Chief External Relations Officer at Texas CASA Austin, TX

Dan Cummins Ford Lincoln

Austin (TX)

On-site

USD 112,500 - 137,500

Full time

14 days+

Get more replies from employers

Send a job-specific resume in minutes.

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

Group Life and AD&D Insurance

Short- and Long-Term Disability

Vacation, Personal Days, Paid SickTime

403(b) Retirement Plan with 5%Employer

Job summary

Texas CASA in Austin, TX is seeking a Chief External Relations Officer to provide strategic leadership for internal and external communications, fund development, legislative and public policy advocacy. This role guides policy development, government relations, communications and fundraising, collaborating with judiciary, state agencies, foundations, donors and media.

You will oversee the Public Policy, Communications, and Fund Development teams, build statewide media relationships, advocate for

Qualifications

Five years experience with editorial creation and production.
Experience with media relations and crisis communications strategies.
Five years full-time leadership experience, preferably with a nonprofit or governmental organization.
Experience in public speaking/appearances.
Understanding of the legislative process in Texas.
Experience identifying and cultivating major donors or corporate partners.
Experience training and engaging various audiences.
Must pass background check.

Responsibilities

Increase the awareness and positive perceptions of Texas CASA and the goal of a CASA for every child who needs one.
Manage, lead and mentor the Communications, Public Policy and Fund Development teams.
Position Texas CASA as a premier child advocacy policy organization and resource on child protection and foster care to external stakeholders, policy makers, foundations, donors and the media.
Oversee and support advocacy for increased legislative appropriations, including preparation and development of information for state agencies, the Texas legislature, and the public.
Produce and edit op-eds, editorials and news releases.
Provide crisis communications support to local programs.
Lead the creation of a cohesive and innovative external affairs strategy to strengthen and leverage the CASA and Texas CASA brands.

Skills

Editorial experience

Media relations

Leadership

Public speaking

Crisis communications

Fundraising

Legislative process knowledge

Tools

Legislative tracking software

CMS

Social media management

Job description

Chief External Relations Officer – Texas CASA, Austin, TX

Texas CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is part of a national volunteer movement that began in 1977 in Seattle when a juvenile court judge conceived the idea of citizen volunteers speaking up for the best interests of children who are in foster care due to allegations of abuse or neglect. Today, the CASA movement has evolved into one of the largest volunteer organizations in the country. Judges appoint CASA volunteers to advocate for children in court, school and other settings with the goal of reuniting children with their families. Collectively, the local CASA programs in Texas serve the majority of Texas’ 254 counties.

As integral members of their respective communities, they recruit, train, supervise and support court-appointed volunteers to advocate for the best interest of children. Local programs also coordinate and collaborate with other service providers who share the mission of supporting Texas families.

Established in 1989, Texas CASA is the statewide membership association for all local CASA programs.

Position Summary

To provide strategic leadership for Texas CASA’s internal and external communications, fund development, legislative and public policy advocacy efforts. This position directs the development of legislative advocacy work and other policy efforts in collaboration with multiple stakeholders, cultivates the organization's relationship with the judiciary, state agencies, foundations, donors and the media, and aims to broaden the impact of Texas CASA and statewide network of CASA programs. The Chief External Relations Officer provides guidance on policy development, government relations, communications and fundraising. This position oversees the Public Policy team, including events and collaborative partnerships to advance systemic reforms of the child protection system. This position also oversees the work of the Communications Team and the Fund Development Team.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Increase the awareness and positive perceptions of Texas CASA and the goal of a CASA for every child who needs one.
Manage, lead and mentor the Communications, Public Policy and Fund Development teams.
Position Texas CASA as a premier child advocacy policy organization and resource on child protection and foster care to external stakeholders, policy makers, foundations, donors and the media.
Serve as a resource for local programs on issues related to public policy, communications and fund development.
Advance internal communications strategy to strengthen engagement, transparency, and collaboration across the Texas CASA network.
Ensure timely, consistent, and accessible communication with staff, board members, and the 74 local CASA programs; aligning messaging between departments; and fostering a culture of clarity and connection that supports organizational effectiveness and staff empowerment.
Support the development of policy and legislation to improve the child welfare system.
Oversee and support advocacy for increased legislative appropriations, including preparation and development of information for state agencies, the Texas legislature, and the public.
Identify, develop and maintain relationships with the judiciary, legislators, state agency leaders, foundations, donors and other key stakeholders and partners.
Produce and edit op-eds, editorials and news releases.
Provide crisis communications support to local programs.
Lead the creation of a cohesive and innovative external affairs strategy to strengthen and leverage the CASA and Texas CASA brands.
Possess viable contacts with statewide media outlets.
Train and equip local programs to work with their local media.
Oversee the Texas CASA fund development plan to increase private sector funding.
Cultivate current and new donor relationships.
Provide and ensure high customer relations standards.
Provide assistance to appropriate board committees assigned by the CEO.
Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Five years experience with editorial creation and production.
Experience with media relations and crisis communications strategies.
Five years full-time leadership experience, preferably with a nonprofit or governmental organization.
Experience in public speaking/appearances.
Understanding of the legislative process in Texas.
Experience identifying and cultivating major donors or corporate partners.
Experience training and engaging various audiences.
Must pass background check.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Demonstrated experience producing and/or editing editorial, op-eds and news releases.
Ability to train and equip local CASA programs to develop appropriate responses to media inquiries and how to cultivate relationships with their local media.
Ability to leverage contacts with statewide media outlets.
Excellent verbal/written communication skills and effective listening skills.
Ability to manage and coordinate multiple projects and meet deadlines effectively.
Ability to lead and manage a highly productive, fast-paced team of staff.
Ability to build relationships and garner support from various constituencies including Board members, staff, civic leaders and donors.
Ability to engage internal and external clients from all organizational levels and varied backgrounds.
Proficiency in use of legislative tracking software, content management systems, and social media.
Understanding of the complexities of the Child Welfare System and CASA, including emerging systemic changes preferred.
Excellent presentation skills.
Understanding of nonprofit fundraising practices preferred.
Experience with transforming data into compelling infographics for external and internal audiences.
Commitment to empowering all staff to reach their full potential

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

The primary office is Texas CASA’s headquarters in Austin, TX. Although work may be performed in a remote location requiring ongoing computer use, Texas CASA requires weekly transportation to the primary office at the discretion of the CEO. Up to 40% travel may be necessary. During this time, the employee may occasionally be exposed to a variety of working and environmental conditions, that could involve intermittent physical activities including bending, reaching, sitting, and walking during working hours. The Chief External Relations Officer will be expected to have daily transportation to attend offsite meetings and various events, as needed. This position requires frequent communication in a multitude of settings and must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations. This position must be able to remain stationary or move about for long periods of time, depending on the day and setting. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable a person with physical disabilities to perform the job.

FLSA Status

Exempt

Compensation

$125,000 annual salary

Benefits