External Affairs Director

Kern Energy is hiring an External Affairs Director to oversee the organization's external affairs, including communication and engagement strategies with the public, government entities, media, and other stakeholders. This position will be responsible for developing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating communication strategies to support the organization's communication objectives and positive public image. The successful candidate will exhibit Kern’s core values of Teamwork, Safety, Excellence, Integrity, and Connection.

Job Function

• Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive communication and engagement strategies to enhance the organization's visibility and public image.
• Ensure alignment of messaging with organizational objectives across multiple communication channels, including media, digital platforms, and public forums.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of communication strategies, ensuring continuous improvement and adaptability.
• Collaborate directly with leadership for effective executive communications that supports and advances business priorities.
• Acts as the organization’s spokesperson by responding to media inquiries in a timely manner, composing, reviewing, and distributing press releases, and cultivating and maintaining relationships with key government officials, regulatory agencies, and policymakers at the local, state, and federal levels.
• Develop and/or oversee the development and distribution of press releases, media kits, and other materials to ensure accurate and favorable media representation.
• Develop and/or execute social media and content strategies to release information on the organization in a manner that will promote the brand and support organizational objectives.
• Plan and execute external-facing events, including press conferences, public meetings, speaking engagements for the executive team, and stakeholder briefings to engage and inform relevant audiences.
• Foster collaborative relationships with key external stakeholders, including industry groups, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and community organizations.
• Develop and implement stakeholder engagement strategies to ensure positive and productive relationships with partners, investors, and the public.
• Manages media relations, announcements, editorial placement, and speaking opportunities.
• Evaluate and authorize all forms of communication regarding the organization for release to the public.
• Develop white papers, discussion documents, and other supporting materials to promote and build the brand.
• Manage crisis communication efforts to protect the organization’s reputation in challenging or high-pressure situations. Perform the duties of Public Information Officer in incident command, when required.
• Work effectively with the refinery leadership, employee networks and strategic steering teams on a wide range of technical, business and planning areas.
• Represent the organization at industry events, conferences, and public forums as needed.
• Manages government relations, influencing policies that benefit the organization.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the communications team in the development and execution of initiatives, including press releases, media materials, branding, and creative assets.
• Oversee and strengthens the organization’s media presence, identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Manage and supervise staff by prioritizing and assigning work, providing coaching and training, conducting performance evaluations, and making recommendations to the VP.

Knowledge Skills

• Extensive knowledge of external affairs principles and strategies.
• Strong understanding of the legislative process and experience working with government entities at multiple levels.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and persuasively to various audiences.
• Exceptional media relations experience, including crisis communication management.
• Demonstrated experience in building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders and decision-makers.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across functions.
• Excellent time management skills with the proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

Education/ Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, political science, public affairs, or a related field. A Master’s degree is preferred.
• 8+ years of experience in external affairs, public relations, government relations, or a related field, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Proven track record of developing and executing successful communication and engagement strategies.