Chief External Relations & Fundraising Leader

Cleveland Neighborhood Progress; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 130,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

401(k) match

EAP

Life insurance

AD&D

Employee discounts at ReStore

Job summary

Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity seeks a strategic Chief External Relations Officer to lead external relations, branding, fundraising, and government affairs. You will partner with the CEO and Board to advance mission and visibility across communities.

You will oversee communications, donor engagement, major gifts, events, and partnerships, shaping multiyear strategies and ensuring compliance while inspiring teams and supporters to grow impact.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in PR/Marketing/Communications or related field.
• 7+ years external leadership experience across fundraising, marketing, PR & gov affairs.
• 3+ years management experience with hiring and coaching.
• Nonprofit background preferred with grant-writing track record.
• Strong strategic planning and stakeholder alignment skills.
• Public speaking and donor engagement experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead external communications, partnerships, policy advocacy, and fundraising.
• Collaborate with CEO/Board to shape organizational positioning and strategy.
• Oversee branding, marketing materials, and local media relations.
• Develop annual development plans and special fundraising initiatives.
• Cultivate relationships with individuals, foundations, and corporations.
• Manage donor-centered fundraising and ensure ethical fundraising practices.
• Supervise teams across development, gift-in-kind, government affairs, marketing, events.
• Provide progress reports to CEO and Board and ensure compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic communications

Fundraising

Public relations

Policy advocacy

Donor relations

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's in Public Relations/Marketing/Communications

Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft 365

Blackbaud Raisers Edge

Job description

Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity seeks a strategic Chief External Relations Officer to lead external relations, branding, fundraising, and government affairs. You will partner with the CEO and Board to advance mission and visibility across communities.

You will oversee communications, donor engagement, major gifts, events, and partnerships, shaping multiyear strategies and ensuring compliance while inspiring teams and supporters to grow impact.