Executive External Affairs & Engagement Leader

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401K

Paid vacation

Job summary

City Year Chicago is seeking a Managing Director of External Affairs & Engagement to expand visibility, influence, and partnerships. You will oversee communications, branding, government affairs, and signature events while serving on the Executive Leadership Team and acting as the organization’s ambassador to civic and corporate leaders.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree with 7–10 years in external affairs or nonprofit leadership, plus exceptional writing, speaking, and relationship-building

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree strongly preferred.
• 7-10 years of professional experience in external affairs, communications, public affairs, community engagement, marketing, partnerships, event management, or nonprofit leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to build and manage relationships with elected officials, civic leaders, media, philanthropic partners, and corporate stakeholders.
• Strong writing, public speaking, and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive external affairs strategy to advance visibility, influence, and stakeholder engagement.
• Lead communications, marketing, and brand management across channels; oversee media relations and external storytelling.
• Oversee government and community affairs; monitor policy developments and advise leadership.
• Direct signature events and cross‑functional stakeholder engagement to strengthen relationships.
• Collaborate with the Executive Leadership Team to align external affairs with organizational priorities.

Skills

External affairs leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic communications

Public speaking

Event management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Job description

City Year Chicago is seeking a Managing Director of External Affairs & Engagement to expand visibility, influence, and partnerships. You will oversee communications, branding, government affairs, and signature events while serving on the Executive Leadership Team and acting as the organization’s ambassador to civic and corporate leaders.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree with 7–10 years in external affairs or nonprofit leadership, plus exceptional writing, speaking, and relationship-building