VP, External Affairs & Strategic Partnerships

Association of Fundraising Professionals; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 163,000 - 181,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

403(b) plan with employer contribution

Paid time off

Sabbatical and professionaldevelopment

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 from the leadership team. You will steward fundraising, branding, communications, and external engagement to deepen impact and influence public policy.

The role reports to the President & CEO, oversees a seven-person team across development and communications, and drives the annual plan aligned with the three-year strategy.

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, including dealing with media and external stakeholders.
• Proven experience leading integrated marketing and communications strategies, including brand development, digital engagement, and media relations.
• Experience engaging and supporting board members in advancing strategic priorities.
• Strong strategic thinker with ability to build infrastructure and systems from the ground up.
• Demonstrated success in building and executing capital campaigns, including major gifts.
• Track record of building and sustaining relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience managing and developing high-performing, cross-functional teams.
• Passion for CFW’s mission.

Responsibilities

• Advise the President & CEO, leadership team, and Board on opportunities and risks.
• Oversee development of policy positions, briefing materials, and stakeholder communications.
• Cultivate key relationships and manage a small portfolio of partners.
• Lead crisis-management efforts in coordination with leadership.

Skills

Leadership

Media relations

Strategic planning

Fundraising

Brand development

Stakeholder management

Crisis communication

Team leadership

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 from the leadership team. You will steward fundraising, branding, communications, and external engagement to deepen impact and influence public policy.

The role reports to the President & CEO, oversees a seven-person team across development and communications, and drives the annual plan aligned with the three-year strategy.