Job Description
Seeking Vice President, Public Affairs for a Leading National Nonprofit
TorchLight Hire is seeking a Vice President, Public Affairs on behalf of our client, a well-established, mission-driven national nonprofit organization that creates employment opportunities for people with disabilities. This is a high-visibility leadership role that unites government relations, public policy, and marketing and communications under one senior leader, reporting to the SVP, Strategic Programs.
This is both a strategic and hands-on role. The ideal candidate brings a genuine blend of Capitol Hill or government affairs experience and marketing/communications leadership, along with the executive presence and steady, trust-building leadership style needed to guide a growing team through a pivotal moment for the organization’s public voice — ideally with a background touching nonprofit advocacy, workforce development, or disability employment.
Location
Washington, D.C. metro area (Hybrid — in-office Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday; remote Monday and Friday)
Employment
- Direct hire, permanent opportunity
- Hybrid work environment (in-office 3 days per week)
- Approximately 20% travel, including Capitol Hill engagement, conferences, and site visits
Role Responsibilities
- Lead and integrate the organization’s government relations, public policy, strategic communications, brand management, conferences/events, and media relations functions
- Serve as a key voice in advancing and protecting federal program funding and policy priorities critical to the organization’s mission, including regular engagement with congressional offices and federal agency stakeholders
- Oversee the organization’s public policy team and marketing/communications team, including flagship publications, website, social media, and brand management
- Partner with the SVP and executive leadership team to shape the organization’s external voice, advocacy priorities, and stakeholder engagement strategy
- Build, lead, and develop a growing, cross-functional team
- Represent the organization externally at conferences, site visits, and stakeholder events
Skills and Experience
- 15+ years of progressively responsible leadership experience in public affairs, government relations, strategic communications, public policy, or a related field
- Significant experience engaging with Congress and/or federal agencies; direct Capitol Hill experience strongly preferred
- A genuine blend of government affairs and marketing/communications experience — credibility on both sides is essential
- A demonstrated track record as a strong, steady people leader of large teams
- Prior experience at the VP level or equivalent preferred
- Bachelor’s degree required; an advanced degree in public policy, communications, law, business, or political science is preferred
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive base salary, targeting up to approximately $210,000, commensurate with experience
- Comprehensive benefits package, including an employer-funded pension, generous paid time off, medical/dental coverage, and commuter benefits