Chief External Affairs Officer

The Chief External Affairs Officer (CEAO) provides strategic and operational leadership for Howard Center’s fundraising, communications, marketing, and government relations functions—ensuring these efforts work together to advance the organization’s mission, visibility, and sustainability.

Working closely with the CEO, the CEAO aligns philanthropic strategy, public affairs, and policy engagement to expand resources, strengthen relationships, and position the agency as a trusted leader and advocate in Vermont’s health and human services system. The CEAO serves as strategist, advisor, and spokesperson—helping to shape the agency’s message, deepen donor and community partnerships, and represent Howard Center with integrity and impact across all audiences.

Responsibilities:

Fundraising & Philanthropy

• Develop and implement annual and long-term fundraising strategies aligned with organizational priorities.
• Oversee all aspects of donor relations, including major and planned gifts, campaigns, and stewardship.
• Provide leadership for donor and community events that advance engagement and visibility.
• Ensure systems, data, and metrics are in place to evaluate and grow philanthropic performance.

Marketing, Communications & Public Relations

• Partner with the CEO to lead an integrated marketing and communications strategy that strengthens Howard Center’s brand, visibility, and credibility.
• Oversee consistent, mission-centered messaging across all platforms.
• Serve as a spokesperson for the agency and prepare other leaders to represent Howard Center effectively.
• Provide strategic direction for media relations, reputation management, and crisis communication.
• Oversee internal communications to enhance engagement, transparency, and alignment with agency values.
• Direct digital and multimedia engagement strategies, including website, social media, and storytelling.

Community & Government Relations

• Build and sustain trusted relationships with public officials, community partners, and civic leaders.
• Collaborate with the CEO to advance Howard Center’s policy and advocacy priorities at the local and state levels.
• Ensure timely and accurate communication of policy developments to internal and external audiences.
• Represent Howard Center in coalitions, forums, and partnerships to strengthen visibility and influence.

Leadership & Team Management

• Foster a collaborative, mission-driven department culture that emphasizes strategic alignment and teamwork.
• Partner with the CEO and other leaders to ensure external affairs efforts align with organizational strategy.
• Manage department budgets to ensure effective and responsible use of resources.

Requirements:

• 10 or more years of leadership experience in advancement, development, communications, or government/community relations (nonprofit or healthcare experience preferred).
• Proven success in fundraising, including major and planned gifts, campaigns, and donor relations.
• Experience representing an organization with media, policymakers, and community partners.
• Strong understanding of advocacy and legislative processes, and the ability to connect policy priorities to clear engagement strategies.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management skills, with experience mentoring staff and collaborating with boards and executives.
• Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire confidence and partnership across diverse audiences.

Structure:

• Full Time
• Exempt
• Starting at $148, 249
• We offer a competitive salary commensurate to experience

Our Values: Clients are at the heart of our decision making. We are committed to individual and collective well-being and success. We are responsible stewards of the resources entrusted to us. We are steadfast in our practice and pursuit of excellence.

Howard Center is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. The agency's culture and service delivery is strengthened by the diversity of its workforce. Minorities, people of color, LGBTQIA+ and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. EOE/TTY. Visit "About Us" to review Howard Center's EOE policy.

• Accrue 36 days of combined time off per year for full-time employees (and increasing with years of service); pro-rated for positions 16 hours or more
• Comprehensive health insurance with 80% agency-paid premium support for individuals, couples, and families (pro-rated for part time). This Point of Service Plan features no deductible.
• Two Dental options
• Vision Insurance
• Employer 401(k) contributions
• Employer Paid Life, AD&D, Short Term and Long Term Disability insurance
• Medical & Childcare Flexible Spending Account
• Childcare Stipend
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee referral program with financial payment
• Discounted online undergraduate/graduate courses through Champlain College truED
• Award-winning workplace wellness program including physical fitness groups for staff, financial wellness incentives, and ongoing workplace wellness advocacy and education
• Voluntary benefits from local/international businesses: discounted gym memberships, mobile phone service, ski/snowboard passes, auto/home insurance, and more!
• Employee referral bonus, subject to Howard Center policy