Lead External Affairs

DPR Construction•Washington, DC

About The Position

The Lead, External Affairs plays a critical role in advancing DPR's business objectives by identifying, monitoring, assessing, and managing external issues that could impact the company's reputation, operations, workforce, clients, and long-term growth. This position serves as a key connector between DPR and external stakeholders, including industry associations, coalitions, policymakers, business organizations, and other influential partners. This role is responsible for leading proactive issue tracking and management efforts, developing engagement strategies around emerging business and policy issues, and helping position DPR as a trusted industry leader. Working cross-functionally with Communications, Operations, Legal, Social Responsibility, and subject-matter experts, this role ensures DPR is prepared to navigate a dynamic external landscape while advancing opportunities aligned with the company's mission and goals.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, marketing, public relations, or a related field, or equivalent experience required.
7+ years of experience in external affairs, corporate affairs, public affairs, government relations, public policy, stakeholder engagement, or related discipline.
Demonstrated experience analyzing and managing complex issues with business and reputational implications.
Familiarity with issue management, reputation management, and stakeholder engagement best practices.
Knowledge of legislative, regulatory, and public affairs processes.
Experience working with industry associations, coalitions, business organizations, or advocacy groups.

Nice To Haves

Experience in construction, mission-critical technology, engineering, real estate, infrastructure, or sustainability preferred.
APR or CMP certification preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead DPR's external issues management process by identifying, monitoring, and assessing emerging risks and opportunities.
Monitor legislative, regulatory, political, economic, labor, environmental, technology, and industry trends impacting DPR's business and stakeholders.
Develop issue assessments and provide strategic recommendations to leaders regarding potential business, operational, and reputational impacts.
Facilitate cross-functional issue response planning and stakeholder engagement strategies.
Prepare executive briefings, issue summaries, risk assessments, and leadership recommendations.
Support crisis preparedness and response efforts in coordination with Communications when external developments create significant business or reputational risk.
Maintain a comprehensive issues tracker and reporting process that enables leadership visibility and action.
Identify emerging trends before they become business challenges and recommend proactive engagement strategies.
Serve as DPR's primary representative within selected industry associations, coalitions, business organizations, and strategic partnerships.
Develop and maintain strong relationships with coalition leaders, industry groups, community organizations, policy influencers, and external stakeholders.
Identify opportunities to strengthen DPR's influence, visibility, and credibility through external engagement.
Coordinate internal participation in coalition initiatives and industry working groups.
Partner with Corporate Communications, Social Responsibility, and individual business leaders to identify opportunities to elevate DPR's voice on key issues.
Develop messaging, talking points, issue briefs, fact sheets, and executive preparation materials.
Conduct research, benchmarking, and analysis of policy, industry, competitive, and stakeholder trends.