Director, Executive Affairs

REPORTS TO: President & CEO

DIRECT REPORTS: None

SALARY RANGE: $89,218 – $200,740

About the Public Affairs Council

The Public Affairs Council is the leading organization for public affairs professionals worldwide. Launched in 1954 at the urging of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, we are both nonpartisan and nonpolitical. Our mission is to advance the field of public affairs and provide our 700-plus member companies and associations with the executive education and expertise they need to succeed while upholding the highest ethical standards.

Our Standards of Excellence

Every team member is expected to embody these seven standards:

• Act with Integrity – Do the right thing, always.
• Collaborate to Succeed – Leverage diverse perspectives for superior outcomes.
• Adopt a Bias for Action – Move quickly on opportunities with informed decisions.
• Embrace Accountability – Own your outcomes and take full responsibility for results.
• Pioneer Innovation and Forward-Thinking – Challenge conventional approaches.
• Pursue Knowledge and Utilize New Insights – Commit to continuous learning and application.
• Champion Nonpartisanship Across All Perspectives – Value diverse viewpoints objectively.

Position Overview

The Director, Executive Affairs serves as a strategic partner and trusted advisor to the President & CEO, providing high-level support in governance, executive communications, and relationship cultivation. This role ensures that the President’s priorities are effectively advanced across the organization while maintaining the highest levels of professionalism, discretion, and diplomacy.

The ideal candidate combines exceptional writing ability, organizational mastery, and an eye for detail—capable of managing confidential matters, coordinating board and stakeholder engagement, and curating executive events that strengthen key relationships and reflect the Council’s mission and values, and uphold the Council’s Standards of Excellence in executive operations and governance.

Key Responsibilities

Executive Support & Strategic Coordination

• Serve as the principal support to the President & CEO on strategic initiatives, internal coordination, and executive priorities.
• Manage complex calendar oversight for the President & CEO and Executive Office, including scheduling, sequencing of commitments, travel coordination, and expense processing.
• Draft and refine executive correspondence, internal memoranda, and stakeholder communications in coordination with the Communications & Marketing team.
• Anticipate emerging issues, prepare briefing materials, and ensure the President is fully prepared for key meetings and engagements.
• Maintain oversight of follow-up actions and ensure timely implementation across teams.
• Manage cross-functional projects connected to executive priorities, governance cycles, and organizational planning.

Governance & Board Relations

• Coordinate all activities of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee, including meeting logistics, materials preparation, and follow-up reporting in alignment with governance best practices and Standards of Excellence.
• Ensure compliance with governance standards and maintain accurate and up-to-date official board documentation.
• Support board communications, retreats, and governance events with professionalism and precision.
• Support Executive Committee and Board leadership by coordinating communications, materials, and engagement touchpoints in collaboration with the President & CEO.
• Support the development and tracking of the Board Engagement Scorecard to assess director participation, preparedness, and governance excellence.

Executive Engagement & Event Curation

• Plan and execute small-scale, high-impact events—such as leadership roundtables, board dinners, and private receptions—reflecting the professionalism and standards of the Council.
• Collaborate with teams to ensure flawless coordination of high-level gatherings hosted by the President’s office.
• Oversee guest curation, event flow, and presentation details to reinforce relationships with senior executives, government officials, and key stakeholders.
• Manage executive hospitality and representational functions with tact, grace, and impeccable attention to detail.

Organizational Integration & Communication

• Coordinate information flow between the President’s office and departments to ensure strategic alignment and consistent messaging.
• Partner with Strategic Communications & Marketing on executive messaging to ensure alignment with organizational priorities, leadership tone, and institutional standards.
• Develop executive summaries, internal updates, and external briefings that communicate organizational goals and outcomes.
• Lead special cross-functional projects that support organizational priorities and President’s initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• degree required; field of study is flexible
• 7+ years of experience supporting C-level executives or leading executive operations in an association, nonprofit, or corporate environment.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage confidential matters with discretion and professionalism.
• Experience in governance coordination, board relations, or executive communications.
• Strong eye for detail, aesthetics, and presentation—able to ensure materials and events meet executive-level standards.

Preferred Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) or advanced degree in public policy, law, business, or related field.
• Experience managing high-profile or executive-level events.
• Familiarity with membership organizations or board governance structures.
• Certifications such as PMP (Project Management Professional) or CAE (Certified Association Executive).

Core Competencies

• Executive Communication: Writes and edits with clarity, precision, and strategic intent.
• Governance & Stakeholder Engagement: Skilled in board coordination and high-level relationship management.
• Event Curation & Detail Orientation: Demonstrates refined taste and meticulous attention to executive presentation and hospitality.
• Strategic Coordination: Aligns cross-functional efforts with leadership priorities.
• Discretion & Integrity: Maintains absolute confidentiality and professionalism.
• Organizational Awareness: Navigates relationships and information flow across complex structures.

Position Attributes

• Mission-Driven: Committed to advancing the Council’s mission and professional excellence.
• Diplomatic: Navigates sensitive matters with tact and composure.
• Visually Discerning: Has a strong sense of aesthetics and attention to detail in all executive materials and events.
• Proactive: Anticipates needs and acts with foresight to ensure executive readiness.
• Collaborative: Builds strong internal and external relationships to facilitate success.

Location & Work Arrangement

Headquarters: Washington, D.C. (with European office in Brussels).
Work Model: Hybrid arrangement with regular in-person presence for executive collaboration and events.
Travel: Occasional travel for board meetings, conferences, and events.

Benefits

The Public Affairs Council offers a competitive benefits package that includes paid time off (PTO), medical insurance, life insurance, retirement benefits, and time off for federal holidays.

How to Apply

Please send a resume and cover letter to [email protected] with the subject line: Director, Executive Affairs

The Public Affairs Council is an equal opportunity employer. Employment at the Public Affairs Council is based solely on a person’s merit and qualifications directly related to professional competence. The Public Affairs Council does not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, military status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.