JOB SUMMARY:The Vice President of External Affairs serves as the organization's lead ambassador for Central Oklahoma and Cleveland County, advancing Family & Children's Services' mission through strategic community engagement, external partnerships, and public affairs. This position is responsible for leading the organization's external engagement strategy across Central Oklahoma, fostering relationships and partnerships that strengthen community impact, expand strategic opportunities, and advance organizational priorities. Working collaboratively with executive leadership and the Tulsa-based Development, Communications, and External Relations teams, the Vice President develops and executes regional strategies that align with system-wide priorities while responding to the unique needs and opportunities within the Oklahoma City and Cleveland County communities.
The Vice President serves as a trusted representative of Family & Children's Services throughout the region, strengthening the organization's reputation, fostering strategic partnerships, supporting advocacy efforts, and positioning the agency as the behavioral health provider and partner of choice across Central Oklahoma.
POSITION SPECIFIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: Community Engagement & External Relations- Serve as the primary representative for Family & Children's Services throughout Central Oklahoma and Cleveland County.
- Develop and maintain strategic relationships with community leaders, healthcare systems, educational institutions, businesses, civic organizations, chambers of commerce, nonprofit partners, and faith-based organizations.
- Increase organizational visibility through participation in community events, networking opportunities, coalitions, and public forums.
- Identify opportunities to expand the organization's influence, strengthen partnerships, and increase awareness of behavioral health services.
- Coordinate speaking engagements, community presentations, tours, and public appearances for agency leadership and subject matter experts.
- Collaborate with Marketing and Communications to ensure consistent messaging, branding, and community outreach.
- Represent the organization on community boards, committees, and collaborative initiatives as appropriate.
Government & Public Affairs- Build and maintain productive relationships with local elected officials, government agencies, and community stakeholders.
- Support statewide advocacy initiatives in partnership with organizational leadership and external affairs staff. Represent the organization at governmental, legislative, and public meetings as assigned.
- Collaborate with organizational leadership and the External Affairs team to support public affairs initiatives and community engagement opportunities.
Strategic Partnerships - Identify opportunities for strategic collaborations that expand services and strengthen community impact.
- Assist organizational leadership in identifying community needs and evaluating opportunities for program expansion.
- Support regional growth initiatives and integration efforts related to new communities and services.
- Foster partnerships that improve access to behavioral health care and strengthen Family & Children's Services' regional presence.
Leadership & Organizational Collaboration - Work collaboratively with executive leadership and regional program leaders to align external affairs efforts with organizational priorities.
- Partner with the Tulsa-based Development, Communications, Marketing, and External Relations teams to ensure consistency across the organization.
- Participate in strategic planning initiatives and organizational committees.
- Prepare reports, presentations, and dashboards related to community engagement, partnerships, and external affairs activities.
- Promote collaboration across departments to maximize organizational effectiveness and community impact.
- Demonstrate leadership that reflects the mission, values, and strategic direction of Family & Children's Services.
QUALIFICATIONSEDUCATION:- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Public Administration, or related area is required.
- Master's degree preferred
EXPERIENCE:- 7+ years of progressively responsible leadership experience in external relations, community engagement, business development, public affairs, or related fields.
- Demonstrated experience building strategic partnerships and representing an organization with community leaders, donors, corporations, foundations, and other key stakeholders.
- Experience in behavioral health, healthcare, public health, or human services strongly preferred.
PERFORMANCE COMPETENCIES: - Communication
- Decision Making
- Engagement
- Initiative and Accountability
- Interpersonal
- Learning
- Organizational Alignment
- Quality of Work
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:- Strong understanding of community engagement, external relations, and stakeholder engagement practices.
- Strong understanding of policy, advocacy, and legislative processes.
- Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to navigate ambiguity, manage competing priorities, and operate effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment in sensitive situations.
- Ability to establish credibility with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
- Understanding of behavioral health, public health, and human services ecosystems.
CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSES:- Must possess a valid Driver License and satisfactory driving record to use agency and/or personal automobile to travel to locations other than primary office.
- Ability to travel regularly throughout Central Oklahoma and occasionally to Tulsa.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION- Regular travel throughout Central Oklahoma, including Oklahoma City, Norman, and surrounding communities.
- Occasional travel to Tulsa for meetings, collaboration, and organizational initiatives.
- Occasional evening and weekend availability for community events, community engagement activities, networking functions, and public meetings.
