Lead, External Affairs

Lead, External Affairs

DPR Construction

DPR Construction has partnered with the recruiting firm Big Fish on this search. Please contact Chaz Cirame at chaz@recruitbigfish.com for any questions or referrals regarding the role.

Big Fish is a boutique recruiting firm specializing in the talent needed to drive mission-driven storytelling. Learn more at recruitbigfish.com.

Lead, External Affairs

Organization: DPR Construction

Title: Lead, External Affairs

About the Organization

DPR Construction is a national commercial general contractor and construction management firm specializing in technically complex and sustainable projects across advanced technology, life sciences, healthcare, higher education, and corporate office markets. Founded in 1990 by Doug Woods, Peter Nosler, and Ron Davidowski (the "D," "P," and "R"), the company was built on the purpose "We Exist to Build Great Things." Today DPR employs roughly 11,000 people nationwide and internationally, with 2024 revenue of $10.8 billion, and is working toward a 2030 mission to become the most admired company in its industry.

Position Summary

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 leads proactive issue tracking and management efforts, develops engagement strategies around emerging business and policy issues, and helps position DPR as a trusted industry leader — working cross-functionally with Communications, Operations, Legal, Social Responsibility, and subject-matter experts to ensure DPR is prepared to navigate a dynamic external landscape while advancing opportunities aligned with the company's mission and goals.

Essential Skills

7+ years of experience in external affairs, corporate affairs, public affairs, government relations, public policy, stakeholder engagement, or a 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.

Strong strategic planning, analytical thinking, and problem-solving capabilities.

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

Proven ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders across diverse audiences.

Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Experience in construction, mission-critical technology, engineering, real estate, infrastructure, or sustainability preferred.

Primary Responsibilities

Lead DPR's external issues management process by identifying, monitoring, and assessing emerging risks and opportunities, tracking legislative, regulatory, political, economic, labor, environmental, technology, and industry trends.

Develop issue assessments, executive briefings, risk assessments, and strategic recommendations for leadership.

Facilitate cross-functional issue response planning and support crisis preparedness in coordination with Communications.

Maintain a comprehensive issues tracker and reporting process for leadership visibility.

Serve as DPR's primary representative within selected industry associations, coalitions, and business organizations, building relationships with coalition leaders, policy influencers, and external stakeholders.

Track coalition priorities and represent DPR in external forums, briefing internal leaders on relevant developments.

Partner with Communications and Social Responsibility to develop messaging, talking points, issue briefs, and thought leadership opportunities, including speaking engagements and partnerships.

Conduct research, benchmarking, and analysis of policy, industry, competitive, and stakeholder trends, translating developments into actionable business insights for executives and regional leaders.

Facilitate internal working groups on priority issues and guide leaders preparing for external meetings or stakeholder conversations.

Compensation & Benefits

This is a full-time position offering a base salary commensurate with experience. Benefits include:

For Your Life — Medical, Dental, Vision, Wellness

For The Unknown — Life, Disability, Critical Illness, Legal

For Balance — Holidays, Time Off, Counseling

For Your Family — Family Formation, Flex Spending, Pet, Auto and Home

For Your Next Great Thing — 401(K), Profit Sharing, Education, College Savings

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and the position will remain open until filled.

Salary Range $150,000 – $260,000