Director, Public Affairs

Director, Public Affairs

Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA) Lead the Conversation. Build Trust. Strengthen Northeast Ohio.

The Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA) is seeking an experienced, strategic, and collaborative communications leader to serve as its next Director of Public Affairs.

NOACA is the metropolitan planning organization and areawide water quality management agency serving Northeast Ohio. The Director of Public Affairs is a senior executive leadership position responsible for shaping how NOACA communicates its mission, work, priorities, and regional impact to elected officials, stakeholders, partners, the media, and the public.

This is much more than a communications position. The Director serves as NOACA's communications strategist and a senior advisor to the Executive Director & CEO, providing leadership on public perception, reputation, executive messaging, stakeholder engagement, media relations, public participation, and high-visibility issues.

The successful candidate will be a strategic thinker who can see beyond individual communications products or campaigns and understand how communications contributes to organizational credibility, public trust, effective governance, and the advancement of NOACA's regional mission.

Lead Enterprise-Wide Public Affairs Strategy

Establish the vision, strategy, standards, and priorities for NOACA's Public Affairs function and ensure that communications and engagement activities support the agency's strategic direction and Overall Work Program (OWP).

Serve as a Strategic Advisor to the CEO and Executive Leadership

The Director will serve as a trusted advisor to the Executive Director & CEO on matters involving communications, public perception, stakeholder dynamics, reputational risk, and emerging issues.

Lead and Develop the Public Affairs Team

You will provide strategic leadership to a talented Public Affairs team while creating an environment in which employees are empowered to perform meaningful work, develop professionally, and take ownership of results.

Champion Servant Leadership Accountability

At NOACA, leadership is not defined simply by title or authority. Servant Leadership Accountability means leaders are responsible for both the results they achieve and the people they lead.

Measure Impact and Improve Performance

NOACA is committed to communications that produce measurable value—not simply activity.

Translate Complex Regional Issues Into Clear Public Understanding

NOACA's work encompasses transportation, infrastructure, environmental planning, economic development, public policy, and regional coordination.

What We're Looking For

Education & Experience

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Why Join NOACA?

The Ideal Candidate

Other Requirements

Equal Opportunity Employer

If you are an experienced public affairs leader who wants to help shape the conversation about the future of Northeast Ohio, we invite you to apply.