Job Description

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!

Beacon Hill is an equal opportunity employer and individuals with disabilities and/or protected veterans are encouraged to apply.

California residents: Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

If you would like to complete our voluntary self-identification form, please click here or copy and paste the following link into an open window in your browser:

Completion of this form is voluntary and will not affect your opportunity for employment, or the terms or conditions of your employment. This form will be used for reporting purposes only and will be kept separate from all other records.

Company Profile:

Founded by industry leaders to set a new standard in search, career placement and flexible staffing, we deliver coordinated staffing solutions with unparalleled service, a commitment to project completion and success and a passion for innovation, creativity and continuous improvement.

Our niche brands offer a complete suite of staffing services to emerging growth companies and the Fortune 500 across market sectors, career specialties/disciplines and industries. Over time, office locations, specialty practice areas and service offerings will be added to address ever changing constituent needs.

Learn more about Beacon Hill and our specialty divisions, Beacon Hill Associates, Beacon Hill Financial, Beacon Hill HR, Beacon Hill Legal, Beacon Hill Life Sciences and Beacon Hill Technologies by visiting .

Benefits Information:

Beacon Hill offers a robust benefit package including, but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, and federal and state leave programs as required by applicable agency regulations to those that meet eligibility. Upon successfully being hired, details will be provided related to our benefit offerings.

We look forward to working with you!

Beacon Hill. Employing the Future (TM)

Job Tags

Contract work, Flexible hours, Shift work,

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