy changes, but workload and stress levels vary depending on the organization and specific role. Strong organizational skills and resilience help manage these challenges effectively.

What degree do I need for public affairs?

A bachelor's degree in public affairs, political science, communications, or a related field is typically required for public affairs roles. Advanced positions may require a master's degree or specialized certifications, and strong skills in policy analysis, communication, and stakeholder engagement are important.

What does a public affairs job do?

A public affairs job involves managing an organization’s relationships with government agencies, media, and the public to promote its interests and reputation. Professionals in this field develop communication strategies, monitor policy developments, and often work with stakeholders to influence public policy or public opinion. Strong communication skills and knowledge of government processes are essential for success in this role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Public Affairs jobs in Decatur, GA?

The most popular types of Public Affairs jobs in Decatur, GA are:

What job categories do people searching Public Affairs jobs in Decatur, GA look for?

The top searched job categories for Public Affairs jobs in Decatur, GA are:

What cities near Decatur, GA are hiring for Public Affairs jobs?

Cities near Decatur, GA with the most Public Affairs job openings:

Public Affairs jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Affairs job openings in Decatur, GA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,605 per year, or $34.9 per hour.

Director, Public Affairs

Atlanta, GA

Rayonier
1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Rayonierexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Company Overview:

Come grow with us!We areOneRayonier, a team that works together to create value by prioritizing safety, challenging the status quo, giving back to our communities, and driving innovation through continuous learning.With nearly 100 years of experience, we're still discovering new ways to make lives better with our trees, our land, and - our most important resource - ourpeople.

At Rayonier, we strive to create an employee experience where you feel valued and proud to be part of our team. We foster a respectful, inclusive and collaborative environment that celebrates your unique talents and perspectives.Experience the Rayonier difference: We're big enough to offer exciting career paths, but small enough for you to know your colleagues by name.Come join a team that empowers you to make a difference!

Are you a strategic leader who excels at navigating complex public policy, shaping legislative outcomes, and building powerful community relationships? Do you have a passion for formulating public affairs strategies that accelerate revenue opportunities, reduce corporate liabilities, and enhance company reputation?

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 manage all aspects of our advocacy campaigns across Idaho, Arkansas, Texas, Washington, and Louisiana, ensuring tight alignment with regional business units while fostering an environment in which Rayonier can operate profitably.

How You Will Contribute

Reporting to Public Affairs Leadership, you will drive our success across several critical areas:

  • Strategic Advocacy Leader: Translate business objectives into clear regional policy priorities, legislative strategies, and advocacy campaigns that protect and increase asset value.

  • Government & Industry Champion: Build and leverage a strong network of state and local elected officials, regulatory agencies, and industry trade associations to shape policies that support timberlands, wood products, real estate, and energy/minerals.

  • Governance & Compliance Monitor: Manage political giving budgets while maintaining strict oversight of campaign finance and ethics laws across multiple state and local jurisdictions.

  • Collaborative Advisor & Storyteller: Partner with internal communications teams and external PR agencies to develop compelling communication tools and messaging that support our regulatory positions and highlight our work as a trusted corporate neighbor.

Key Accountabilities

Legislative Strategy & Public Policy

  • Track legislation, provide testimony, and actively engage in the legislative process to shape policy outcomes beneficial to Rayonier and the industry.

  • Formulate strategies to improve revenue opportunities, reduce corporate liabilities and expenses, and protect company assets across ID, AR, TX, WA, and LA.

  • Direct contract lobbying consultants to ensure execution against their scope of work and maximize return on investment.

  • Oversee political giving budgets in full compliance with state and local ethics and campaign finance laws.

Cross-Functional Engagement & Stakeholder Relations

  • Collaborate closely with regional managers across timberlands, wood products, real estate, energy, and minerals to identify key issues and revenue opportunities.

  • Develop strong working relationships with government agencies regulating land use, air, water, wildlife, and regional economic development.

  • Build collaborative relationships with key industry trade associations in the timber, real estate, wood products, and energy sectors.

  • Represent the company at legislative hearings, political fundraisers, community boards, and industry public events.

Strategic Communications & Community Engagement

  • Partner with communications teams and external public relations agencies to develop effective advocacy materials, strategic messages, and PR tools.

  • Collaborate with regional teams to drive strategic community affairs programs and foster mutually beneficial relationships with local constituencies.

  • Promote corporate goodwill through public outreach programs such as National Forest Products Week, Earth Day, Arbor Day, and school partnerships.

What You Bring to the Team

Required Qualifications

  • Education: A Bachelor's degree in Public Affairs, Political Science, Communications, Business, Natural Resources, or a related field.

  • Experience: A minimum of eight (8) years of progressive experience in public affairs, government relations, issues management, coalition building, community affairs, or strategic communications.

  • Regional Network & Knowledge: An existing network of contacts with state and local officials in Idaho, Arkansas, or Texas, and a strong understanding of the legislative processes and political dynamics across ID, AR, TX, WA, and LA.

  • Strategic Mindset & Professional Influence: Superior capacity to convey personal trust and credibility, exercise good judgment, and maintain sensitive discussions in strict confidence. Exceptional written and verbal communication, time management, and stakeholder collaboration skills.

  • Technical Proficiency: Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience in natural resource policy, government agencies/executive branch, industry associations, or contract lobbying.

  • Proven background in strategic communications, public relations, and multi-project management.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

This role is based in Atlanta, GA and requires extensive travel to meetings, hearings, and site visits outside the office. May include occasional exposure to forest environments and wood products and lumber manufacturing facilities.

What We Offer

  • We offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, accident, disability, identity theft protection, and paid parental and caregiver leave. We also offer a health savings account, a dependent care spending account, and an employee assistance plan. We provide wellness reimbursements, employee discount programs, annual health screenings, wellness incentives, wellness seminars, and financial counseling and planning tools.

  • Our 401(k) retirement savings plan includes company matching contributions (60% match on the first 6% of base and bonus deferrals) as well as a 3% enhanced retirement contribution that does not require an employee contribution.

  • We recognize the importance of work-life integration and offer flexible work schedules and hybrid work from home options (for most positions), along with a minimum of three weeks paid vacation, five paid personal days, 11 paid holidays and paid sick leave each year.

  • We provide a comprehensive employee development program which provides career planning tools and resources, mentoring program, leadership development, training programs and an 80% tuition reimbursement.

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