Chief Public Affairs Officer

About the National Association of Counties (NACo)

Founded in 1935, the National Association of Counties (NACo) is a mission-driven national association focused on strengthening America’s county governments in the pursuit of public service excellence. The Association is uniquely distinguished by its membership of general-purpose county governments.

NACo plays a vital leadership role within the intergovernmental framework of the United States. Our nation’s unique federalism-based system emphasizes the balance, division, and sharing of power and responsibilities among federal, state, local, and tribal government officials.

Chief Public Affairs Officer Position

The National Association of Counties (NACo), representing America’s 3,069 county governments with 40,000 elected officials, 3.6 million county employees, and more than $660 billion in annual community-based investments, seeks a Chief Public Affairs Officer (CPAO).

The CPAO is a senior executive responsible for leading NACo’s public affairs. This role involves overseeing a broad portfolio of functions and initiatives to advance the Association’s mission on behalf of county governments nationwide. The CPAO serves as a trusted advisor to the CEO and executive leadership team, providing strategic leadership and execution on branding, communications, media relations, member engagement (including membership and conferences), corporate sponsorships, and overall public and civic engagement.

Position Responsibilities and Activities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive public affairs vision and strategy aligned with NACo’s mission, strategic planning framework, and biennial Objectives and Key Results (OKRs).
• Lead and advise on public affairs functions, including daily management of branding, public policy messaging (with the government affairs team), membership services and marketing, conferences and event planning, media and social media, County News, and other related activities.
• Monitor trends in public policy, media, and public opinion to ensure the Association’s positioning remains timely and impactful.
• Develop, coordinate, and execute ONE NACo public affairs strategies to enhance branding, communications, marketing, outreach, and partnerships.
• Oversee the development and maintenance of NACo’s brand identity, ensuring consistent messaging and alignment with organizational values.
• Lead NACo’s crisis communications efforts, ensuring timely, transparent, and effective responses during sensitive situations.
• Direct print and digital communication strategies, including social media, website content, multimedia production, and County News (newspaper and online).
• Act as a spokesperson for the organization as appropriate and build media relationships.
• Develop initiatives to increase membership engagement and relationship building, as well as communicate the value of NACo’s programs and services.
• Partner with NACo teammates as a senior-level liaison to strategic partners, ensuring effective communication, collaboration, and mutual benefit.
• Provide executive-level support for the CEO with overall relationship building and strategic outreach.
• Advance the Association’s understanding, recognition, and leadership in intergovernmental affairs through membership, partnership, and civic engagement.
• Manage, develop, and inspire the public affairs team, providing mentorship, support, and professional development opportunities.
• Foster a collaborative and innovative environment that encourages creativity, aligns priorities, resources, and talent, and maximizes impact.
• Manage budgets and resources related to public affairs functions and activities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent lived experience in public relations, communications, public administration, public policy, political science, or a related field.
• Advanced degree or equivalent level experience is preferred.
• Proven ability to develop and implement strategic public affairs strategies.
• Minimum 10 years of senior leadership and team management experience.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, team building, and presentation skills.
• Strong understanding of intergovernmental relations and public policy.
• Strategic thinker with a passion for advancing public service and local government.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Adaptable, resourceful, and capable of navigating complex challenges.
• Proficiency in leveraging digital tools and platforms for communications and engagement.
• Solid network of contacts across federal, state, and local levels.
• Experience managing large-scale events and communications, ideally within a non-profit or governmental context.
• Inspirational leadership attributes and high emotional intelligence to inspire and guide a diverse team.

Working Conditions

• Hybrid work schedule with a requirement of at least two days per week in the Washington, DC office.
• Occasional travel required for attendance at NACo conferences and events a few times per year.
• Base Salary Range: $215,000 – $225,000 (plus variable Annual Performance Bonus).

Application Procedures

Interested candidates should submit a resume to: [email protected]

Why Work at NACo?

Our vision is healthy, safe, and vibrant counties across America. Counties play an integral role in intergovernmental responsibilities. We are guided by the belief that stronger counties result in a stronger America.

NACo is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Our jobs are open to all applications regardless of race, color, sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, national origin, marital status, pregnancy, disability, military status, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law.

Employee Benefits

Teammates of NACo enjoy a fun and challenging environment with a wide range of competitive benefits, including:

• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental insurance
• Generous paid leave and federal holidays
• Transportation subsidy
• Tuition assistance
• 401(k) match and pension plans
• Group life insurance
• Voluntary payroll deductions for pet insurance and credit union membership
• Short/long-term disability coverage, including applicable parental leave
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility

At NACo, we embrace and respect diversity in experience, heritage, and perspectives. We integrate these principles into our daily routine, leading with empathy, learning, and collaboration. We foster a culture of inclusion, respect, and belonging as we work collectively to advance public service excellence.

Join us in our mission to help people and places thrive.

Interested candidates should submit a resume to: [email protected]