Director of External Affairs

Open position

May 15, 2026

Job type:

Full-time
Location:

Sacramento
Start date:

May 15, 2026

Overview

Position summary

Department: Communications
Reports to: Associate Vice President, External Affairs & Media Relations
Classification: Regular, Full Time, Exempt Supervisory
Supervisory responsibility: Yes
Position start date: Immediate opening
Location: Hybrid (2-3 days per week on site, 2-3 days per week remote)

The Director of External Affairs is a critical strategic leader at Visit California. This role is charged with executing a global public affairs program aimed at promoting the relevance of California’s tourism industry, mitigating direct threats to the organization and industry and developing long-term strategies to ensure the longevity and preservation of the tourism industry, as well as California’s vital economic, environmental and cultural resources.

This role supports the organization’s efforts to build and maintain strong relationships with the California Legislature and local elected officials, along with building coalitions with external stakeholders and advocacy groups representing the travel industry’s interests, as well as adjacent issues that affect the industry. The Director also cultivates relationships with journalists and media outlets, working proactively to advance the organization’s messaging priorities and amplify positive narratives about California and the tourism industry.

This position requires a strategic thinker, effective communicator and coalition builder, who can navigate the complex landscape of the tourism industry, as well as national, state and local political environments, while providing oversight of public affairs agencies and Visit California staff who execute public affairs strategies.

Areas of responsibility

20% Government Relations

Monitor legislative and regulatory developments at the national, state and local levels that may impact the tourism industry.

Facilitate outreach to elected officials and key opinion leaders to preserve Visit California’s position as the state’s authority on all matters related to the travel and tourism industry and economy. Brief senior leadership on policy developments and media coverage.

Identify opportunities to engage with government officials, agencies and staffers to educate them on the industry’s role in creating jobs and boosting local economies, as well as Visit California’s organizational approach and priorities. Keep a steady stream of communications to key leadership to ensure the development of tourism champions.

20% Stakeholder Engagement

Identify, establish and nurture relationships with key external stakeholders, including government agencies, tourism businesses, destination marketing organizations and community advocates.

Build broad coalitions in support of tourism-related initiatives, leveraging communications channels and other opportunities to reach new audiences.

Lead campaigns around California Tourism Month and other initiatives that serve as industry platforms and engagement opportunities with key audiences.

15% Messaging Development & Internal Consultation

Advise on consumer and B2B marketing strategies to leverage messaging opportunities to mitigate potential narrative pitfalls.

Develop strategies for deployment of statewide economic impact research and messaging partnering organizations can use to engage with communities, elected officials and other important stakeholders.

15% Media Relations

Build Visit California’s relationships with top-tier media and implement a comprehensive strategy to enhance Visit California’s visibility, brand relevance and favorable share of voice.

Draft correspondence and media messages to meet outreach needs at the request of executive team and senior leadership.

Manage press relations for executives and senior staff.

10% Crisis Communications Support

Manage aspects of crisis communications, including developing consumer-facing content, overseeing crisis tracking tools, briefing staff, interactions with industry partners and making ongoing updates to Crisis Communications plans.

10% Stewardship Strategist

Lead development of new programs that assist the California tourism ecosystem in building resilience and planning sustainability-focused futures.

Consult with stakeholders on ongoing issues and opportunities related to conservation, resources management, responsible travel, etc.

5% Program Administration & Reporting

Manage external vendors and projects related to public affairs programs, including key agencies. Effectively communicate the organization’s advocacy efforts and successes to the key audiences, including the board of directors, investors, public and media.

5% Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and experience

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have the following qualifications and meet the following requirements.

Education equivalent to a bachelor’s degree or higher in communications, public relations, public affairs, political science, public policy, journalism, business administration, marketing, or related field.
A minimum of 5-8+ years of experience in public affairs, corporate communications or government relations, with at least 3 years in a leadership or supervisory capacity.
Proven ability to build and sustain networks with diverse stakeholders, including government officials, community leaders and industry partners.
Expertise in creating and implementing communication strategies, including proactive and reactive media relations, public speaking and crisis response management.
Strong understanding of local, state or federal government processes and policy development.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce high-quality materials, such as speeches, briefings and press releases.
Experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and collaboration tools like Zoom, Slack, etc.

Key Skills & Competencies:

Ability to navigate complex social and political environments.
Proven ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet strict deadlines.
Familiarity with CRM/Database systems such as Salesforce or similar platforms, media monitoring software, and social media platforms.
Demonstrated capacity to motivate teams and drive organizational mission.

Salary and compensation

Salary Range: $140,500 - $196,000

The range displayed reflects the range the organization reasonably expects to pay for the position. The actual base salary is subject to variation due to the role, level, relevant education, training, or experience, among other factors.

In addition to a competitive salary, Visit California offers an excellent health benefit package. We also offer a fantastic PTO and holiday leave package, 401(k) plan, professional development, an employee discount network, an employee assistance program (EAP), fitness center access, parking, a hybrid work environment, and much more!

How to apply

Please send your cover letter, resume, two (2) writing samples and salary requirements via e-mail to Visit California Jobs, at jobs@visitcalifornia.com.

Employer Disclosure Statement
The above statements and job description is intended to describe the nature and level of work being performed within this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and tasks. Other similar or additional duties are performed as assigned.

Notice to All Potential Job Candidates
Visit California has an organizational commitment to the principles of inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility. In that spirit, we welcome all qualified individuals without regard to race, religion, color, sex, ancestry, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, national origin, medical condition, U.S. veteran or military status, pregnancy or any other reasonable accommodation.

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