Director of External Affairs

JOB SUMMARY

In 2028, the Olympic and Paralympic Games are coming to the United States, and Team OKC will play a vital role in that global moment. As the organization responsible for delivering Canoe Slalom and Softball competitions in Oklahoma City, Team OKC will showcase the innovation, hospitality, and spirit of the American people while creating an unforgettable experience for athletes and fans alike. Delivering the Olympic Games is a team effort—one that requires creativity, collaboration, and exceptional leadership to bring the vision to life.

The Director of External Affairs will lead Team OKC’s strategy for engaging state and local governments, municipal partners, chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, civic leaders, and regional international consulates to support successful delivery of the Games in Oklahoma City.  Reporting to the President of Team OKC, this role is responsible for building strategic partnerships, advancing integrated municipal planning, and ensuring alignment among public-sector stakeholders, LA28, and Team OKC functional areas. This role will work closely with government agencies, civic leaders, regional organizations, and community partners to ensure seamless coordination and long-term regional engagement.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Develop and execute Team OKC’s external affairs strategy to build and maintain strong relationships with federal, state, tribal, regional, and local government entities.
• Serve as the primary liaison between Team OKC and elected officials, government agencies, municipalities, chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, and regional stakeholders.
• Coordinate closely with LA28 Government Relations and Public Affairs teams to ensure alignment on governmental engagement strategies and initiatives.
• Foster productive partnerships with civic organizations, business leaders, nonprofit organizations, and international consulates to advance Team OKC's objectives.
• Collaborate closely with the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber Government Relations Team to align legislative priorities, coordinate advocacy efforts, leverage existing government relationships, and ensure a coordinated approach to advancing Team OKC's strategic objectives and the successful delivery of the Games.
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration with Team OKC departments to support venue operations, transportation, public safety, permitting, infrastructure, and community engagement initiatives.
• Coordinate governmental approvals, agreements, and interagency communications necessary to support planning and operational readiness.
• Represent Team OKC at public meetings, community events, governmental forums, and stakeholder engagement opportunities.
• Monitor legislative, regulatory, and policy developments that may impact Team OKC planning and operations.
• Develop briefing materials, presentations, reports, and correspondence for executive leadership and external stakeholders.
• Support crisis management and issue resolution involving governmental or community partners as needed.
• Build and maintain positive relationships that strengthen Team OKC's reputation throughout the region.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, Political Science, Public Policy, Communications, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
• Ten or more years of experience in government relations, public affairs, public policy, economic development, external affairs, municipal planning, or related stakeholder engagement environments, including support for complex public-sector initiatives, major events, community projects, or public-private collaborations.
• Experience working with state and local governments, public agencies, chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, civic leaders, and cross-functional teams; Olympic, Paralympic, major event, tourism, or large-scale community project experience is a plus.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong organizational and self-management abilities, and the ability to travel independently with reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license.
• Ability to lift and carry up to thirty pounds.