Chief External Relations Officer

The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) seeks motivated professionals who want to use their talents and skills to make a difference. Our 700+ FTE staff are adaptive problem solvers and passionate about enriching people’s lives. If you are mission-driven, dedicated to superior service and support, and can diligently work independently in a collaborative environment, we would love for you to join our team. LAHSA is leading the fight to end homelessness in LA City. Here, not only would your work have a real impact on the community, but we also offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package.

Created in 1993, LAHSA is a joint powers authority of the city and county of Los Angeles. As the lead agency in the HUD-funded Los Angeles Continuum of Care, we coordinate and manage over $800 million annually in federal, state, county, and city funds for programs providing shelter, housing, and services to people experiencing homelessness.

The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) is looking for a mission-focused, seasoned, strategic, and process-minded leader with experience in complex organizations, leading an executive management team, and developing a performance culture among a group of diverse, talented individuals. The Chief External Relations Officer is responsible for overseeing the development and execution of strategies to manage and enhance the organization’s relationships with external stakeholders, including government agencies, community organizations, the media, and the public. The CERO ensures that the organization’s messaging aligns with its goals and objectives, advocates on behalf of the organization, and oversees public relations efforts to maintain a positive public image.

The functions listed below are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not to be interpreted as an exhaustive list of responsibilities.

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer of LAHSA, the CERO will oversee all external affair strategies and will have the following responsibilities:

1. In collaboration with the Deputy Chief External Relations Officer, develop comprehensive external affairs strategies that align with the organization’s mission and goals.
2. Advise senior leadership on public relations and external communications to influence decision-making.
3. Lead and manage the external relations team, ensuring cohesive and effective execution of strategies.
4. Oversee the department’s budget, ensuring effective allocation of resources.
5. Lead an organized and strategic planning process for the department, resulting in an integrated Development and Marketing & Communications Plan with measurable goals, benchmarks and tracking methods that include performances of events, campaigns, initiatives, and more.

1. Provide vision and support to the Deputy Chief of Government Affairs, GA Team, and executive leadership in building and maintaining relationships with government officials, policymakers, and regulatory agencies.
2. Ensure DCGA and the GA Team monitor legislative and regulatory developments that may impact the organization, and advocate for policies beneficial to the organization.
3. Provide guidance and insight into who represents the organization at government meetings, hearings, and other public forums.
4. Ensure consistent and appropriate messaging in all external communication.

1. As brand champion and steward, ensure the brand identity, positioning and value is consistent across organizational communications.
2. Work with DCERO and other team members to develop a comprehensive plan to measure the effectiveness of the organization’s brand messaging, positioning, and campaigns, as well as outreach to and engagement of key audiences.

1. Oversee and inform Public Relations and reputation management efforts that include developing and implementing strategies to cultivate community, city, industry, and corporate partnership relationships.
2. Ensure the implementation of inspiring, memorable and scalable engagement strategies designed to strengthen relationships with current and prospective stakeholders.
3. Ensure all philanthropic revenue and operational goals are met or exceeded quarterly.
4. Lead the development of LAHSA hosted annual event “Homeless Policy and Best Practice Summit” to move forward on LAHSA’s goal of ending unsheltered homelessness through a shared vision and goal with system-wide stakeholders.

1. Oversee development and implementation of crisis communication strategies to manage and mitigate risks to the organization’s reputation.
2. Provide vision and guidance in responding to external crises, coordinating communication efforts and providing timely updates to stakeholders.

1. Identify and pursue opportunities for partnerships, sponsorships, and alliances that align with the organization’s goals.
2. Negotiate and manage agreements with external partners to ensure mutually beneficial outcomes.

As a prerequisite, the successful candidate must believe in the core values of LAHSA and be driven by the mission. The candidate should demonstrate a passion for breaking new ground to lead social change. Beyond that, we are seeking a candidate who has proven experience in managing within a complex organization and a demonstrated ability to both lead and build the capabilities of a driven, bright, diverse team. The successful candidate will have management experience with a large public, for-profit or non-profit organization. As noted, this is an organization driven by the values of its people, so experience in managing a “values-driven” organization will be highly prized.

1. Leadership and Influence – Capable of guiding, inspiring, and influencing individuals, teams and organizations towards achieving common goals.
2. Strategic Thinking and Planning – Ability to envision, articulate, and implement a clear direction for the organization by anticipating future trends, challenges, and opportunities.
3. Relationship Building and Networking – Understanding the needs and interests of others, building trust, and developing long-term partnerships that can provide valuable opportunities, resources, and support.
4. Crisis Management – Anticipating potential crises, developing and executing response strategies, and leading an organization through challenging situations with composure and strategic foresight.
5. Negotiation and Diplomacy – Ability to navigate complex interactions and discussions with a focus on achieving mutually beneficial outcomes while maintaining positive relationships.
6. Excellent Communicator – Thorough understanding of the importance of effective, timely communication with multiple and diverse stakeholders.

1. Strong executive-level leadership and management abilities.
2. Excellent interpersonal skills.
3. Strategic thinker with the ability to anticipate and respond to external trends and developments.
4. Proficient in crisis management and media relations.
5. Experience with project management methodologies and tools.
6. Knowledge of homelessness issues, policies, and best practices.
7. Commitment to racial equity and LAHSA’s core values.
8. Knowledge of Los Angeles’ political environment.
9. Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local funding regulations and best practice guidelines for rehousing programs.
10. Mission driven, with a strong commitment to Housing First principles.
11. Ability to navigate complex political and regulatory environments.
12. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to express technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
13. Strong public speaking skills and comfort testifying at public hearings.

1. Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Communications, Political Science, or a related field. A Master’s degree is preferred.
2. Minimum of 10 years of experience in public relations, government relations, or external affairs, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
3. Proven track record of successful relationship management with government entities, media, and community organizations.
4. Any combination of extensive and applicable work experience and educational credentials performing the above duties will be considered.