Category: Public Affairs & External Relations
Location: Washington, DC
About the Opportunity
Lavner has been retained by a nationally recognized organization operating within a highly visible and regulated environment to identify a Director of Public Affairs & Stakeholder Strategy.
This role will serve as a key partner across executive leadership, communications, legal, and external affairs functions, supporting stakeholder engagement, strategic messaging, and reputation management initiatives tied to organizational growth and evolving market visibility.
The organization maintains a sophisticated external presence and values thoughtful communication, measured leadership, and disciplined stakeholder strategy. The environment is collaborative, fast-moving, and intellectually demanding without being unnecessarily political or performative.
This opportunity is well-suited for someone who enjoys operating in complex environments where judgment, communication quality, and relationship management carry significant strategic importance.
The position is based in Washington, DC with an in-office and hybrid flexibility structure.
The Environment
The organization operates within a stakeholder-heavy environment involving external partners, industry groups, institutional relationships, and senior leadership engagement.
Communication is viewed internally as a strategic business function rather than a reactive support layer. Leadership values professionals capable of balancing diplomacy with clarity while navigating sensitive or high-visibility situations thoughtfully.
The team itself is lean, collaborative, and composed of experienced professionals who operate with a high level of autonomy and accountability.
The environment rewards composure, responsiveness, strategic thinking, and professionalism.
Key Areas of Responsibility
Stakeholder Engagement
Support communication and relationship strategies involving external organizations, industry associations, institutional stakeholders, and leadership partners.
Public Affairs Strategy
Assist in the development and execution of public affairs initiatives aligned with organizational priorities and long-term reputation management objectives.
Executive Advisory Support
Partner with leadership on messaging preparation, stakeholder communications, briefing materials, and external engagement strategy.
Reputation & Issue Management
Provide strategic support during sensitive or high-visibility situations requiring careful communication judgment and cross-functional coordination.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work closely with communications, legal, operations, and executive leadership teams to maintain alignment across messaging and organizational priorities.
Ideal Background
The organization is open to a variety of backgrounds provided candidates demonstrate strong communication judgment, executive maturity, and stakeholder management capability.
Relevant experience may include:
- Public Affairs
- Government Relations
- Strategic Communications
- Corporate Affairs
- External Relations
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Policy Communications
- Reputation Management
- Executive Communications
- Advisory or consulting environments
Experience operating within regulated, institutional, or highly visible environments is strongly preferred.
What Stands Out
The strongest candidates often demonstrate:
- Exceptional written and verbal communication ability
- Calm and measured interpersonal style
- Strong strategic thinking capability
- Professional maturity
- High emotional intelligence
- Ability to simplify complex information
- Strong organizational awareness
- Comfort operating around senior leadership
- Ability to navigate ambiguity and competing priorities effectively
Compensation & Structure
- Competitive base compensation
- Annual performance incentives
- Comprehensive benefits package
- Hybrid flexibility
- Exposure to executive leadership and strategic initiatives
- Long-term advancement potential
Compensation structure will depend on experience, leadership scope, and overall alignment.
Confidential Search
This search is being conducted confidentially on behalf of the hiring organization.
Additional information regarding company identity, reporting structure, and compensation parameters will be discussed with qualified individuals during the process.
Apply
Professionals interested in confidential consideration are encouraged to apply through Lavner.
All inquiries will be handled with discretion.