Vice President, External Affairs

Summary

The Vice President of External Affairs leads a team tasked with raising the visibility of the Yard; developing and executing marketing and public affairs strategies; leading internal and external communications; and maintaining productive partnerships with government representatives and hyper-local community groups.

Areas of Responsibility

Team Leadership

• Supervise and lead a team of 4 (with two direct reports) responsible for marketing, internal and external communications, and government and community relations
• Leverage all Department efforts to further BNYDC’s Mission and communicate the value of our work and impact to our community
• Serve as the strategic lead and connector between this team and all other BNYDC Departments, including the rest of Impact & Partnership, Leasing, Workforce Development, Planning, Development, and more.
• Strategically represent BNYDC at community events, forums, and engagements, reinforcing the organization's commitment to diversity, inclusion, and economic growth.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned
  
  

Marketing

• Provide strategic oversight for marketing initiatives across the Yard, advocating and serving as a thought partner to the Senior Director of Marketing
• Support marketing team to identify new high impact initiatives, build strong relationships with other Departments, and bring organizational strategy into their work.
  
  

Communications

• Lead all aspects of Communications
• Manage external PR firm to coordinate media outreach and identify platforms to elevate the Brooklyn Navy Yard brand and core issues
• Address all emergency communications needs in partnership with Chief of Staff
• Partner with tenant-facing teams to improve communications to tenants and to build shared understanding of their work and our mission
• Serve as point on communications for the organization, including serving as lead internal corporate communications and preparing any executive remarks, editorial content, drafting press releases and statements, copy editing newsletters, and more.
  
  

Government and Community Relations

• Oversee the external Government Relations Firm to devise and execute a robust strategy to collaborate with elected representatives, governmental officials, and agencies at various levels, fostering a conducive environment for BNYDC's initiatives.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive strategy to elevate BNYDC's presence within the community, fostering deeper engagement and collaboration.
• Oversee the team in leading the development and implementation of the legislative budget request process, aligning with organizational priorities; monitoring and analysis of legislative proposals and policies, offering strategic insights and recommendations, as needed; managing VIP tours; responding to elected official requests for information, organizing updates to government and community partners, leading coordination of events focused on government and hyperlocal community engagement or publicity, and ensure that partners are aware of opportunities/developments/programs at the Yard
• Create and support the team in implementing sustainable community programs aligned with both organizational objectives and community needs.
• Establish, nurture, and maintain relationships with community-based organizations, Community Boards, New York City Housing Authority, and Business Improvement Districts to drive synergy and promote BNYDC's mission.
• Translate complex data into accessible insights for stakeholders, enhancing their understanding of BNYDC's impact and achievements.
  
  

The above duties and responsibilities are not intended to limit specific duties and responsibilities of this position. It is not intended to limit in any way the authority of supervisors to assign, direct and control the work of employees under their supervision.

Required Skills And Abilities

• Strong relationship development skills to be used across the organization
• Proven track record of managing and re-energizing small teams
• Demonstrated ability to remain impartial and effective in "no-win" public scenarios
• High emotional intelligence and the ability to hold space for others without compromising the organization's needs.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Self-starter, able to work in an entrepreneurial environment and build new processes and support organizational change
• Commitment to teamwork and an integrated approach to project delivery
• Ability to regularly attend events after hours and/or evenings
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.S.) from an accredited four-year college/university required
• Master’s degree in Marketing, Communication, Public Affairs or related field preferred
• 8 years of experience in relevant field required
• Some experience and understanding of all content areas in the portfolio: marketing, communications, and government relations