External Affairs Manager

Democratic Lehigh County State Senator seeks an External Affairs Manager. The ideal candidate will have experience in project management, knowledge of Pennsylvania state grants, and cross-functional team collaboration, with strong organizational and communication skills. The External Affairs Manager oversees and manages projects to meet the following objectives:

• Project manage initiatives including but not limited to stakeholder and grant coordination for capital project needs, local economic development projects, grant facilitation, etc.
• Establish strong and productive relationships with district stakeholders with a focus on delivering tangible and measurable results for community initiatives.
• Monitor and track ongoing capital needs of partners across the district and make connections to grant opportunities.

This position reports to the Chief of Staff.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

· External Relations & Project Management:

• Lead and manage projects related to stakeholder engagement, ensuring successful coordination with government agencies, nonprofits, businesses and community groups.
• Coordinate and attend meetings, events, and public engagements on behalf of the Senator to promote programs, initiatives, and partnerships.
• Foster and maintain relationships with key partners, ensuring collaborative opportunities and mutual goals are pursued.

· Strategic Planning:

• Work closely with the Senator and Chief of Staff to develop and implement external relations and strategies that align with the office’s overall goals.
• Provide regular updates on external relations activities and grant progress to the Senator and Chief of Staff, ensuring transparency and accountability.

· Grant Management:

• Identify and research potential grant opportunities for local municipalities and nonprofit partners.
• Develop and utilize current tracking systems to maintain an ongoing list of capital needs across the district.
• Communicate regularly with external partners regarding available and upcoming grant opportunities and maintain strong knowledge of these grant programs and their requirements.

· Other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, communications, political science, business, or a related field.
• At least 3-5 years of experience in external relations, public affairs, grants management, or a related area, preferably in the government or nonprofit sector. 2+ years of project management or comparable experience strongly preferred.
• Knowledge and proficiency of state agencies and grant processes, local organizations and nonprofits, and local municipal structure required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Management experience preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Possess a “problem solver” and “takes initiative” mentality.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including some nights and weekends required.
• Access to reliable transportation for events and other travel needs required.
• Knowledge and proficiency of state agencies and grant processes, local organizations and nonprofits, and local municipal structure required.

The salary for this position is between $60,000 - $80,000 and will be commensurate with experience.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $60,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Family leave
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Experience:

• Public speaking: 1 year (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Allentown, PA 18101 (Preferred)

Work Location: In person