External Affairs Director

About the role

The External Affairs Director oversees the organization's external affairs, including communication and engagement strategies with the public, government entities, media, and other stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive communication and engagement strategies to enhance the organization's visibility and public image.
• Ensure alignment of messaging with organizational objectives across multiple communication channels, including media, digital platforms, and public forums.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of communication strategies, ensuring continuous improvement and adaptability.
• Collaborate directly with leadership for effective executive communications that supports and advances business priorities.
• Acts as the organization’s spokesperson by responding to media inquiries in a timely manner, composing, reviewing, and distributing press releases, and cultivating and maintaining relationships with key government officials, regulatory agencies, and policymakers at the local, state, and federal levels.
• Develop and/or oversee the development and distribution of press releases, media kits, and other materials to ensure accurate and favorable media representation.
• Develop and/or execute social media and content strategies to release information on the organization in a manner that will promote the brand and support organizational objectives.
• Plan and execute external-facing events, including press conferences, public meetings, speaking engagements for the executive team, and stakeholder briefings to engage and inform relevant audiences.
• Foster collaborative relationships with key external stakeholders, including industry groups, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and community organizations.
• Develop and implement stakeholder engagement strategies to ensure positive and productive relationships with partners, investors, and the public.
• Evaluate and authorize all forms of communication regarding the organization for release to the public.
• Develop white papers, discussion documents, and other supporting materials to promote and build the brand.
• Manage crisis communication efforts to protect the organization’s reputation in challenging or high-pressure situations.
• Perform the duties of Public Information Officer in incident command, when required.
• Work effectively with the refinery leadership, employee networks and strategic steering teams on a wide range of technical, business and planning areas.
• Represent the organization at industry events, conferences, and public forums as needed.
• Manage government relations, influencing policies that benefit the organization.

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of external affairs principles and strategies.
• Strong understanding of the legislative process and experience working with government entities at multiple levels.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and persuasively to various audiences.
• Exceptional media relations experience, including crisis communication management.
• Demonstrated experience in building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders and decision-makers.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across functions.
• Excellent time management skills with the proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, political science, public affairs, or a related field.
• A Master’s degree is preferred.
• 8+ years of experience in external affairs, public relations, government relations, or a related field, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Proven track record of developing and executing successful communication and engagement strategies.