Sr. Director, External Affairs

About BlueForge Alliance (BFA):

BlueForge Alliance is an agile program integrator positioned to meet the demand to build capacity for the defense industrial base. We are a unifying organization converging technology, manufacturing, economics, and state and federal government to provide a forward-facing, federated umbrella with national visibility.

As a non-profit, neutral convener, BlueForge Alliance aligns strategy with execution to coordinate regional stakeholders, assess and propose high-value efforts, and rapidly establish and deploy U.S. Department of Defense investments. By streamlining competing priorities and viewpoints, we aim to increase manufacturing capacity and technology adoption, boost the number of available suppliers and diversify investment into the defense industrial base.

Position Summary:

The Senior Director of External Affairs will play a critical role in shaping and executing our organization’s communications and brand reputation strategy. This role will involve leading high-level communications and advocacy efforts, managing a team, as well as serving as a key advisor to the organization’s leadership on all external affairs and reputation management efforts.

The Senior Director will be responsible for navigating complex industry landscapes and enhancing our brand reputation on a national scale. In addition to the following details, by being a BlueForger, you will be expected to uphold and exemplify our values of Belonging, Selfless Service, Integrity, Leadership, Respect, and Excellence. We uphold these values upon a backbone of humility driven by a culture of safety, vulnerability, and purpose.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Directs and oversees the organization’s external affairs, including strategic communications, public relations, positioning and thought leader engagement strategies with the public, government entities, media, and other stakeholders.
• Leads and mentors the communications/public relations team members, fostering a value and mission-driven environment and driving the professional growth of the team.
• Develops, integrates, and oversees execution of a comprehensive communications strategy and roadmap to include a range of communications activities relative to the strategic direction and positioning of the organization and its leadership as thought leaders to maximize its alignment to the long-term mission and objectives.
• Manages external communications activities that promote, enhance, and protect the organization’s culture, public profile, brand, and reputation.
• Builds and sustains organizational influence and strengthens key partnerships for sustained collaboration with external stakeholders and partners, including government officials, industry groups, and community organizations, working closely with the organization’s Strategy Office.
• Supports the advancement and elevation of the corporate conference/sponsorship engagements, and community outreach strategies to align with the organization’s strategic goals to amplify community, industry, and stakeholder impact.
• Serves as the primary media representative and a spokesperson for the organization.
• Prepares key leaders within the organization for media interactions, as needed.
• Provides media training and talking points for spokespeople, staff, partners and advisors.
• Monitors industry news coverage and social media to identify potential issues and opportunities.
• Provides summary briefings to executive leadership focused on media sentiment, brand perceptions and influence, including relevant/impactful industry news (as necessary).
• Functionally supports the Marketing Communications team, working closely with leadership and other departments including, but not limited to: Government Affairs, BFA Foundation, Alliance Networks, and the Strategy Office.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Proven leadership skills, with experience managing and developing high-performing teams and driving cross-functional collaboration across diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to handle difficult situations and respond quickly and effectively to crises is important.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate compelling messages, effectively interact with a wide range of audiences, including executives, legislators, media, and the general public on complex issues.
• Strategic mindset, with a keen ability to anticipate national media and political developments, assess risks, and identify mitigation strategies that align with the organizational mission, values and goals.
• High business acumen, discretion, and commitment to ethical conduct, with a reputation for integrity and professionalism in all interactions.

Education, Certifications, and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, or a related field; advanced degree (e.g., MPA, MPP) strongly preferred.
• 15-20+ years of experience in external relations, communications, media and brand management, or other related roles, with a substantial portion of this experience in a senior leadership capacity.
• Experience in government relations is a plus.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds.

Travel Expectations:

Expected travel: up to 25%

Note:

BlueForge Alliance provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. The company prohibits discrimination and harassment based on any characteristic protected by federal, state and local laws.

BlueForge Alliance is a federal contractor, and many of the positions are security sensitive. As such, employment is contingent upon successfully passing required background and drug screens, including without limitation, criminal history check, education verification, credit history, and credential verification. This includes that you will be required to fully execute authorizing documents to allow the Company to conduct such background and other checks.

The ability to perform essential job functions, with or without reasonable accommodation, is required. Reasonable accommodations will be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The job description outlines key responsibilities, but the position may include additional duties.

Learn more here