Chief External Affairs & Development Officer

Openlands; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Openlands is seeking an accomplished Vice President of External Affairs to guide a unified development and communications strategy, advancing conservation in the Chicago region. This senior leader will mentor teams, build donor relationships, and drive brand storytelling across platforms to amplify impact.

The role reports to the CEO, collaborates with policy and land conservation leadership, and travels regionally to foster partnerships and public engagement with Openlands' mission.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, communications, public relations, environmental studies, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive leadership experience in fundraising, communications, or external affairs; nonprofit and/or environmental sector experience strongly preferred.
• Proven success leading integrated development and communications teams, with a track record of effective impact storytelling.
• Demonstrated ability to build donor and media relationships that advance mission and funding.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong strategic thinking, planning, and organizational development skills.
• Commitment to conservation as a tool for equity, climate resilience, biodiversity, and public good.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; familiarity with Salesforce a plus.
• Willingness to travel regionally for meetings, site visits, and public events.

Responsibilities

• Serve on the Senior Leadership Team, shaping Openlands' strategic direction, priorities, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Develop and execute an integrated external affairs strategy that aligns development, communications, and brand.
• Lead the Development and Communications teams and mentor staff.
• Cultivate and steward relationships with major donors and institutional funders.
• Partner with the Board and leadership to advance fundraising goals.
• Build systems and processes to support donor growth and retention.
• Ensure fundraising and communications reflect accurate, compelling impact data.
• Represent Openlands at key events, conferences, and donor meetings.

Skills

Fundraising leadership

Communication skills

Donor relations

Media relations

Strategic thinking

Leadership

Public speaking

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management

Master's degree a plus

Tools

Microsoft Office

Salesforce

Job description

Openlands is seeking an accomplished Vice President of External Affairs to guide a unified development and communications strategy, advancing conservation in the Chicago region. This senior leader will mentor teams, build donor relationships, and drive brand storytelling across platforms to amplify impact.

The role reports to the CEO, collaborates with policy and land conservation leadership, and travels regionally to foster partnerships and public engagement with Openlands' mission.