The client is seeking a Chief External Affairs Officer (CEAO), a C-suite executive role and member of the organization’s Executive Leadership Team. The CEAO will lead the externally focused functions of Communications, Government Affairs, and Development, reporting directly to the CEO and working alongside senior leadership to advance the organization’s objectives. This role serves as the architect and steward of The client’s external voice and market position, including its political strategy and growth of philanthropic and corporate partnerships.
The CEAO will shape policy outcomes through credible bipartisan engagement, build The client’s brand as a leading voice for energy buyers, and help significantly expand the philanthropic and corporate partnership base that supports mission-driven work. The role will collaborate closely with the CEO and ELT to execute short- and long-term priorities, define and track impact metrics, and maintain substantive engagement with relevant boards, key member organizations, and senior leaders across member companies. The CEAO is also expected to be a strong people manager, building and leading a high-performing team and fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability.
Key responsibilities include owning and driving integrated external affairs strategy and execution across the three pillars, establishing the strategic agenda, budget, and resourcing for External Affairs, and ensuring accountability to measurable political, reputational, and financial impact. The CEAO will contribute to organization-wide ELT decisions regarding strategy, budget, personnel, and culture, and will serve as a primary point of engagement for board leadership and member leaders to ensure alignment on The client’s external posture and the evolving political and philanthropic landscape. Leadership scope spans both ELT and board engagement as well as the functional pillars that make up External Affairs.