VP, External Affairs & Strategic Partnerships

Funders; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 163,000 - 181,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Sabbatical policies

Professional development allowance

Job summary

Chicago Foundation for Women seeks a Vice President of External Affairs to lead fundraising, marketing, and external engagement. This executive role reports to the President & CEO and guides a team of seven across development and communications to advance equity in the Chicago region.

The role shapes strategy, manages vendor relationships, and champions the foundation’s three-year plan to mobilize resources, amplify impact, and engage diverse stakeholders. Competitive compensation offered.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or certification preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in external affairs, development, or marketing/communications.
• Demonstrated experience representing an organization publicly and engaging with media or external stakeholders.
• Proven experience leading integrated marketing and communications strategies including brand development and digital engagement.
• Experience engaging and supporting board members to advance strategic priorities.

Responsibilities

• Advise the President & CEO, leadership team, and Board on opportunities and reputational risks.
• Oversee policy positions, materials, talking points, and stakeholder communications.
• Cultivate and steward a portfolio of key relationships with community leaders and partners.
• Lead crisis-management efforts in coordination with the Board and C-suite.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive external affairs strategy aligned with the three-year plan.
• Provide strategic leadership and financial oversight of marketing and communications, including brand extension.

Skills

Leadership

External affairs

Fundraising

Strategic planning

Marketing communications

Media relations

Public speaking

Stakeholder engagement

Crisis management

Team development

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Marketing automation

CRM systems

Job description

Chicago Foundation for Women seeks a Vice President of External Affairs to lead fundraising, marketing, and external engagement. This executive role reports to the President & CEO and guides a team of seven across development and communications to advance equity in the Chicago region.

The role shapes strategy, manages vendor relationships, and champions the foundation’s three-year plan to mobilize resources, amplify impact, and engage diverse stakeholders. Competitive compensation offered.