VP, External Affairs & Strategic Partnerships

Socket.dev; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 163,000 - 181,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

403(b) plan with 3% employer contrib.

Paid time off & holidays

Professional development allowance

Job summary

Chicago Foundation for Women seeks a Vice President of External Affairs to lead an integrated external affairs strategy and advance the Foundation’s mission in Chicago. You will oversee fundraising, marketing, communications, and external engagement, reporting to the President & CEO and guiding a seven-person team across development and communications.

The role requires 10+ years of leadership in external affairs, proven public-facing experience, and a track record in capital campaigns and major

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required, advanced degree or certification preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in external affairs, development, or marketing/communications.
• Proven experience representing an organization publicly, including media engagement and crisis communication.
• Proven success leading integrated marketing and communications strategies, including brand development and digital engagement.
• Experience engaging and supporting board members to advance strategic priorities.
• Strong strategic thinker with autonomy to build infrastructure and systems from the ground up.
• Demonstrated success in capital campaigns and major gifts.
• Track record of building diverse, cross-functional stakeholder relationships.
• Experience managing high-performing teams across functions.
• Passion for CFW's mission.

Responsibilities

• Advise the President/CEO, leadership team, and Board on opportunities and reputational risk.
• Oversee policy positions, briefing materials, points, and stakeholder communications.
• Cultivate key relationships with a small portfolio of partners.
• Lead crisis-management in coordination with leadership and Board.

Skills

Leadership

External affairs

Fundraising

Marketing & communications

Strategic thinking

Crisis management

Media relations

Stakeholder engagement

Team management

Budget oversight

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree or certification preferred

Job description

Chicago Foundation for Women seeks a Vice President of External Affairs to lead an integrated external affairs strategy and advance the Foundation’s mission in Chicago. You will oversee fundraising, marketing, communications, and external engagement, reporting to the President & CEO and guiding a seven-person team across development and communications.

The role requires 10+ years of leadership in external affairs, proven public-facing experience, and a track record in capital campaigns and major