BridgeWork Partners
Partner | Senior Director, Executive Search
Vice Chancellor, External Affairs
Job Title:
Vice Chancellor, External Affairs
Position Summary If you are an innovative, proven leader, in the external affairs specialty, and you want to leverage your talent and expertise to build a lasting impact in workforce education, as well as be a part of transformative work for communities and generations to come, then this role might be for you.
Our client is in the "barrier busting business", and we are looking for a highly accomplished Vice Chancellor of External Affairs to join their team. The ideal Vice Chancellor of External Affairs must be capable of delivering a unified and comprehensive approach to identifying and addressing community and regional workforce needs through innovation, and out-of-the-box thinking, while keeping the best interest of the students and the institution's positive brand image and prosperity.
The Vice Chancellor of External Affairs is a key member of the executive leadership team, responsible for shaping and executing a comprehensive strategy to elevate the institution's brand, foster meaningful relationships with internal and external stakeholders, and advance the institution's mission through strategic communications, government relations, and community engagement. This role oversees the departments responsible for Brand Awareness, Internal and External Communications, Government Relations, and Community Outreach.
Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership
Develop and implement a cohesive external affairs strategy aligned with institutional goals, strategic plan, and mission, to enhance the organization's reputation, public opinion, while leveraging various communications channels.
Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on matters of public perception, reputation management, and stakeholder engagement.
Utilize budget management skills and financial acumen to effectively develop, lead and manage the External Affairs team for the institution.
Brand Awareness & Crisis Management
Lead initiatives to enhance the institution's brand visibility and reputation across local, national, and global platforms.
Oversee marketing and brand campaigns that reflect the institution's values and strategic priorities.
Shape the institution's public image, building strategic partnerships, and advocating for its interests in the broader community and governmental landscape.
Provide thought leadership regarding crisis management strategy and effective brand and communications plan to provide brand management for the Chancellor that is in institution's best interest regarding crisis management.
Communications
Direct internal and external communications, ensuring consistency, clarity, and alignment with institutional messaging.
Closely strategize and partner with the Chancellor to advise, and align communications from planning, to research, to execution leveraging various communication platforms.
Oversee communications, public relations, government relations, and community engagement, to advance the institution's mission and strategic goals.
Serve as the institution's spokesperson when developing and managing appropriate media relations, crisis communications, and executive messaging.
Strengthen the organization's reputation, influence public opinion, and advance its goals through various channels like media relations, public speaking, and community engagement, and other relevant organizations.
Develop and implement crisis communication plans to effectively manage reputational risks and respond to sensitive issues in a timely manner, as well as keeping the Chancellor informed at all times.
Provide thought leadership to build the institution as 'best place to work' through the collaborative efforts and communications with the Chancellor Board of Trustees, and Leadership Team.
Prepare reports and/or presentations for the Board of Trustees, the Chancellor, and other stakeholders regarding external affairs.
Government Relations
Build and maintain strong relationships with local, state, and federal government officials and agencies.
Advocate for public policy and funding priorities that support the institution's mission and strategic objectives.
Proactively convey and advise the Chancellor of current affairs/issues/threats that may impact the organization.
Work closely with the Chancellor to prepare and advise positioning statements for the Board of Trustees, as appropriate to ensure effective oversight of government relations.
Community Outreach
Foster partnerships with community organizations, civic leaders, and local and state stakeholders that advance the institution's mission and strategic plan.
Promote initiatives that strengthen the institution's role as a community anchor and thought leader.
Establish a leadership example of the intentional discipline of proactive outreach, relationship management, and effective communication with key stakeholders.
Ensure close alignment with the Chancellor to build the positive brand for the organization providing briefings of community outreach updates so the institution can remain on the forefront of issues.
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team across multiple departments.
Promote a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
Foster collaborative leadership that is able to effectively work together within a matrix model throughout the organization.
Build a leadership framework that is designed to align with the goals and strategic initiatives within the institution.
Participate in out-of-the box economic development funding team brainstorming and execution pertaining to workforce grant programs, and public-private partnership models, as appropriate for the institution.
Provide support to the overall success of securing the development of partnerships.
Leverage network to secure private, public, and government funding partnerships as appropriate.
Qualifications Education Juris Doctorate or Master's degree required; Master's degree preferred in Public Relations, Communications, Political Science, Public Administration, or a related field.
Experience
Minimum of 15 years of progressive leadership experience in public relations, communications, government affairs, or a related field.
Proven track record of leading cross-functional teams and managing complex stakeholder relationships.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Leadership and Management:
Demonstrated ability with 15+ years of leadership experience leading and managing a team, motivating staff, and fostering a positive and productive work environment for an effective external affairs department.
External Affairs Leadership:
Deep understanding with 15+ years of all aspects of external affairs, public relations, including media relations, public policy, and community engagement.
Complex Political Capabilities:
Ability to navigate complex political and organizational environments with diplomacy and integrity.
Legislative and Policy Expertise:
Demonstrated expertise with 15+ years in local, state, and federal workforce development legislation, regulatory environments, and policy frameworks.
Crisis Management Experience:
Experience and ability to advise, develop, and implement crisis management plans with the upmost integrity that aligns to the institutional for effective brand management.
Budget Management Skills:
Proven experience developing and managing budgets.
Relationship-Building Skills:
Strong skills in building relationships and engaging stakeholders, including boards, C‑Suite leadership, regional employers, workforce boards, economic development agencies, civic organizations, and governmental partners.
Communication Skills:
Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex workforce policy and funding issues for diverse audiences.
Strategic Problem‑Solving:
Skilled in strategic problem‑solving, systems thinking, and translating regional challenges into actionable institutional responses.
Collaborative Success:
Demonstrated success in collaborating with executive leadership, board members, and governmental, and community leaders at the profit, and non‑profit levels.
Preferred Attributes
Experience in higher education, public sector, or mission‑driven organizations.
Demonstrated success in crisis communication and reputation management.
Strong network of government and community contacts.
Additional Requirements
Will be subject to a criminal background check.
Position requires regular and predictable attendance.
The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any position. Incumbents may be directed to perform job‑related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.
Seniority level
Executive
Employment type
Full‑time
Job function
Public Relations
Industries
Higher Education
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Job Title:
Vice Chancellor, External Affairs
Position Summary If you are an innovative, proven leader, in the external affairs specialty, and you want to leverage your talent and expertise to build a lasting impact in workforce education, as well as be a part of transformative work for communities and generations to come, then this role might be for you.
Our client is in the "barrier busting business", and we are looking for a highly accomplished Vice Chancellor of External Affairs to join their team. The ideal Vice Chancellor of External Affairs must be capable of delivering a unified and comprehensive approach to identifying and addressing community and regional workforce needs through innovation, and out-of-the-box thinking, while keeping the best interest of the students and the institution's positive brand image and prosperity.
The Vice Chancellor of External Affairs is a key member of the executive leadership team, responsible for shaping and executing a comprehensive strategy to elevate the institution's brand, foster meaningful relationships with internal and external stakeholders, and advance the institution's mission through strategic communications, government relations, and community engagement. This role oversees the departments responsible for Brand Awareness, Internal and External Communications, Government Relations, and Community Outreach.
Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership
Develop and implement a cohesive external affairs strategy aligned with institutional goals, strategic plan, and mission, to enhance the organization's reputation, public opinion, while leveraging various communications channels.
Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on matters of public perception, reputation management, and stakeholder engagement.
Utilize budget management skills and financial acumen to effectively develop, lead and manage the External Affairs team for the institution.
Brand Awareness & Crisis Management
Lead initiatives to enhance the institution's brand visibility and reputation across local, national, and global platforms.
Oversee marketing and brand campaigns that reflect the institution's values and strategic priorities.
Shape the institution's public image, building strategic partnerships, and advocating for its interests in the broader community and governmental landscape.
Provide thought leadership regarding crisis management strategy and effective brand and communications plan to provide brand management for the Chancellor that is in institution's best interest regarding crisis management.
Communications
Direct internal and external communications, ensuring consistency, clarity, and alignment with institutional messaging.
Closely strategize and partner with the Chancellor to advise, and align communications from planning, to research, to execution leveraging various communication platforms.
Oversee communications, public relations, government relations, and community engagement, to advance the institution's mission and strategic goals.
Serve as the institution's spokesperson when developing and managing appropriate media relations, crisis communications, and executive messaging.
Strengthen the organization's reputation, influence public opinion, and advance its goals through various channels like media relations, public speaking, and community engagement, and other relevant organizations.
Develop and implement crisis communication plans to effectively manage reputational risks and respond to sensitive issues in a timely manner, as well as keeping the Chancellor informed at all times.
Provide thought leadership to build the institution as 'best place to work' through the collaborative efforts and communications with the Chancellor Board of Trustees, and Leadership Team.
Prepare reports and/or presentations for the Board of Trustees, the Chancellor, and other stakeholders regarding external affairs.
Government Relations
Build and maintain strong relationships with local, state, and federal government officials and agencies.
Advocate for public policy and funding priorities that support the institution's mission and strategic objectives.
Proactively convey and advise the Chancellor of current affairs/issues/threats that may impact the organization.
Work closely with the Chancellor to prepare and advise positioning statements for the Board of Trustees, as appropriate to ensure effective oversight of government relations.
Community Outreach
Foster partnerships with community organizations, civic leaders, and local and state stakeholders that advance the institution's mission and strategic plan.
Promote initiatives that strengthen the institution's role as a community anchor and thought leader.
Establish a leadership example of the intentional discipline of proactive outreach, relationship management, and effective communication with key stakeholders.
Ensure close alignment with the Chancellor to build the positive brand for the organization providing briefings of community outreach updates so the institution can remain on the forefront of issues.
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team across multiple departments.
Promote a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
Foster collaborative leadership that is able to effectively work together within a matrix model throughout the organization.
Build a leadership framework that is designed to align with the goals and strategic initiatives within the institution.
Participate in out-of-the box economic development funding team brainstorming and execution pertaining to workforce grant programs, and public-private partnership models, as appropriate for the institution.
Provide support to the overall success of securing the development of partnerships.
Leverage network to secure private, public, and government funding partnerships as appropriate.
Qualifications Education Juris Doctorate or Master's degree required; Master's degree preferred in Public Relations, Communications, Political Science, Public Administration, or a related field.
Experience
Minimum of 15 years of progressive leadership experience in public relations, communications, government affairs, or a related field.
Proven track record of leading cross-functional teams and managing complex stakeholder relationships.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Leadership and Management:
Demonstrated ability with 15+ years of leadership experience leading and managing a team, motivating staff, and fostering a positive and productive work environment for an effective external affairs department.
External Affairs Leadership:
Deep understanding with 15+ years of all aspects of external affairs, public relations, including media relations, public policy, and community engagement.
Complex Political Capabilities:
Ability to navigate complex political and organizational environments with diplomacy and integrity.
Legislative and Policy Expertise:
Demonstrated expertise with 15+ years in local, state, and federal workforce development legislation, regulatory environments, and policy frameworks.
Crisis Management Experience:
Experience and ability to advise, develop, and implement crisis management plans with the upmost integrity that aligns to the institutional for effective brand management.
Budget Management Skills:
Proven experience developing and managing budgets.
Relationship-Building Skills:
Strong skills in building relationships and engaging stakeholders, including boards, C‑Suite leadership, regional employers, workforce boards, economic development agencies, civic organizations, and governmental partners.
Communication Skills:
Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex workforce policy and funding issues for diverse audiences.
Strategic Problem‑Solving:
Skilled in strategic problem‑solving, systems thinking, and translating regional challenges into actionable institutional responses.
Collaborative Success:
Demonstrated success in collaborating with executive leadership, board members, and governmental, and community leaders at the profit, and non‑profit levels.
Preferred Attributes
Experience in higher education, public sector, or mission‑driven organizations.
Demonstrated success in crisis communication and reputation management.
Strong network of government and community contacts.
Additional Requirements
Will be subject to a criminal background check.
Position requires regular and predictable attendance.
The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any position. Incumbents may be directed to perform job‑related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.
Seniority level
Executive
Employment type
Full‑time
Job function
Public Relations
Industries
Higher Education
#J-18808-Ljbffr