Job Description
Houston First recognizes and appreciates the importance of cultivating an environment that nurtures talent; is equitable and values different perspectives and backgrounds, and, above all, is respectful to everyone.
We are seeking an influential and visionary Chief External Affairs Officer (CEAO) to lead our external engagement strategy and elevate our presence across government, community, and stakeholder networks. As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, the CEAO will serve as the organization’s principal ambassador, cultivating influential relationships that align with our mission and enhance our reputation.
In this pivotal role, you will:
- Drive strategic initiatives in government relations, public policy, and community engagement.
- Serve as the primary liaison to external audiences, including elected officials, civic leaders, and key stakeholders.
- Lead crisis communication efforts and shape messaging that reflects our values and vision.
- Collaborate across departments to ensure alignment between external affairs and organizational goals.
We’re looking for a seasoned leader with a passion for public service, a deep understanding of Houston’s civic landscape, and a proven track record in strategic communications and stakeholder engagement.
REPORTS TO: President & CEO
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
- ☒ Supervises: Corporate Communication and Government Relations Teams
- ☒ Maintain staff by recruiting, selecting, orienting, training and supervising team members.
- ☒ Plan, assign and appraise performance; rewarding and disciplining employees, addressing complaints, and resolving problems.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Community and Stakeholder Relations
- Serves as a lead spokesperson and representative of the organization to external audiences
- Drives strategic engagement with key stakeholder groups, including the arts community, industry organizations such as hotels and restaurants, and other relevant communities, ensuring effective communication and collaboration related to development initiatives
- Provides strategic leadership and comprehensive oversight in managing community and stakeholder relations to foster collaboration, alignment, and positive impact
- Proactively represents the organization in interactions with quasi-public entities such as the Buffalo Bayou Partnership, Houston Arts Alliance, Downtown Houston+, TXDOT (with a particular focus on the NHHIP expansion), and additional external partners to align on shared goals and initiatives.
- Fosters partnerships with community organizations and spearhead initiatives that enhance community impact.
- Provides strategic guidance and leadership to HFC on issues and relations with labor groups
- Provides representation on key boards to ensure the organization’s interests are effectively advocated and aligned with strategic goals when is CEO is not available.
Government relations oversight – federal, state and local
- Oversees the Government Relations Team
- Leads the development and implementation of comprehensive plans and objectives to advance the organization’s mission and achieve long-term goals.
- Oversees Legislative Advocacy: Serve as the primary liaison with the organization’s lobby firm, spearheading efforts to advocate for and advance key legislative initiatives at the state level.
- Advocates for the organization’s interests in legislative and regulatory matters.
- Represents the organization in discussions with government agencies, policymakers, and advocacy groups.
External Affairs
- Leads the development of external affairs strategies that align with the organization’s mission, vision, and goals.
- Analyzes public policy trends and provide recommendations to mitigate risks and leverage opportunities for the organization.
- Collaborates with internal leadership to integrate external affairs initiatives into broader organizational strategies.
Communications
- Oversees the leadership of the Corporate Communications Department and the team’s efforts to ensure consistent and effective messaging across all communication channels.
- Helps lead the organization’s response to crises, addressing reputational risks and ensuring transparent and effective communication.
- Delivers speeches at speaking engagements that help further HFC’s mission and enhance its reputation.
- Assists CEO on HFC Board relations, as needed
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s degree in Marketing, Management, Public Administration, or Business Administration experience desired.
- Experience in corporate communication with demonstrated ability to develop and implement a strategic communication plan with measurable results.
- Understanding of local government and public policy.
- 15+ years of executive experience leading teams
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Computer literacy with ability to use programs such as Word and Excel.
- Proven team leader with a high level of energy and self-motivation.
- Innovative and forward-thinking, skilled at identifying trends and capitalizing on opportunities.
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, able to foster collaboration and influence outcomes effectively
- Strong analytical skills, capable of translating complex information into actionable insights.
- Deep understanding of media relations, corporate communications, and brand management.
- Knowledge of legislative processes, regulatory compliance, and public policy.
- Expertise in building relationships with community leaders, government officials, and partner organizations.
- Proficiency in handling public relations crises and mitigating risks to the organization's reputation
- Ability to develop and execute high-level strategies to achieve organizational goals.
- Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills to effectively convey key messages to diverse audiences.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a team member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
- ☒ No major sources of discomfort; normal office environment
- ☒ Travel may be required as necessary to fulfill job responsibilities
For more information on Houston First and the benefits offered, please feel free to explore the following links.
About Us | Houston First Corporation
Diversity Equity & Inclusion | Houston First Corporation
Total Rewards - Benefits | Houston First Corporation
Job Tags
Full time, Work at office, Local area,