Vice President, External Affairs

Purpose of the Position

The Vice President, External Affairs leads SME’s strategic communications, marketing, brand management, and public policy advocacy. This new role is established to build, lead, and mentor a high-performing and engaged communications, marketing, creative, public affairs, and government affairs team. The Vice President, External Affairs will develop and implement impactful strategies that elevate SME’s visibility, influence, and engagement with members, stakeholders, and government officials.

Principle Duties & Responsibilities

Public Affairs and Government Affairs

Lead SME’s public affairs efforts by managing strategic engagement with key government stakeholders and shaping public policy strategies in collaboration with the Executive Director/CEO and SME executive team.

Advocate for public policy initiatives that align with SME’s mission and strategic objectives to support member interests.

Cultivate and strengthen relationships with government officials to enhance SME’s influence and advocacy efforts.

Design and execute comprehensive advocacy programs to advance SME’s policy goals.

Continuously monitor, analyze, and report on legislative and policy developments critical to SME and its members.

Engage with industry groups and associations to represent SME’s interests and foster strategic alliances.

Oversee and manage external resources, including agency support, to optimize SME’s public affairs and advocacy efforts.

Develop relationships and partnerships to drive increased revenue and funding sources from grants for both existing and new programs, products, and services.

Engage with stakeholders to create opportunities for increased government and private sector funding through grants, programs, and partnerships aligned with SME’s mission to accelerate the wide-spread adoption of advanced technology and develop the manufacturing workforce.

Communications

Serve as a key spokesperson and representative of SME.

Plan, direct, and coordinate media responses and outreach, including press releases and interactions with journalists.

Develop and manage partnerships with local, national, and international media to enhance SME’s coverage and public presence.

Collaborate with the Executive Director/CEO to create corporate communications, including high-level presentations and strategic marketing initiatives.

Guide and enhance brand management efforts, developing and maintaining corporate brand standards and ensuring consistency across all communication platforms.

Ensure SME’s social media, web, and public relations presence effectively enhances communication impact and member engagement.

Promote the manufacturing industry with all stakeholders at the highest levels including the media, policymakers, governments, and civil society.

Marketing

Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive marketing strategy that integrates digital, print, and multimedia channels to support SME’s initiatives, drive brand awareness, and boost member engagement.

Supervise the planning and execution of marketing campaigns, promotional activities, and creative projects to elevate SME’s profile and engagement with targeted audiences.

Oversee the Director of Marketing and Creative, ensuring strategic alignment and seamless collaboration between marketing and creative teams to deliver cohesive, impactful campaigns.

Leverage market research and analytics to inform and refine marketing strategies, ensuring that campaigns are data-driven and aligned with organizational goals.

Develop and guide the creation of promotional materials, content, and creative assets that are compelling, consistent with SME’s brand identity, and resonate with key stakeholders.

Oversee content development for various formats, including web, ensuring alignment with SME’s brand and strategic goals. Collaborate with the IT department to enhance web functionality, optimize user experience, and integrate best practices in digital content management.

Work collaboratively with the VP, Integrated Digital Media, to ensure cohesive strategies across digital and traditional channels.

Strategic Leadership

Serve as an active and contributing member of SME’s executive leadership team.

Develop and manage the annual departmental budget, ensuring optimal use of resources.

Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

The Candidate

Skills, Experience, Knowledge & Abilities

Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, public policy, or related curriculum (Master’s degree preferred).

Minimum of 10–15 years of related experience in communications, marketing, brand management, and public affairs; private sector business experience especially in the manufacturing sector is a plus.

Demonstrated leadership with a proven record of strategy execution and measurable outcomes.

Strong connections and relationships with media outlets, industry partners, and government stakeholders.

Demonstrated ability to lead and develop a high-performing team, including marketing and creative personnel as well as communications, government, and public affairs teams.

Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills with the ability to deliver clear and effective messages to various audiences.

Strong project management and collaboration skills, self-motivated, and responsible.

Additional Skills Include

Strategic Leadership

Team Development and Mentorship

Integrated Marketing Expertise

Brand Management and Messaging

Public Affairs and Advocacy

Stakeholder Relationship Management

Data-Driven Decision-Making

Exceptional Communication Skills

Collaboration and Cross-Functional Alignment

Financial and Resource Management

Working Conditions

Normal office environment

Primary office location: Southfield, MI

Ability to travel required (25%)

Summary

Contact Information

Jenny Mosher
Principal
M: 312-882-2506
E: [email protected]

Trenholm Boggs
Principal
M: 202-649-2382
E: [email protected]

Audra Cross
Managing Associate
M: 405-615-0806
E: [email protected]

Lorraine Lavet
Senior Client Partner
M: 703-919-6540
E: [email protected]

About Korn Ferry

Korn Ferry is a global organizational consulting firm. We work with our clients to design optimal organization structures, roles, and responsibilities. We help them hire the right people and advise them on how to reward and motivate their workforce while developing professionals as they navigate and advance their careers.

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