Chief External Relations Officer

Job Summary: The Chief External Relations Officer is a key member of the Executive Leadership Team and is responsible for leading the organization’s comprehensive fundraising strategy while overseeing all external-facing functions. This role drives revenue growth strengthens the organization’s brand and visibility, and builds strong relationships with donors, partners, and the broader community to advance the mission.

The CERO provides strategic leadership for development, marketing, communications, and external relations, ensuring alignment between fundraising goals, messaging, and public presence.

Responsibilities:

Fundraising & Development (Primary Focus)

• Lead and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy to meet and exceed annual revenue goals
• Oversee all fundraising activities, including major gifts, annual giving, grants, corporate partnerships, special events, and planned giving with the autonomy to determine the strategy for each of these categories
• Partner closely with the CEO and Board of Directors to cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors
• Provide leadership and support for board fundraising engagement and training
• Monitor fundraising performance, metrics, and ROI; report regularly to the CEO and Board
• Ensure best practices in donor stewardship, moves management, and donor experience

External Affairs, Marketing & Communications

• Oversee the organization’s external-facing strategy, including marketing, communications, brand, and public relations
• Provide executive leadership to the Director of Marketing, Communications and Community Engagement, ensuring alignment with fundraising and organizational priorities
• Ensure consistent, compelling messaging across all platforms that supports mission, impact, and revenue goals
• Guide strategies to be implemented by the Director of Marketing, Communication and Community Engagement for digital communications, storytelling, media relations, and community engagement
• Strengthen the organization’s public profile and reputation among key stakeholders

Leadership & Strategy

• Serve as a strategic advisor to the CEO and Executive Team on development and external relations
• Collaborate cross-functionally to align programs, services, and impact with fundraising and communications efforts
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing external affairs team (current one direct report with goal to grow with increased revenue generation)
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and donor-centered thinking across the organization

Systems, Compliance & Operations

• Ensure effective use of CRM systems and data to inform fundraising and engagement strategies
• Oversee budgets related to development and external affairs
• Ensure compliance with ethical standards, donor restrictions, and applicable regulations

• Physical Responsibilities:
• The ability to lift to 50lbs.
• Ability to sit, stand, bend.
• The ability to drive to other program sites as needed:
• Remote office located in Okeechobee.
• Counties served: Martin, Okeechobee, St. Lucie, Indian River

• Equipment Used:

·        Standard office technology and equipment, including laptop/computer, printer, scanner, and multifunction devices.

·        Common productivity software and digital platforms as required for daily tasks.

·        Personal cell phone.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred
• 8–12 years of progressive experience in nonprofit development, with demonstrated fundraising success
• Proven experience leading major gift strategies and comprehensive fundraising programs
• Strong leadership experience managing senior staff, including marketing and communications professionals
• Exceptional relationship-building, communication, and strategic thinking skills
• Experience working with and engaging boards of directors in fundraising
• Comfort representing the organization publicly with donors, partners, and community leaders

Core Competencies

• Strategic fundraising leadership
• Executive presence and influence
• Team leadership and development
• Donor cultivation and stewardship
• Brand and message alignment
• Cross-functional collaboration

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Leadership/Team Management skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office 365.
• Excellent people’s skills organized and dependable.
• Effective oral and written communication skills in daily work.
• Effective creative critical thinking skills.
• Experience working with culturally diverse communities/families, with demonstrated ability to exercise cultural humility.
• Works well independently and takes initiative to solve problems and complete tasks and projects.
• Ability to make sound judgments and manage stressful situations.
• Adhere to established safety procedures and practices in the work area.
• Maintain confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA standards.

As required by section 435.12, Florida Statutes, all applicants for positions involving services to vulnerable populations must undergo mandatory background screening. In compliance with House Bill 531 (2025), applicants may find additional information at the following link: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/