Strategic Public Affairs Director

NOACA; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

NOACA is seeking a respected communications leader to serve as Director of Public Affairs, shaping enterprise-wide strategy and serving as a senior advisor to the CEO. The role oversees media relations, digital engagement, and public participation, while developing a high-performing Public Affairs team and ensuring clear, credible regional messaging.

The successful candidate will translate complex regional issues into accessible public messaging and lead proactive engagement with stakeholders,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is required.
• Master’s degree preferred for senior leadership.
• At least 10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in public affairs or communications.
• 6+ years managing and developing professional staff.
• Experience in public-sector or regional organizations is preferred.
• Experience advising executive leadership.
• Experience leading high-visibility communications initiatives.
• Ability to translate complex regional issues into public messaging.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead enterprise-wide public affairs strategy and priorities.
• Oversee communications, media relations, digital engagement, marketing, and public participation governance.
• Advise the CEO on messaging and strategy and manage reputational risk.
• Lead crisis communications readiness and high-visibility issue management.
• Represent NOACA at executive briefings, regional forums and public events.
• Develop and mentor the Public Affairs team and drive their professional growth.
• Translate complex transportation, environment, and policy issues into clear public messaging.

Skills

Communications strategy

Media relations

Digital engagement

Public participation

Executive communication

Strategic judgment

Risk assessment

Storytelling

Public governance

Executive presence

Relationship building

People development

Calm under pressure

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, Planning, Public Administration, or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Digital analytics tools

Workflow management tools

Marketing tools

Job description

NOACA is seeking a respected communications leader to serve as Director of Public Affairs, shaping enterprise-wide strategy and serving as a senior advisor to the CEO. The role oversees media relations, digital engagement, and public participation, while developing a high-performing Public Affairs team and ensuring clear, credible regional messaging.

The successful candidate will translate complex regional issues into accessible public messaging and lead proactive engagement with stakeholders,