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Beacon Hill Associates is seeking a Director of External Affairs for a contract position located in Atlanta, GA. This role offers the opportunity to lead high-level strategy, media relations, and external stakeholder engagement within a mission-driven state agency. The position involves managing a team, crafting the agency’s communications strategy, and driving initiatives that support customer experience and public education. This is a hybrid role with occasional on-site presence required for team meetings and stakeholder events.
Daily Duties:
* Direct the planning, development, and execution of communications, media relations, branding, and public education strategies.
* Collaborate with cross-functional departments, including customer experience teams, to promote a customer-first culture.
* Lead stakeholder engagement efforts with community leaders, nonprofit partners, and industry groups.
* Serve as the primary liaison between the agency and external entities to promote transparency and public trust.
* Oversee content development for internal and external communications, ensuring message alignment and clarity.
* Guide branding initiatives to maintain a consistent, recognizable identity across all business lines.
* Supervise the communications and external affairs team, providing direction, mentorship, and performance management.
* Develop and manage the department’s annual budget, monitoring expenditures and anticipating cost adjustments.
* Provide high-level strategic input on public-facing campaigns and crisis communication efforts.
* Ensure adherence to state policies, compliance requirements, and internal protocols.
* Represent the agency in external meetings, conferences, and media interviews as needed.
* Prepare and deliver presentations to executive leadership and partner organizations.
* Promote a culture of innovation, service excellence, and continuous improvement.
Ideal candidate:
* Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Administration, Business, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
* 7+ years of progressive experience in communications, public relations, or external affairs.
* 3+ years of experience in a leadership role managing communications or public affairs teams.
* Deep understanding of customer experience principles and stakeholder engagement strategies.
* Strong background in media relations, including crisis communication and press engagement.
* Experience overseeing brand development and implementation of multi-channel campaigns.
* Familiarity with public sector or mission-driven environments highly preferred.
* Proven track record of building strong relationships with internal teams and external partners.
* Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to tailor messaging across audiences.
* Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Dynamics 365, and other communications or CRM platforms.
* Demonstrated ability to develop and manage budgets and strategic plans.
Additionally, the ideal candidate will demonstrate:
* Leadership: Proven success managing teams, inspiring performance, and fostering collaboration.
* Strategic Thinking: Ability to define goals, align priorities, and deploy integrated communication plans.
* Public Engagement: Skilled in connecting with diverse audiences and promoting organizational transparency.
* Problem-Solving: Capable of addressing challenges in dynamic, high-stakes environments.
* Adaptability: Comfortable navigating shifting priorities and organizational change.
To be considered, candidates must:
* Submit a detailed resume outlining relevant leadership and communications experience.
* Provide a cover letter describing interest in the role and alignment with the agency’s mission.
* Include three professional references with direct knowledge of the candidate’s qualifications.
If you’re a strategic communications leader ready to make an impact in a public-facing state agency, apply today!
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