Lead External Affairs

Job Description The Lead, External Affairs plays a critical role in advancing DPR's business   objectives   by   identifying , monitoring, assessing, and managing external issues that could   impact   the company's reputation, operations, workforce, clients, and long-term growth. This position serves as a key connector between DPR and external stakeholders, including industry associations, coalitions, policymakers, business organizations, and other influential partners.   This role   is responsible for   leading proactive issue tracking and management efforts, developing engagement strategies around emerging business and policy issues, and helping position DPR as a trusted industry leader. Working cross-functionally with Communications, Operations, Legal, Social Responsibility, and subject-matter experts, this role ensures DPR is prepared to navigate a dynamic external landscape while advancing opportunities aligned with the company's mission and goals.   Responsibilities: • Lead DPR's external issues management process by   identifying ,   monitoring , and assessing emerging risks and opportunities.. • Monitor legislative, regulatory, political, economic, labor, environmental, technology, and industry trends   impacting   DPR's business and stakeholders.   • Develop issue assessments and provide strategic recommendations to leaders   regarding   potential business, operational, and reputational impacts.   • Facilitate cross-functional   issue   response planning and stakeholder engagement strategies .   • Prepare executive briefings, issue summaries, risk assessments, and leadership recommendations.   • Support crisis preparedness and response efforts in coordination with Communications when external developments create significant business or reputational risk.   • Maintain a comprehensive issues tracker and reporting process that enables leadership visibility and action.   • Identify   emerging trends before they become business challenges and recommend proactive engagement strategies.   • Serve as DPR's primary representative within selected industry associations, coalitions, business organizations, and strategic partnerships.   • Develop and   maintain   strong relationships with coalition leaders, industry groups, community organizations, policy influencers, and external stakeholders.   • Identify   opportunities to strengthen DPR's influence, visibility, and credibility through external engagement.   • Coordinate internal participation in coalition initiatives and industry working groups.   • Partner with Corporate Communications, Social Responsibility, and individual business leaders to   identify   opportunities to elevate DPR's voice on key issues.   • Develop messaging, talking points, issue briefs, fact sheets, and executive preparation materials.   • Conduct research, benchmarking, and analysis of policy, industry, competitive, and stakeholder trends.   Education & Experience • Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, marketing, public relations, or   a related   field, or equivalent experience   required .   • 7+ years of experience in external affairs, corporate affairs, public affairs, government relations, public policy, stakeholder engagement, or related discipline.   • Demonstrated experience analyzing and managing complex issues with business and reputational implications .   • Familiarity with issue management, reputation management, and stakeholder engagement best practices .    Knowledge of legislative, regulatory, and public affairs processes.   • Experience working with industry associations, coalitions, business organizations, or advocacy groups.   • Experience in construction, mission-critical technology, engineering, real estate, infrastructure, or sustainability preferred.   Certifications & Licenses • APR or CMP certification preferred. DPR Construction is a forward-thinking, self-performing general contractor specializing in technically complex and sustainable projects for the advanced technology, life sciences, healthcare, higher education and commercial markets. Founded in 1990, DPR is a great story of entrepreneurial success as a private, employee-owned company that has grown into a multi-billion-dollar family of companies with offices around the world. Working at DPR, you'll have the chance to try new things, explore paths and shape your future. Here, we build opportunity together—by harnessing our talents, enabling curiosity and pursuing our collective ambition to make the best ideas happen. We are proud to be recognized as a great place to work by our talented teammates and leading news organizations like U.S. News and World Report, Forbes, Fast Company and Newsweek. Explore our open opportunities at  [link in the portal] .