VP of External Affairs & Growth

Chicago Foundation for Women; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; 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

Vacation days

Sick days

Personal days

Floating holidays

Organizational holidays

Professional development

Job summary

Chicago Foundation for Women seeks a visionary Vice President of External Affairs to advance the Foundation’s mission through integrated external affairs, fundraising, and communications. You will lead strategy, branding, and stakeholder engagement, while guiding a team responsible for development and marketing.

You will oversee a comprehensive fundraising plan and drive digital engagement, media relations, and public policy positioning to elevate the Foundation’s impact and visibility.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive leadership in external affairs, development, or marketing/communications.
• Bachelor’s degree; advanced degree preferred.
• Proven public representation including media, crisis communication.
• Experience leading integrated marketing and fundraising strategies.
• Experience with major gifts and capital campaigns.

Responsibilities

• Advise the President & CEO and Board on opportunities and risks.
• Oversee policy positions, briefing materials, talking points, and stakeholder communications.
• Lead fundraising strategy across events, major gifts, annual giving, corporate and foundation support, planned giving, and campaigns.
• Manage brand, marketing, digital engagement, and external engagement initiatives.
• Direct a seven-person team across development and communications, ensuring collaboration.

Skills

Executive leadership

Public speaking

Crisis management

Strategic planning

Board liaison

Fundraising strategy

Brand development

Stakeholder relations

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

CRM systems

Marketing automation

Data analytics

AI tools

Job description

Chicago Foundation for Women seeks a visionary Vice President of External Affairs to advance the Foundation’s mission through integrated external affairs, fundraising, and communications. You will lead strategy, branding, and stakeholder engagement, while guiding a team responsible for development and marketing.

You will oversee a comprehensive fundraising plan and drive digital engagement, media relations, and public policy positioning to elevate the Foundation’s impact and visibility.