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 goalsOversee 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 categoriesPartner closely with the CEO and Board of Directors to cultivate, solicit, and steward major donorsProvide leadership and support for board fundraising engagement and trainingMonitor fundraising performance, metrics, and ROI; report regularly to the CEO and BoardEnsure best practices in donor stewardship, moves management, and donor experienceExternal Affairs, Marketing & CommunicationsOversee the organization’s external-facing strategy, including marketing, communications, brand, and public relationsProvide executive leadership to the Director of Marketing, Communications and Community Engagement, ensuring alignment with fundraising and organizational prioritiesEnsure consistent, compelling messaging across all platforms that supports mission, impact, and revenue goalsGuide strategies to be implemented by the Director of Marketing, Communication and Community Engagement for digital communications, storytelling, media relations, and community engagementStrengthen the organization’s public profile and reputation among key stakeholdersLeadership & StrategyServe as a strategic advisor to the CEO and Executive Team on development and external relationsCollaborate cross-functionally to align programs, services, and impact with fundraising and communications effortsLead, 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 organizationSystems, Compliance & OperationsEnsure effective use of CRM systems and data to inform fundraising and engagement strategiesOversee budgets related to development and external affairsEnsure compliance with ethical standards, donor restrictions, and applicable regulationsPhysical 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 RiverEquipment 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 preferred8–12+ years of progressive experience in nonprofit development, with demonstrated fundraising successProven experience leading major gift strategies and comprehensive fundraising programsStrong leadership experience managing senior staff, including marketing and communications professionalsExceptional relationship-building, communication, and strategic thinking skillsExperience working with and engaging boards of directors in fundraisingComfort representing the organization publicly with donors, partners, and community leadersCore CompetenciesStrategic fundraising leadershipExecutive presence and influenceTeam leadership and developmentDonor cultivation and stewardshipBrand and message alignmentCross-functional collaborationRequired 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/