Vice President, Public Affairs

National Industries for the Blind; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

National Industries for the Blind seeks a Vice President of Public Affairs to lead and integrate public policy, government affairs, and strategic communications. This role is crucial in enhancing NIB's visibility and advocacy efforts at all levels.

The ideal candidate will have over 15 years of relevant experience, exceptional communication skills, and strong strategic thinking to drive the organization’s mission of creating employment opportunities for the blind.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible leadership experience.
• Significant experience engaging with Congress and federal agencies.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and integrate public policy and government affairs functions.
• Develop strategies to strengthen visibility and stakeholder engagement.
• Oversee teams responsible for media relations and advocacy impact.

Skills

Leadership experience in public affairs

Government relations

Strategic communications

Exceptional communication skills

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Zoom

Microsoft Teams

Job description

Description

National Industries for the Blind is seeking a dynamic and strategic Vice President of Public Affairs to lead and integrate the organization's public policy, government affairs, marketing, communications, and events functions in support of NIB's mission to create, sustain, and expand employment opportunities for people who are blind.

Reporting to the Senior Vice President, Strategic Programs and serving as a senior leader within the organization, the Vice President of Public Affairs will develop and execute comprehensive strategies that strengthen NIB's visibility, influence, stakeholder engagement, and advocacy impact at the federal, nonprofit, and industry levels. The position plays a central role in advancing and protecting the AbilityOne Program and elevating awareness of the economic and social impact of competitive integrated employment for people who are blind.

This executive will oversee cross-functional teams responsible for government relations, public policy, strategic communications, brand management, conferences and events, media relations, and stakeholder engagement.

Qualifications

Travel

This position includes 20% anticipated travel responsibilities:

• Travel to Capitol Hill or local advocacy groups weekly
• Conferences 2 to 3 times per year
• NPA and other stakeholder visits

Experience

• Minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in public affairs, government relations, strategic communications, public policy, or related fields.
• Significant experience engaging with Congress and/or federal agencies on policy issues.
• Demonstrated success leading integrated communications and advocacy strategies.
• Experience managing multidisciplinary teams and complex stakeholder environments.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong strategic thinking, executive presence, and political acumen.
• Experience in nonprofit advocacy, workforce development, disability employment, government contracting, or manufacturing environments is strongly preferred.

Education, Certifications, and Licensure

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree in public policy, communications, law, business, political science, or related field preferred
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may also be acceptable

Minimum Technical Skills and Experience

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word and Excel
• Experience using Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and/or other online meeting platforms

Ideal Soft Skills

• Enterprise-level strategic thinking and vision-setting
• Executive presence and advanced communication skills
• Ability to influence and align executive stakeholders and cross-functional leaders
• Strong decision-making and judgment in complex, high-impact environments
• Leadership of leaders with a focus on talent development and organizational capability
• Proven ability to lead large-scale change and transformation
• Strong financial and business acumen
• Exceptional prioritization and organizational agility
• Visionary mindset with a focus on innovation and growth

NIB Core Competencies

• Accountability
• Communication Skills
• Ethics /Integrity
• Customer Care
• Job Knowledge/ Technical Skills
• Process Improvement
• Judgment and Problem Solving
• People Management
• Leadership
• Motivating Subordinates and Others
• Strategic Thinking

Physical Demands and Work Environmental Factors

The physical demands described here represent those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions. While performing this role, the employee is occasionally required to carry and lift items weighing up to 25 lbs.

Equal Employment Opportunities Statement

NIB is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible workplace. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on any protected characteristic or status. We also provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the employment process. If you require an accommodation to perform the essential functions of the position, please contact Human Resources at [e-mail]. We will engage in an interactive process to determine a reasonable accommodation, barring undue hardship.