Director of External Positioning

UL Standards & Engagement • Washington, DC

3d • $144,305 - $198,419 • Hybrid

About The Position

We have an exciting opportunity for a Director of External Positioning at UL Standards & Engagement. This is a hybrid opportunity based in our Washington, DC office. The Director of External Positioning will lead strategic external positioning strategy to advance mission of UL Standards & Engagement (ULSE) of working for a safer world. The Director of External Positioning will serve as a key architect of ULSE’s external presence, creating opportunities through strategic events, executive positioning, media engagement, and stakeholder relationships that increase awareness of the importance of standards and amplify the organization’s policy and advocacy priorities. Leveraging expertise in strategic communications, the Director of External Positioning will elevate the impact and visibility of work across the organization. As a people leader, the Director of External Positioning will lead and mentor a high-performing team that will support organizational priorities and advance communications excellence. UL Standards & Engagement: At UL Standards & Engagement (ULSE), we expand the boundaries of safety science to create a more secure and sustainable world. For more than a century, we have created new safety standards and shared our findings with academia, scientists, manufacturers, and policymakers across industries. We identify critical safety and sustainability issues, asking tough questions because we believe a safer world begins with knowledge. Build a safer, more secure, and sustainable future with us. Join us and work with our Standards teams who develop the standards required to put that knowledge into practice.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Public Affairs, Political Science, Government Relations or related field.
• Minimum 10 years of related work experience.
• Minimum 2 years of people management experience.
• Progressive experience in public affairs or government relations, developing and executing external positioning and thought leadership strategies that increase organizational influence and reputation.
• Demonstrated success building strategic partnerships and engaging with media, including direct engagement with high-level reporters, media event partnerships, and crafting messages and materials designed for press outreach.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree preferred.
• Experience in a safety standards, advocacy, nonprofit, regulatory, public policy, or mission driven organization preferred.

Responsibilities

• Define and steward external positioning strategy, lead communication approach that strengthens brand visibility, supports advocacy and policy priorities, and advances organizational objectives.
• Develop and execute ULSE’s owned-event strategy, including flagship conferences, policy-focused forums, executive roundtables, stakeholder convenings, industry engagements and other external speaking opportunities that elevate the organization’s thought leadership and mission.
• Build strategic media partnerships and engagement opportunities that expand awareness of ULSE priorities, amplify campaigns, and reinforce organizational credibility with key stakeholders.
• Identify and secure high-impact speaking opportunities, industry engagements, and thought leadership platforms that strengthen visibility and authority.
• Build upon media strategy and support growth in relationships with media organizations, journalists, editors, influencers, and industry publications to increase awareness of ULSE’s mission and advocacy efforts.
• Partner cross functionally to extend the impact of events, campaigns, and initiatives through integrated communications strategies, including earned media, contributed content, digital and social amplification, video, and executive thought leadership.
• In coordination with the partnerships and communications teams, develop and activate networks of advocates, ambassadors, champions, allies and external voices that support and amplify ULSE initiatives and public safety priorities.
• Lead and develop multidisciplinary team of professionals, provide strategic direction and serve as mentor to advance capabilities in area of specialization.
• Cultivate collaborative environment to ensure team success and effective execution of high-quality content.
• Seve as strategic advisor to senior leadership and contribute to cross-functional planning.
• Balance long term strategic initiatives with agile execution in response to emerging issues, opportunities, and stakeholder needs.
• As a steward of the ULSE brand, ensure consistent, credible and strategic representation across events, media engagements, partnerships, and external communications.
• Foster a culture of creativity, purpose, and accountability within the content and digital team.
• Maintain continued awareness of industry trends, offering insight to inform strategic decisions and direction of the standards engagement function.
• Contribute to department initiatives as needed.

Benefits

• bonus compensation
• comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans
• 401k matching structure of up to 5% of eligible pay
• additional 4% into your retirement saving fund after your first year of continuous employment
• flexible working arrangements
• paid time off, including vacation, holiday, sick, and volunteer days

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director