Communications Manager, Policy Communications and External Affairs

Amazon; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 127,000 - 171,000; Full time

Job summary

Amazon is seeking a self-motivated communications professional to join its Policy Communications and External Affairs team in the greater Washington, D.C. area.

You will respond to media inquiries, develop scenario plans for emerging news cycles, and craft statements for external audiences with clarity and speed. Ideal candidates bring strong media relations and issues management experience, and can translate complex technology and infrastructure topics for local audiences, including

Qualifications

• 7+ years of professional communications or public relations experience.
• Bachelor's degree or above.
• Experience in media relations and issues management.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and respond to media inquiries with speed and accuracy.
• Develop rapid-response communications strategies for emerging issues.
• Create statements and materials for external audiences.
• Establish and nurture state, local, and regional media relationships.
• Collaborate with internal teams to understand business operations.
• Provide communications counsel to policy and business leaders.
• Plan and execute communications campaigns across earned, paid, and social channels.

Skills

Media relations

Issues management

Written communication

Strategy & messaging

Public affairs

Education

Bachelor's degree or above

Job description

Communications Manager, Policy Communications and External Affairs

Job ID: 10496294 | Amazon.com Services LLC

Amazon is seeking a self-motivated, high-judgment communications professional to join its Policy Communications and External Affairs team. The team is at the forefront of shaping communications around the most advanced technologies on the planet, helping advocate for policies that enable customer innovation and demonstrating the positive impact that our investments bring to the places where we operate.

This role will support efforts to strategically respond to media inquiries, while developing forward-looking scenario plans for emerging news cycles. The right candidate must be able to dive deeply to understand business realities and to communicate clearly with internal and external audiences, including senior executives. They will be responsible for developing statements for media and other external audiences, which requires exceptional writing skills and the ability to manage feedback and edits quickly and concisely.

The ideal candidate has strong media relations and issues management experience, particularly in fast-paced, high-pressure environments where sound judgment and speed are essential. They excel at translating complex technology and infrastructure concepts into clear, compelling narratives for local audiences — including media, community stakeholders, and policymakers. They have experience executing local public affairs campaigns via earned, paid, and social media channels and are motivated by a dynamic, highly creative culture where breaking new ground is welcome. The candidate must be comfortable operating independently, managing multiple concurrent issues across geographies, and providing communications counsel to senior business leaders.

This role will be based in the greater Washington, D.C. area and will require periodic travel.

Key job responsibilities

• Monitor, assess, and develop rapid-response communications strategies for emerging reputational and policy issues
• Manage complex communications challenges with high-judgment and professionalism
• Develop communications plans, written content, and other communications assets in support of Amazon’s policy objectives
• Establish and foster state, local, and regional media relationships by serving as a trusted source and educator about Amazon
• Dive deep with internal teams to understand how their businesses work
• Provide communications counsel to policy and business leaders navigating local issues
• Support a broad range of external communications programs and events aligned with Amazon's infrastructure and policy objectives
• Work cross-functionally to plan and execute communications campaigns across earned, paid, and social media channels

Basic Qualifications

• 7+ years of recent professional communications or public relations experience
• Bachelor's degree or above
• Experience in media relations and issues management

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in technology, infrastructure, energy, or related industries
• Track record of managing hyper-local community and stakeholder engagement
• Experience executing local public affairs campaigns across earned, paid, and social media channels
• Ability to communicate complex technology and infrastructure topics effectively to non-technical audiences
• Experience working with third parties, trade associations, and community organizations

Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.

The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits .

USA, VA, Arlington - 126,700.00 - 171,400.00 USD annually