Chief External Affairs Officer

STATUS: Full time, permanent (Chicago, IL)

Latinos Progresando’s Chief External Affairs Officer plays a pivotal role in advancing the organization’s mission through strategic leadership of development and communications. Reporting directly to the CEO and collaborating closely across the organization’s executive team, the Chief External Affairs Officer is responsible for integrating, leading, and managing all public-facing activities of the organization, including strategic communications, brand management, media relations, and comprehensive fundraising. The ideal candidate will be a creative and dynamic team leader, an adept project manager and communications strategist, excited by the opportunity to join a growing organization.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Communications, Brand and Media Relations

• Collaborate with the executive team to conceptualize, develop and execute an integrated, high-impact communications strategy that elevates Latinos Progresando’s voice, impact and thought leadership across all internal and external channels (digital, traditional media, social)
• Steward the organization's brand identity, ensuring a consistent, clear and compelling voice across all communications platforms, reinforcing the organization’s mission, vision, and values
• Oversee the development of impact-driven content (including digital campaigns, storytelling, testimonials and case studies) that highlights the results of the organization’s work for diverse stakeholders and audiences
• Build and maintain relationships with media outlets, journalists, and influencers to secure positive coverage and raise awareness of the organization’s work
• Write and distribute press releases, media kits, and pitches to generate media interest
• Serve as principal copy writer and editor for external communications, and prepare spokespeople (including the CEO and other staff) for media interviews and public appearances
• Manage the marketing and communications budget, ensuring efficient use of resources to meet objectives
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of marketing and communications strategies, adjusting approaches as needed to optimize impact

Fundraising & Engagement

• Oversee the development and successful execution of the annual fundraising plan for individual, corporate and foundation support
• Develop and manage key donor and stakeholder relationships to build support and enthusiasm for Latinos Progresando’s mission
• With the CEO, engage the board of directors in the organization’s fundraising strategy
• Present at quarterly board meetings on fundraising progress
• Coordinate the activities of the board’s Strategy & Development Committee
• Collaborate with the Events & Engagement Director to produce high-quality events, including Latinos Progresando’s signature MEX talks and Mexayuno events
• Formalize and grow the organization’s individual giving program
• Participate in the annual budgeting process by providing revenue projections, and collaborate with the finance department to monitor progress throughout the year
• Collaborate with program leadership to identify and prioritize resource needs

Leadership & Department Operations

• Provide leadership and management for a five-person staff team
• Develop and execute on department project timelines
• Ensure consistent, effective department operations to produce high-quality work and maintain a culture of continuous improvement
• Coordinate the work of consultants, as appropriate
• Ensure the security and integrity of all organizational data related to external stakeholders and donors
• Ensure compliance with best practices and uphold organizational and industry ethical standards, liaising with accounting department and relevant program teams to ensure adherence to grant conditions
• Prepare regular reports for the board of directors and executive team
• Contribute to overall organizational strategy as a member of the executive team
• Serve as a public representative of the organization

Responsibilities may also include other duties, as assigned

REQUIREMENTS

Personal values aligned with organizational values and a commitment to the organization’s mission

Robust professional work history with progressive responsibilities in nonprofit development & communications, marketing, public relations, or other field with comparable transferable skills

Demonstrated ability to develop and execute on strategies in a fast-paced environment

Demonstrated experience managing a high-functioning team

Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously

Ability to excel in both self-directed and collaborative environments

Excellent writing, editing and verbal communication skills; ability to communicate effectively and genuinely with diverse stakeholders

Proficient in Microsoft Office and Google Suite, digital marketing platforms and tools, and experience with CRMs (Salesforce preferred)

Latinos Progresando offers a robust benefits package, including health and life insurance, a 401k plan, and generous time-off policies. Employees work on-site four days a week and can work one day remotely.

Bilingual in Spanish and English preferred