Leon Capital Group is seeking a dynamic individual who will manage the company’s public affairs, government relations and communications efforts. The candidate will be responsible for communicating with governmental and quasi-governmental entities and trade associations in order to manage and ensure the ultimate success of company real estate developments and other company initiatives. Critical responsibilities include directing the company’s policies and objectives regarding local government affairs with respect to the company’s investments. The candidate should have established relationships in certain of the primary cities in which the company conducts business and be able to successfully identify and efficiently oversee third party public affairs consultants/lobbyists in other municipalities across the United States. This candidate must thoughtfully direct corporate efforts and government relations initiatives in order to maximize the use of company resources in the most efficient manner. The candidate will direct the company’s corporate social responsibility efforts with respect to events, charities, contributions, directorships, board membership and volunteer opportunities.
The candidate must also strategically grow and maintain the company’s relationships with government entities and real estate development committees and formulate and execute on strategic corporate strategies in this regard. The position requires analysis of the impact of its government advocacy efforts as well as its more traditional marketing endeavors.
Specific government relations responsibilities include: build relationships with municipal, county and state government elected officials, staff, regulators and committee members (e.g., planning and zoning, etc.); establish corporate goodwill with neighborhood groups, trade organizations, chambers of commerce and community leaders; cultivate strong relationships with politicians, community members, and local trade supporters; monitor legislative landscape and create policy proposals that support Leon Capital’s business objectives; determine most productive corporate responsibility efforts and other commitments to governments, quasi-government, campaigns and politicians; working knowledge of crisis management.
The candidate must have experience serving as a company spokesperson, working effectively with business, mainstream and trade media, and designing and executing successful public relations campaigns. The position will determine budgets, establish objectives and monitor progress against goals for the company’s public affairs and government relations. Education requirements include a degree in such fields as communications, public relations, journalism, public affairs, marketing or a related field. A minimum of 7-10 years’ experience in lobbying, political campaigns or other public affairs is required. The position will report to top management and coordinate all third-party public relations, government relations and marketing efforts. The manager must be a high-performing, results-focused practitioner with extraordinary communication skills. The candidate must be able to recognize and prioritize business and real estate development issues facing the company and have an intimate understanding of traditional and emerging public relations, government affairs as well as marketing communications.
While the position is not a conventional marketing position, it may require involvement with, and oversight of external agencies or consultants regarding the development, implementation and execution of strategic marketing plans. This may include creative design, brand management, corporate identity, digital and social media (including company website), special events, thought leadership initiatives (such as speaking engagements, white papers/articles, awards, etc.), third-party public relations and crisis communications.
