Division Lead, External Affairs

The Position

The Division Lead, External Affairs, plays a pivotal leadership role in advancing the mission and visibility of the Park District. Reporting to the Assistant General Manager of External Affairs, this position supports and helps manage the daily operations and strategic direction of the External Affairs Division, which includes Communications and Public Affairs, the Clerk of the Board, and Government and Legislative Affairs. Serving as a key advisor and senior leadership team member, the Division Lead partners with the Assistant General Manager to develop and implement effective communication strategies, build collaborative relationships with public agencies and community organizations, and strengthen public trust and engagement. The position provides strategic counsel on media relations, crisis communications, and public messaging to the Board of Directors, General Manager, and senior staff.

This role also supports the execution of Board meetings, oversees division staff, and ensures alignment of communications and policy initiatives with Park District priorities. The Division Lead acts as a proactive ambassador for the organization, helping to tell the Park District's story, elevate its public profile, and advance strategic partnerships that support conservation, recreation, and equitable community access throughout the East Bay.

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be :

• Education : A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in public policy, communications, English, public relations, strategic communications, public administration, or a related field. A master's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in a related field is desirable.
• Experience : Five (5) years of increasingly responsible professional experience in public and media relations, public policy, communications, or related field, including at least two years of experience at the middle management level in this field, including supervision. Subject matter expertise in land use, transportation, community development, environmental sustainability is desirable.
• License or Certificate : Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License is a condition of initial and continued employment in this classification. Possession of professional certifications in a related field is desirable.

Additional Information

To learn more about this job, click here. The District intends to hold in-person panel interviews the week of December 1, 2025. About Us

The East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) is the largest regional park system in the United Statesspanning 126,809 acres across Alameda and Contra Costa counties. The District manages 73 parks, 55 miles of shoreline, 1,330 miles of trails, and 250 miles of paved regional paths that connect communities throughout the East Bay.