The client is seeking a Chief External Affairs Officer, a C-suite executive and member of The client’s Executive Leadership Team. The role reports directly to the CEO and works closely with the Chief Business Officer and senior leaders across policy, energy transactions, and global programs. This executive will lead three interconnected functions—communications, government affairs, and development—serving as the architect and steward of The client’s external voice, market positioning, political strategy, and growth of philanthropic and corporate partnerships.
The Chief External Affairs Officer will collaborate with the CEO and the rest of the Executive Leadership Team to set and execute both short- and long-term objectives, define impact metrics, and drive strategy. The position includes substantive engagement with the boards, key client members, and senior leadership at member companies, helping ensure effective external posture and alignment with the political and philanthropic landscape. The role also serves as a strong people manager, building and leading a high-performing team and fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability across the three external affairs pillars.
Core responsibilities include owning The client’s brand and political capital, leading communications, government affairs, and development, and ensuring the organization’s external efforts deliver measurable political, reputational, and financial impact. As a full leadership team member, the Chief External Affairs Officer will contribute to organization-wide decisions on strategy, budget, personnel, and culture, while also setting the strategic agenda, budgeting, and resourcing for external affairs and holding the function accountable to clear outcomes. The role will build, develop, and retain leadership talent across the external affairs team, including senior leadership related to events, marketing, and communications, with the final structure to be determined in consultation with the CEO and Chief Business Officer.