Vice President, Public Affairs

National Industries for the Blind is seeking a dynamic and strategic Vice President of Public Affairs to lead and integrate the organization’s public policy, government affairs, marketing, communications, and events functions in support of NIB’s mission to create, sustain, and expand employment opportunities for people who are blind.

Reporting to the Senior Vice President, Strategic Programs and serving as a senior leader within the organization, the Vice President of Public Affairs will develop and execute comprehensive strategies that strengthen NIB’s visibility, influence, stakeholder engagement, and advocacy impact at the federal, nonprofit, and industry levels. The position plays a central role in advancing and protecting the AbilityOne® Program and elevating awareness of the economic and social impact of competitive integrated employment for people who are blind.

This executive will oversee cross-functional teams responsible for government relations, public policy, strategic communications, brand management, conferences and events, media relations, and stakeholder engagement.

Travel

This position includes 20% anticipated travel responsibilities:

• Travel to Capitol Hill or local advocacy groups weekly
• Conferences 2 to 3 times per year
• NPA and other stakeholder visits

Experience

• Minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in public affairs, government relations, strategic communications, public policy, or related fields.
• Significant experience engaging with Congress and/or federal agencies on policy issues.
• Demonstrated success leading integrated communications and advocacy strategies.
• Experience managing multidisciplinary teams and complex stakeholder environments.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong strategic thinking, executive presence, and political acumen.
• Experience in nonprofit advocacy, workforce development, disability employment, government contracting, or manufacturing environments is strongly preferred.

Education, Certifications, and Licensure

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in public policy, communications, law, business, political science, or related field preferred
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may also be acceptable

Minimum Technical Skills and Experience

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word and Excel
• Experience using Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and/or other online meeting platforms

Ideal Soft Skills

• Enterprise-level strategic thinking and vision-setting
• Executive presence and advanced communication skills
• Ability to influence and align executive stakeholders and cross-functional leaders
• Strong decision-making and judgment in complex, high-impact environments
• Leadership of leaders with a focus on talent development and organizational capability
• Proven ability to lead large-scale change and transformation
• Strong financial and business acumen
• Exceptional prioritization and organizational agility
• Visionary mindset with a focus on innovation and growth

NIB Core Competencies

• Accountability
• Communication Skills
• Ethics /Integrity
• Customer Care
• Job Knowledge/ Technical Skills
• Process Improvement
• Judgment and Problem Solving
• People Management
• Leadership
• Motivating Subordinates and Others
• Strategic Thinking