1

Relations Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Manager, State Relations

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

This role will support the Director, State Relations, and Vice President, Government Relations and Public Affairs, in supporting our mission to advance the quality of health care through leadership ...

The Government Relations Lead is responsible for establishing, managing, and leading strategic engagement with government entities, regulatory bodies, and public-sector stakeholders. The role ensures ...

Employee Relations Specialist

Columbia, MD ยท On-site

$71K - $135K/yr

About the Job General Summary of Position The Employee Relations Specialist serves as a trusted advisor and expert in fostering a positive workplace culture ensuring consistency fairness and ...

Description & Requirements Member Relations Specialist Our client, the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB) , is a mission-driven national membership organization ...

Labor Relations Specialist

Bethesda, MD ยท On-site

$25.10 - $32.31/hr

The Labor Relations Specialist position assists with Labor relations matters by gathering and collecting information, maintaining documents and records required for negotiations, reviewing data ...

Media Relations Coordinator Industry: Nonprofit / Communications / Marketing Location: Washington, DC (Hybrid) Assignment Type: Contract (3+ months, with potential extension) Pay: $22-$24/hr ...

Labor Relations Specialist

Bethesda, MD ยท On-site

$25.10 - $28.70/hr

The Labor Relations Specialist position assists with Labor relations matters by gathering and collecting information, maintaining documents and records required for negotiations, reviewing data ...

The Labor Relations Specialist position assists with Labor relations matters by gathering and collecting information, maintaining documents and records required for negotiations, reviewing data ...

The Director will be responsible for setting media relations strategy, overseeing media engagement, and serving as a trusted advisor to senior executives on communications strategies and messaging.

The Director will be responsible for setting media relations strategy, overseeing media engagement, and serving as a trusted advisor to senior executives on communications strategies and messaging.

Public Relations Associate

Mclean, VA ยท On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

Public Relations Associate Location: Hybrid, McLean, VA Agile Defense is seeking a Public Relations Associate with experience in the national security and defense industry. This role is responsible ...

Public Relations Associate

Mclean, VA ยท On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

Public Relations Associate Location: Hybrid, McLean, VA Agile Defense is seeking a Public Relations Associate with experience in the national security and defense industry. This role is responsible ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Relations information

See Washington salary details

$28.3K

$53.3K

$75.9K

How much do relations jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for relations in Washington is $53,333.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,300.00 and $56,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a relations specialist do?

A relations specialist manages communication and relationships between an organization and its stakeholders, such as clients, partners, or the public. They often handle public relations, media interactions, and develop strategies to maintain a positive image, using skills in communication, writing, and media tools.

Are PR jobs well paid?

Public relations (PR) jobs can offer a wide salary range depending on experience, location, and the size of the organization. Entry-level positions typically pay less, while senior roles such as PR managers or directors tend to have higher salaries, often supplemented with bonuses and benefits. Overall, PR careers can be financially rewarding for those with strong communication skills and industry experience.

What are relations professionals and what do they do?

Relations professionals, often referred to as public relations (PR) specialists or corporate relations managers, are responsible for managing the communication between an organization and its public audiences. They work to build and maintain a positive image for their company or clients, handle media inquiries, write press releases, and coordinate public events. Their goal is to foster strong relationships with stakeholders, including customers, partners, employees, and the media, to support the organization's reputation and objectives.

What is PR job salary?

Public relations (PR) specialists typically earn a median annual salary of around $62,000, with entry-level positions starting lower and experienced professionals earning over $100,000. Salaries vary based on experience, location, industry, and the size of the organization, and PR roles often require strong communication skills and media relations expertise.

How does a Relations professional typically collaborate with other departments to achieve organizational goals?

Relations professionals play a key role in building and maintaining communication channels between their organization and external stakeholders, such as clients, partners, or the public. They often work closely with teams like marketing, communications, and legal to ensure that messaging is consistent and aligned with company objectives. Collaboration may involve joint strategy sessions, campaign planning, and crisis management efforts. This cross-functional teamwork is essential for effectively representing the organization's interests and enhancing its reputation.

What is the difference between Relations vs Public Relations?

AspectRelationsPublic Relations
Primary FocusManaging relationships with stakeholders, clients, and partnersBuilding and maintaining a positive public image for an organization
Work EnvironmentCorporate settings, client interactions, internal communicationsMedia, press releases, community outreach, media relations
CredentialsCommunications, marketing, or related degrees often preferredCommunications, PR, journalism degrees common
Industry UsageUsed across various industries for stakeholder engagementPrimarily in corporate, nonprofit, and government sectors for reputation management

Relations and Public Relations roles overlap in communication skills but differ in focus. Relations emphasizes stakeholder and partner engagement, while Public Relations centers on managing public perception and media relations. Both roles are vital for organizational success but serve distinct strategic purposes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Public Relations Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Public Relations Specialist, you need strong written and verbal communication skills, media relations knowledge, and typically a degree in communications, public relations, or a related field. Familiarity with media monitoring tools, social media platforms, and press release distribution systems is often required. Creativity, adaptability, and relationship-building are crucial soft skills that help professionals excel in this field. These skills and qualities are essential for effectively managing an organization's public image, crafting compelling messages, and building positive relationships with stakeholders.

What is a career in public relations?

A career in public relations involves managing the public image and communication strategies of organizations or individuals. PR professionals create press releases, handle media inquiries, and develop campaigns to maintain positive relationships with the public and stakeholders. Strong communication skills, media knowledge, and often a degree in communications or related fields are important for success in this field.
What are the most commonly searched types of Relations jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Relations jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Relations jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Relations job openings:
Infographic showing various Relations job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,333 per year, or $25.6 per hour.
Director of Media Relations and Executive Communications

Director of Media Relations and Executive Communications

Council on Foreign Relations

Washington, DC โ€ข On-site

$145K - $155K/yr

Other

Medical

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Position Summary
POSITION SUMMARY
Reporting to the Vice President for Global Communications, the Director is responsible for helping craft and execute communications strategy for the Council's president. In collaboration with the Executive Office, the Director will develop proactive plans to elevate the profile and voice of CFR's president as the lead "brand ambassador" of the Council to further its mission as a non-partisan source of independent analysis and research. This includes working on earned media opportunities, social media presence and engagement, and written content (including weekly newsletters, opinion essays, and long-form articles). The Director will also seek to expand and deepen the range of media targets and audiences and incorporate social media activity to further the president's engagement and voice.
This position is based in CFR's Washington, DC office at least three days per week. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are considered institutional anchor days where all staff are required to be onsite. Effective Monday, September 14, 2026, CFR employees will be based on-site at least four days per week. CFR's remote working schedule is subject to change.
Essential Functions/Responsibilities
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Work with the VP for Global Communications and the President's office to develop and execute a proactive strategy for the president's media engagement on a wide range of geopolitical and geoeconomic issues. This includes:
    • Mapping opportunities based on the president's thought leadership as well as external moments on the global security calendar.
    • Building and maintaining relationships across a wide range of media outlets.
    • Identifying innovative ways to engage media, including through partnerships, collaborations, and events.
    • Drafting briefing memos, talking points, and Q&A, as well as potential op-eds and newsletter content.
  • Work with the VP, the Executive Office, and the Digital audience strategy team to develop and expand the president's profile on social media, taking advantage of video, photos, and live events to generate compelling content in the president's voice.
  • Perform any other duties or tasks as assigned or required.

Minimum Qualifications
Education & Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in a related field.
  • A minimum of 7-10 years of relevant experience in media relations and public affairs, preferably supporting and leading similar strategic and crisis communications efforts for institutional principals.
  • Familiarity with the foreign policy media ecosystem and contacts with national and international media outlets.
  • Experience using media tracking tools and databases such as MuckRack, Cision, Critical Mention, TV Eyes, and/or Meltwater.

Related Skills & Other Requirements
  • Superior writing, verbal, and digital communications skills.
  • Strong working knowledge of media relations and issues management.
  • Strong judgment in media relations matters.
  • Demonstrated ability to effectively engage with reporters, editors, columnists, producers, and bookers.
  • Track record drafting statements, talking points & Q&As.
  • Comfortable working in a digital environment using digital tools, including website content management systems.
  • Comfortable providing counsel to senior executives.
  • Self-starter and strategic thinker with the ability to prioritize and synthesize.
  • Strong collaborator with solid negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
  • Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced, results-oriented, collaborative environment.
  • Able to work under pressure quickly, effectively, and efficiently.

Required Application Materials
Please submit a rรฉsumรฉ and cover letter stating your interest in the position.
Compensation and Benefits
  • The full-time annual compensation range for this position is $145,000 - $155,000, depending on experience.
  • In addition to competitive salaries, the Council on Foreign Relations offers a benefits package that is among the best offered by nonprofit institutions today, including an award-winning health and wellness program, an on-site fitness center, and generous leave policies and health insurance programs.

About CFR
The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) is committed to fostering a foreign policy community in the United States that is more representative of American society, recognizing that diverse backgrounds and perspectives contribute to broader, more informed participation in the foreign policy debate and lead to an enhanced understanding of the world and the United States' role therein. To that end, CFR is dedicated to continuing to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout its work and workplace by building a more diverse membership and staff, producing and dispensing thoughtful analysis on a broad range of foreign policy issues, and developing relevant, wide-reaching programming that also serves to expand the foreign policy talent pipeline to underrepresented populations.