Vice President of External Affairs

The role

The Vice President of External Affairs is a key member of the leadership team, reporting directly to the President & CEO. This executive-level role is responsible for developing and executing an integrated external affairs strategy that advances CFW’s mission, builds strategic partnerships, strengthens brand presence, aligns resource allocation to deepen impact, and influences the policy and public environment in which it operates.

What you'll do

• Advise the President & CEO, leadership team, and Board of Directors on emerging opportunities and reputational risks.
• Oversee the development of policy positions, briefing materials, talking points, and stakeholder communications.
• Lead crisis-management efforts in coordination with the Board, President & CEO, and leadership team.
• Develop and implement an integrated external affairs strategy aligned with the Foundation’s mission and three-year strategic plan.
• Provide strategic leadership and financial oversight of a marketing and communications plan, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities, messaging, and lead CFW’s next organizational rebrand.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive annual fundraising plan with goals across events, major gifts, annual giving, corporate and foundation support, planned giving, and campaigns to meet revenue goals.

What it takes

• 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 or initiative publicly, including delivering presentations, engaging with media or external stakeholders, and communicating effectively during high-pressure or crisis situations.
• 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 who can operate with significant autonomy while building infrastructure and systems from the ground up.

What you'll bring

How to apply

Apply directly on Chicago Foundation for Women's site. We link straight through — no resume parsing, no profile to fill out.

This listing is aggregated from a third-party source and its summary may be auto-generated, so details can be inaccurate or out of date. ForGood is not the employer and is not liable for the content — please verify everything on Chicago Foundation for Women's official posting before applying.