Director of External Affairs

This position will report directly to the State Auditor in order to oversee and coordinate all aspects of the North Carolina Office of the State Auditor’s (NCOSA) legislative agenda. Serves as the policy and government relations liaison with the North Carolina General Assembly and advocates as assigned on behalf of the State Auditor with regard to policy, legislative, and budgetary proposals. Responds timely to all inquiries from legislative members and staff. Researches and prepares policy briefs to outline issues, advises and assists in all areas of policy development, intergovernmental and stakeholder relations, and makes appropriate recommendations for relevant issues affecting NCOSA.

Serves as a member of the NCOSA Executive Team (E-Team). In this capacity, provides advice and recommendations on policy issues to the State Auditor and E-Team. Key advisor duties include providing assistance on all media and communication policy/strategy. This position is also responsible for speech writing and preparation of interview questions for the State Auditor. As part of the E-Team, position must actively engage in establishing office-wide goals and objectives for NCOSA.

This position also serves as NCOSA’s Director of Media Relations. In this capacity, the position will be the point of contact for all media requests, branding and approving of all NCOSA social media. Develops relationships with members of the media in Raleigh as well as key markets throughout North Carolina. Monitors media coverage of the Office of the State Auditor as well as coverage of other issues of importance to the office and its employees. Works with the NCOSA General Counsel to respond to public records requests. Edits the NCOSA monthly internal newsletter and is responsible for publishing the NCOSA Annual Report.

This position will also work in conjunction with the Director of Quality Assurance and Audit Managers in reviewing and providing direction as to the accuracy, content, and readability of all audit reports prior to being released. These positions also work in tandem in conducting writing and editing workshops for all staff. Knowledge of AP style is useful. Serve as a resource to staff on questions of grammar, writing style, and report formatting.

Will be responsible for completing various strategic projects as assigned by the State Auditor, advising the State Auditor on matters related to position’s responsibilities, interacting with external officials, and preparing written communications to external parties as assigned.

*This position is designated as Exempt Policymaking per §126-5(b)(3)*

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Competencies
Position requires thorough knowledge of legislative issues including all policy development and budgetary processes, substantial familiarity with laws and rules administered by the NCOSA as well as other guidelines and unwritten customs influencing intergovernmental relations.

Requires significant public speaking abilities, project management skills, an independent work ethic, and a high level of personal self motivation and personal character of the highest ethical standards.

Ability to exercise sound judgment in analyzing complex and fast moving situations and making decisions promptly.

Capacity to develop and maintain effective professional relationships with elected and appointed public officials as well as community and private sector leaders.

Ability to organize communications logically and to express ideas in writing using correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

Ability to communicate thoughts and express opinions logically, concisely, and professionally, in a newspaper style.

Requires the professionalism and tact to represent the State Auditor when dealing with the Legislature or General Public.

Effective demonstration of use of social media (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn).

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Graduation from a four-year college or university with a major in political science, public administration, communications, journalism, English or closely related curriculum and five years of professional experience in lobbying, governmental relations, political campaigns, broadcasting, communications, or public relations; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.