AVP, External Affairs and Community Outreach

Salary:
$175,000.00 Annually

Position Summary
The Assistant Vice President (AVP) of External Affairs and Community Outreach is a key leadership role responsible for developing, implementing, and managing the organization’s comprehensive strategy for engaging with external stakeholders, building community relationships, and enhancing the organization’s public image and reputation. This role is crucial for advancing the organization’s mission, strategic goals, and long-term sustainability through effective outreach, partnership development, and public advocacy.

Key Responsibilities

External Affairs and Stakeholder Management

Assist the Vice President in the development and execution of the overall external affairs strategy, including public relations, government relations (local/state), and stakeholder engagement.

Cultivate and maintain strong, positive relationships with key external stakeholders, including community leaders, non-profit organizations, elected officials, business partners, and industry groups.

Serve as a secondary spokesperson for the organization on matters of community impact and outreach, ensuring consistent and positive messaging.

Monitor and analyze public policy and industry trends that could impact the organization and develop strategies to address or leverage these developments.

Community Outreach and Engagement

Design and lead a robust community outreach strategy that aligns with the organization’s mission and business objectives.

Oversee the management and execution of community programs, events, and initiatives, including volunteer programs, sponsorships, and charitable giving.

Establish and track metrics to measure the impact and effectiveness of all community outreach and engagement activities.

Act as the primary liaison for local partnerships and collaborations, identifying opportunities for mutual benefit and enhanced community impact.

Communications and Public Relations Support

Collaborate with the Communications and Marketing teams to ensure community engagement efforts are effectively publicized.

Contribute to the development of public-facing content, including press releases, reports, presentations, and digital media, specifically focused on external affairs and community impact.

Manage the organization’s presence and messaging at key external meetings, conferences, and community forums.

Leadership and Administration

Manage the External Affairs and Community Outreach budget, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently to achieve strategic goals.

Oversee and mentor staff (if applicable) and/or manage external consultants and agencies related to community programming and outreach.

Prepare and present regular reports to senior leadership and the Board of Directors on external affairs activities, community impact, and reputation management.

Represent the organization on various external boards, committees, or task forces as required.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Communications, Public Administration, Business, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.

7–10+ years of progressive experience in external affairs, public relations, community relations, or a related field, with at least 3–5+ years in a leadership or management role.

Proven track record of successfully building and maintaining relationships with diverse external stakeholders.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and presentation abilities.

Strong strategic planning and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously under tight deadlines.

Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and political acumen.

Deep understanding of community dynamics, public policy, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) best practices.

Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and influence stakeholders at all levels, both internally and externally.

Proficiency in budget management and performance metrics for external affairs activities.

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