Public affairs Jobs in Newark, NJ

Job Description

The Senior Manager role will be a critical member of our Public Affairs team, responsible for identifying, assessing, and resolving complex issues across the business. The individual will partner closely with cross-functional stakeholders (legal, government relations, communications, operations, etc.) at LivCor, AIR Communities (a Blackstone multifamily portfolio company), and Blackstone to proactively mitigate risk, manage sensitive situations, and protect the company’s reputation.

This role requires a self-directed, solutions-oriented person who can operate effectively in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment, often with incomplete information and evolving dynamics. The ideal candidate combines experience, strong judgment, structured thinking, and practical execution, with the ability to quickly understand complex scenarios, distill key risks, and drive clear, actionable outcomes – while balancing the competing priorities of diverse internal and external stakeholders.

Issues Navigation

• Serve as the central lead on escalated, sensitive, and high-profile issues (including crisis situations), owning the process from intake and initial escalation through resolution.

• Partner with LivCor, AIR, and Blackstone stakeholders to assess risk, align on strategy, and execute coordinated responses.

• Develop communications materials required for issue prevention, response, and resolution.

• Support training and development of new processes, protocols and issues preparedness work.

• Proactively identify patterns, vulnerabilities, and emerging risks to help prevent issue recurrence.

• Expertly navigate issues across internal teams, third-party partners, and external audiences including media and elected officials.

Reputational Risk Management

• Rapidly assess complex and ambiguous situations, identifying key drivers, risks, and downstream implications.

• Think big picture to anticipate reputational risks and opportunities, while also zooming into critical details to inform strategy and execution.

• Develop solutions that balance business objectives, operational realities, and reputational considerations.

• Navigate competing priorities and perspectives to drive alignment and resolution.

Partner Collaboration

• Build strong relationships and work collaboratively across internal and external partners to ensure coordinated issue management and consistent execution.

• Collaborate closely with a small, high-performing cross-functional team to develop coordinated strategies, align stakeholders, and drive effective issue resolution.

• Act as a trusted advisor to internal stakeholders, providing clear, practical guidance on reputational and operational risks.

• Translate complex situations into concise, executive-ready summaries and recommendations.

• Support leadership and colleagues in making informed, timely decisions in high-pressure situations.

• Participate in a rotating on-call schedule and support high-priority issues during evenings, weekends, and other non-business hours as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, political science, or related field.

• 8 – 10+ years of high-stakes reputation management experience with a strong public affairs lens.

• Proven experience in public affairs, strategic communications, crisis management, government affairs, corporate affairs, consulting, and/or a related field, including engagement with media, government officials, regulatory agencies, community stakeholders, and other external influencers.

• Proven experience managing complex issues across legal, operational, and reputational dimensions (internal and external).

• Proven track record of identifying risk, preventing issue recurrence, and improving processes over time.

• Experience operating within or alongside large institutional environments (e.g., private equity, asset management, REITs, or comparable organizations) strongly preferred.

• Experience working with PR agencies, lobbyists, and law firms.

• Experience developing and executing media relations plans and crisis communications frameworks, playbooks, and scenario plans.

• Strong understanding of social media and digital communications, with the ability to identify emerging risks, assess potential exposure, and develop effective response strategies.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and AI-enabled productivity tools, with the ability to quickly learn and adapt to new technologies and software platforms

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with the to evaluate multiple perspectives and develop well-reasoned, data-informed solutions.

• Comfort independently owning and driving projects to timely completion.

• Demonstrated ability to tailor communications for diverse audiences, including executive leadership.

• Exceptional writing skills and ability to synthesize complex information clearly and concisely.

• Strong collaboration and leadership skills, with the ability to influence without authority and mentor others.

Additional Information

What we offer:

We believe that when we take care of our people, everything else follows. We’re committed to clear expectations, honest feedback, and helping you grow. That’s why we foster a culture that’s collaborative, inclusive, and refreshingly ego-free. We are good neighbors that lead with empathy, embrace curiosity, and put trust at the heart of everything we do. Together, we strive for excellence.

We deeply value diversity in all its forms. We want people who sound, think, love, and live differently from one another. This isn’t a footnote—it’s foundational.

The LivCorian Values:

• Be you. Be Real. Be Open. You do you. Together, we will do something amazing.

• Care, Always. We don’t want to let anyone down.

• Courageously Curious. We love to learn, even when it hurts.

• Help Others Win, Be A Good Neighbor. This is about ‘We, not Me.’

• Relentless Hustle, Heart & Humility. Work hard. Be Kind. Make Better.

Now, on to the practical stuff:

• Generous 401(k) match to help you plan for the future

• Fertility, adoption, and surrogacy support to grow your family your way

• Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision

Base Compensation Range:

$165,000 - $190,000 annually. This represents the presently anticipated low and high end of the Company’s base compensation range for this position. Actual base compensation range may vary based on various factors, including but not limited to location and experience.

Total Direct Compensation:

This job is also eligible for discretionary bonus on an annual basis.

Benefits:

The Company provides a variety of benefits to employees, including health insurance coverage, retirement savings plan, paid holidays and paid time off (PTO).

The additional total direct compensation and benefits described above are subject to the terms and conditions of any governing plans, policies, practices, agreements, or other materials or documents as in effect from time to time, including but not limited to terms and conditions regarding eligibility.

EEO Statement: LivCor is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with applicable law, we prohibit discrimination against any applicant, employee, or other covered person based on any legally recognized basis, including, but not limited to: veteran status, uniformed service member status, race, color, caste, immigration status, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, gender, gender expression, gender identity, marital status, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation or related medical conditions), age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), protected leave status, domestic violence victim status, or any other consideration protected by federal, state or local law. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations, if you need an accommodation to complete the application process, please email hr@livcor.com

Review our privacy policy here: https://www.livcor.com/privacy-policy/

LivCor is proud to be a US EPA ENERGY STAR® Partner