New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) · 3 days ago
Chief of Staff and External Affairs Officer
Trenton, NJ
Full-time
Hybrid
Director/Executive
$174K/yr - $217K/yr
10+ years expNJEDA is committed to leading New Jersey towards sustainable economic growth and equitable opportunities. The Chief of Staff and External Affairs Officer will serve as a senior executive partner to the CEO, driving strategic direction and overseeing external engagement across various stakeholders.
Financial ServicesSecurityWeb Hosting
No H1B
Responsibilities
Serve as Chief of Staff to the CEO, ensuring effective execution of priorities, decision-making, and information flow across the Authority
Provide strategic counsel to the CEO, Executive Team, and Board on organizational performance, policy initiatives, and external engagement
Oversee External Affairs functions, ensuring alignment with NJEDA strategy and gubernatorial priorities
Serves as the central point of coordination across state agencies, the Governor’s Office, the Legislature, local governments, and external partners
Direct the Authority’s intergovernmental affairs strategy, including legislative engagement, policy coordination, and outreach to federal, state, county, and municipal stakeholders to advance NJEDA priorities
Oversee enterprise-level external initiatives spanning communications, public affairs, international engagement, and marketing, ensuring consistent execution and alignment with statewide economic policy objectives
At the direction of the CEO, advance key and politically sensitive NJEDA priorities and initiatives across the NJEDA and external stakeholders
Strengthen NJEDA’s role as a trusted partner to the Governor’s Office, Legislature, and sister agencies by proactively aligning Authority initiatives with administration priorities and legislative objectives
Elevate NJEDA’s external presence and credibility through coordinated outreach, strategic messaging, and disciplined stakeholder engagement across government, industry, academia, and international partners
Ensure seamless execution of executive priorities by translating strategic direction into actionable workplans, clear accountability, and measurable outcomes across divisions
Serve as the primary integrator across NJEDA divisions, ensuring alignment between policy, programs, communications, marketing, and external engagement in support of Authority and administration priorities
Act as NJEDA’s central point of coordination with the Governor’s Office, Legislature, state agencies, local governments, and federal partners, facilitating collaboration, resolving issues, and advancing shared objectives
Partner closely with Executive Team members to translate strategic direction into coordinated action, while ensuring consistent messaging, stakeholder outreach, and disciplined execution across the organization
Reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer and serves as a senior member of the Executive Committee
Provides executive oversight and strategic direction to the External Affairs vertical, including Communications, Events & Marketing, Government Affairs
Exercises broad delegated authority to act on behalf of the CEO in external settings, operating with a high degree of autonomy and judgment in managing priorities, relationships, and sensitive matters
Must complete annual self-assessment as required
Performs other duties and special projects, as assigned
Qualification
Required
Demonstrated expertise in intergovernmental affairs, including legislative engagement, executive-branch coordination, and collaboration with state, county, municipal, federal, and international partners
Deep understanding of economic development policy, public finance, governance structures, and the regulatory and political environments impacting statewide initiatives
Proven ability to oversee and integrate communications, public affairs, data analytics, and policy functions to support executive decision-making and external strategy
Exceptional executive judgment, discretion, and political acumen, with the ability to navigate complex, high-stakes environments and sensitive stakeholder relationships
Superior written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to represent the Authority credibly with elected officials, senior government leaders, Board members, and external partners
Highly organized, adaptable, and decisive leader capable of managing competing priorities, driving alignment, and maintaining momentum across multiple concurrent initiatives
Minimum of 10+ years of progressively responsible professional experience, preferably in the public sector, with demonstrated leadership in government affairs, public policy, external relations, or executive management
At least 5 years of senior-level management experience, including direct oversight of teams and responsibility for cross-functional or enterprise-wide initiatives
Experience engaging with elected officials, executive leadership, boards, and diverse external stakeholders is required
Advanced degree or industry specific certification may be substituted for 1 year of experience
Bachelor's degree in a related field required
Proficiency in GovNet
NJEDA utilizes Microsoft as the core application platform and proficiency in the Microsoft
Staff are required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essentials duties of the position
Benefits
Health insurance
Retirement plans
Extensive wellness programs
Company
New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA)
The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth.
201-500 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageTotal Funding
$1M2018-07-01Seed· $1M
Leadership Team
Evan Weiss
Chief Executive Officer
Frederick J. Cole
Senior Vice President - Business Support
Recent News
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