External Affairs & Communications Manager
- Influential leadership role in a diverse, global organization
- Be the voice of a historically significant business with a strong future
- Southern California based role
- For California based roles the expected annual salary range $170,560 – $234,520
About the opportunity
Based in southern California, we are seeking an External Affairs & Communications Manager. This exciting opportunity is responsible for developing and executing the business unit’s strategy for government relations, community and social performance (CSP), and both internal and external communications. This role ensures the organization maintains strong relationships with local, state, and federal stakeholders; upholds its social license to operate; and communicates clearly and effectively with employees, community partners, government agencies, and the broader public.
In the External Affairs and Communications Manager role for Borates you will have the opportunity to impact the business in a number of different ways including:
Government & Regulatory Relations
- Build and maintain strong relationships with government officials and agencies.
- Monitor policy and regulatory developments and provide strategic recommendations.
- Represent the company in hearings, meetings, and industry groups ensuring the organizations interests are well-represented.
Community & Social Performance (CSP)
- Lead community engagement and investment strategies.
- Maintain the company’s social license by managing concerns and feedback.
- Oversee social impact assessments and community risk‑mitigation plans.
- Facilitate community donations and sponsorships.
- Manage Visitor Center operations, including approved U.S. Borax Visitor Center Foundation actions.
Communications & Public Relations
- Develop internal communication plans to support business strategy and engagement.
- Partner with HR, Operations, and leadership on messaging and presentations.
- Manage internal channels including newsletters, town halls, and intranet content.
- Manage external messaging, media relations, and crisis communication.
- Support leaders with public engagement preparation.
- Ensure brand and reputation standards across all public-facing materials.
- Support media relations and external communications initiatives to help build and support Borates reputation.
- Create talking points, speeches and media guides for the Senior Leadership Team
- Develop content and coach leaders to deliver communications with clarity and consistency
Leadership & Collaboration
- Lead the integrated external affairs and communications strategy.
- Partner with senior leaders to support long‑term strategy and sustainability goals.
- Manage budgets, consultants, and reporting on KPI performance.
About You – What You Bring
We’re looking for someone who brings:
- At least seven years of broad-based government relations, community relations, an communications experience.
- Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, political science, public policy journalism or other related discipline
- Experience working with community and government leaders to make impactful change and contribution
- Willingness and commitment to maintain strong relationships with operational teams and maintain an appropriate level of site presence
- The following skills and traits will be highly regarded:
- Proven independence, resourcefulness and organizational skills
- Master’s degree in related field
- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team
- Experience in industrial, mining, energy, or extractive sectors
Where You’ll Make an Impact
Rio Tinto Borates, headquartered in Boron, California, is a global leader in industrial minerals. We supply refined borates—essential components in green energy, construction, and agriculture. Known for our product quality, reliability, and technical expertise, we help make modern life possible.
About Rio Tinto
As pioneers in mining and metals, we produce materials essential to human progress.
Aluminium for cars and smartphones. Copper for wind turbines, electric cars and the pipes that bring water to our home. Iron ore to shape our city skylines. Borates that help crops grow, titanium for paint – and diamonds that celebrate the best things in life.
Our long history is filled with firsts. We’ve developed some of the world’s largest and best quality mines and operations, and our people work in around 35 countries across six continents.
Our Commitment to Inclusion & Diversity
We are a diverse team of talented, enthusiastic individuals who foster a culture of inclusion. No matter how they may differ, our people share one thing in common. It’s a belief that work is more rewarding when we are accepted and valued for our differences, not judged by them. We all have something to contribute, and it’s this contribution that makes for a great organization and fulfilling career.
Apply today and be part of a forward-thinking team where you are empowered to have a meaningful impact.
About Rio Tinto
Rio Tinto is a leading global mining and materials company. We operate in 35 countries where we produce iron ore, copper, aluminium, critical minerals, and other materials needed for the global energy transition and for people, communities, and nations to thrive.
We have been mining for 150 years and operate with knowledge built up across generations and continents. Our purpose is finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs – striving for innovation and continuous improvement to produce materials with low emissions and to the right environmental, social and governance standards. But we can’t do it on our own, so we’re focused on creating partnerships to solve problems, create win-win situations and meet opportunities.
Respect and Inclusion
Rio Tinto is committed to equal employment opportunity. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
We are committed to an inclusive environment where people feel safe, respected and valued. We want our people to feel that all voices are heard and that a variety of perspectives are not only welcome but are essential to our success. We treat all our people fairly and with dignity.
Rio Tinto participates in E- Verify to confirm work authorization. Please visit http://www.ucis.gov/ for more information.
R50148
Rio Tinto is a leading global mining and materials company. We operate in 35 countries where we produce iron ore, copper, aluminum, critical minerals, and other materials needed for the global energy transition and for people, communities, and nations to thrive.
We have been mining for 150 years and operate with knowledge built up across generations and continents. Our purpose is finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs—striving for innovation and continuous improvement to produce materials with low emissions and to the right environmental, social and governance standards. But we can’t do it on our own, so we’re focused on creating partnerships to solve problems, create win-win and meet opportunities.
Rio Tinto is committed to equal employment opportunity. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
We are committed to an inclusive environment where people feel safe, respected and valued. We want our people to feel that all voices are heard and that a variety of perspectives are not only welcome but are essential to our success. We treat all our people fairly and with dignity.
Rio Tinto participates in E- Verify to confirm work authorization. Please visit http://www.ucis.gov/ for more information.
Start your application
Take your leadership career to the next level.
Where can Rio Tinto take you?
You’re passionate and ambitious with tremendous career aspirations. The breadth and growth of our organisation empowers you to define your ideal career path.
Take a look at Katie’s career journey
- 2022 - PresentManager Projects - Energy DevelopmentBrisbane, Queensland, Australia
- 2021Superintendent Operations CentreBrisbane, Queensland, Australia
- 2020Development / Drill and Blast SuperintendentPilbara, Western Australia
- 2019Deputy Quarry ManagerPilbara, Western Australia
- 2018Development SupervisorPilbara, Western Australia
- 2017Senior Engineer of Drill, Blast and SurveyPilbara, Western Australia
- 2016Production EngineerPilbara, Western Australia
- 2015Mine scheduler - 2 week plannerPilbara, Western Australia
- 2014Drill and Blast EngineerPilbara, Western Australia
- 2012Graduate Mining EngineerPilbara, Western Australia
Working at Rio Tinto
Help us deliver the materials that make human progress possible.
The plane you’re flying in just landed. You fire up your phone and get your laptop out of the overhead bin. Immediately, you’re in work mode – thousands of miles from your office. Do you ever stop to think about all the materials that make life in the 21st century possible? At Rio Tinto, we discover, develop and deliver the materials that drive human progress. When you work with us, you’ll experience advantages you won’t find anywhere else.
Our application process
01
Apply
The first thing you’ll need to do is apply to the role. You can do this with your LinkedIn profile or you can upload your resume. We’ll also ask you to complete a few questions before you submit your application.
02
Undergo assessments
Our assessments are designed to help us work out whether you are suitable for the role. We will let you know which ones you’ll need to complete.
03
Interview(s)
Our interviews could be in person or online. It’s a great opportunity for us to get to know you a bit better, answer any of your questions and talk about the exciting career opportunity you have applied for.
04
Offers and checks
At this stage, we will let you know if you have been successful. If you have been, we’ll need to conduct a couple of checks, such as a background or security check. You may also need to do a medical assessment depending on the role you have applied for.
05
Join the Rio Tinto team
Once the checks have been completed, we’ll be in touch to talk with you about your start date and answer any questions you may have before you start with us.