EVP - Public Affairs and Communications Strategy

Description

Position Overview

The Executive Vice President (EVP) of Public Affairs and Communications Strategy is a senior executive responsible for shaping, leading, and executing the organization's overarching public affairs, external relations, and strategic communications agenda. This role provides visionary leadership across government relations, public policy, corporate communications, reputation management, media strategy, stakeholder engagement, and issues/crisis management.

The EVP works closely with the CEO, executive leadership team, and Board to elevate the organization's influence, strengthen its brand narrative, and ensure strategic alignment between business objectives and public-facing messaging.
Key Responsibilities
Public Affairs & Government Relations

• Oversee the development and execution of strategies related to government relations, legislative advocacy, and regulatory engagement.
• Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, regulatory bodies, and industry associations.
• Monitor policy developments and emerging issues affecting the organization and its stakeholders.
• Represent the organization in external forums, public hearings, and policy discussions.

Strategic Communications Leadership

• Lead corporate communications, including executive communications, internal messaging, external media relations, digital strategy, and content development.
• Develop an integrated communications strategy that advances business goals, strengthens reputation, and enhances brand visibility.
• Serve as a senior advisor and thought partner to executives on communications strategy, public positioning, and organizational messaging.

Reputation & Issues Management

• Direct enterprise-wide brand reputation strategy and oversee the management of high-visibility issues and crisis response.
• Ensure the organization is prepared with proactive and reactive communications plans.
• Counsel executive leadership on potential reputational risks and mitigation strategies.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Oversee strategies to engage key constituencies-including customers, employees, community partners, policymakers, and the media.
• Develop programs and partnerships that advance organizational objectives and strengthen long-term stakeholder trust.

Leadership & Organizational Stewardship

• Lead and mentor high-performing teams across public affairs, communications, and government relations functions.
• Foster a culture of strategic thinking, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Align departmental priorities with corporate strategy and manage budgets, resources, and performance metrics.