Director, External Affairs & Engagement

City Year; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 135,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) plan

Paid vacation and holidays

Parental leave

Job summary

City Year Chicago seeks a Managing Director of External Affairs & Engagement to advance visibility, influence, and stakeholder engagement. The role leads communications, marketing, media relations, government affairs, partnerships, and signature events, reporting to the Senior Vice President & Executive Director.

The position is full-time with a salary range of $135,000–$145,000, primarily on-site with periodic remote work; fall 2026 start preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's strongly preferred.
• 7–10 years in external affairs, communications, public affairs, community engagement, marketing, partnerships, event management or nonprofit leadership.
• Experience building relationships with elected officials, civic leaders, community organizations, media, philanthropic partners, and corporate stakeholders.
• Strong communications, writing, public speaking, and presentation skills.
• Experience leading marketing, communications, public relations, or brand management initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute an external affairs strategy to increase visibility, influence, and engagement.
• Build strategic relationships with civic, business, education, philanthropic, and government leaders.
• Serve as spokesperson and ambassador for City Year Chicago across external audiences.
• Represent the organization at key convenings, coalitions, and community events.
• Lead branding, communications, media relations, and external storytelling efforts.
• Oversee signature events like the Ripples of Hope Gala and other engagement activities.
• Collaborate with leadership to align external affairs with organizational priorities.

Skills

External affairs strategy

Public speaking

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic planning

Event management

Media relations

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Job description

City Year Chicago seeks a Managing Director of External Affairs & Engagement to advance visibility, influence, and stakeholder engagement. The role leads communications, marketing, media relations, government affairs, partnerships, and signature events, reporting to the Senior Vice President & Executive Director.

The position is full-time with a salary range of $135,000–$145,000, primarily on-site with periodic remote work; fall 2026 start preferred.