Chief External Relations Officer

Vital Voices Global Partnership•Columbia, WA

10d•Hybrid

About The Position

Vital Voices Global Partnership is a leading international non-profit organization. We invest in women leaders who are tackling the world’s greatest challenges – from gender-based violence to the climate crisis, economic inequities, and more. We are “venture catalysts,” identifying leaders with a daring vision for change and partnering with them to make that vision a reality. What sets Vital Voices apart is that we make long-term, holistic investments in leaders with bold ideas for change — providing them connections, capacity, a network of their peers, financial support, and visibility for their work. We have provided early support for leaders who went on to become Nobel Peace Laureates, US Youth Poet Laureates, Prime Ministers, award winning innovators and breakthrough social entrepreneurs. Over the past 27 years, we have directly invested in more than 47,000 change-makers across 188 countries, who in turn have improved the lives of millions of people in their communities and countries. Vital Voices’ staff is headquartered in Washington, DC. In the coming years, we have a bold vision to dramatically scale our impact. In early 2022, we opened the first ever Global Headquarters for Women’s Leadership, a 30,000+ sq. ft. historic building just blocks from the White House on 16th Street. It is a hub of activity, events, and collaborations — bringing together women leaders and their allies to tackle the world’s greatest challenges. Vital Voices seeks an accomplished, strategic, and inspiring Chief E xternal Relations Officer (CERO) to lead the organization’s global communications, events, and development strategy. Reporting directly to the CEO, the CERO will oversee a team responsible for brand positioning, fundraising, and stakeholder engagement - ensuring the organization’s voice, visibility, and revenue growth align with its ambitions mission and expanding global footprint. This is a pivotal role for an executive with proven experience in integrated communications, philanthropy, and high-profile events who thrives in a dynamic, mission-driven environment. This leader must bring a deep understanding of global dynamics, current affairs and cultural nuances, with the ability to navigate and respond to world events that impact women and communities worldwide. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated success in leading cross-cultural teams, building relationships across borders, and crafting messaging that resonates across varied cultural contexts. The ideal candidate will bring strong experience in fundraising and external affairs, with a proven track record of designing and implementing integrated campaigns that mobilize resources, elevate visibility, and advance mission impact. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of a fast-growing, global nonprofit committed to empowering women leaders.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in communications, international relations, public affairs, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
15+ years of senior-level experience in fundraising, board relations, communications, and external affairs, preferably in a growth focused nonprofit or mission-driven organization.
Proven success in designing and implementing multi-million-dollar fundraising campaigns and cultivating high-level donor relationships.
Exceptional communication, storytelling, and writing skills, with experience tailoring messages to diverse global audiences.
Strategic thinker with strong analytic and project management skills; able to balance visionary leadership with hands-on execution.
Demonstrated experience leading and mentoring cross-functional teams through organizational growth and change.
Deep understanding of digital marketing tools and analytics to optimize outreach and engagement.
Commitment to the mission of Vital Voices and experience working in global women’s leadership, human rights, or similar fields.

Nice To Haves

Nonprofit leadership experience with a focus on fundraising and integrated communications strategy.
Familiarity with women’s empowerment, civil society, or humanitarian sectors.
International experience and additional language skills are a plus.

Responsibilities

Drive a comprehensive fundraising strategy to grow diversified revenue across individual , corporate , and foundations. This role will lead and coach a team of 8 staff in the overall engagement of corporate, foundation and individual donors to ensure the cultivation, acquisition, renewal, and stewardship of donations.
Cultivate, solicit , and steward relationships with a portfolio of high-net-worth donors, foundations, and brand partners aligned with the Vital Voices mission.
Work with the Development team to set and achieve annual revenue goals and multi-year growth plans.
Partner with the CEO and Board to strengthen and leverage philanthropic relationships and fundraising capacity.
Align development strategy with communications to ensure consistent messaging and compelling storytelling that inspires investment.
Oversee a global communications strategy that elevates the Vital Voices brand and strengthens media visibility.
Serve as a spokesperson and brand steward, ensuring consistent messaging across digital, social, and earned media.
Lead crisis and reputational communications, supporting executive visibility and institutional credibility.
Advance storytelling that highlights the impact of women leaders in the Vital Voices network.
Expand Vital Voices’ digital presence through robust use of social media, web platforms, and newsletters.
Lead efforts to build and sustain high-impact partnerships with corporations, media outlets, advocacy groups, and mission-aligned institutions.
Act as a key spokesperson and media contact, strengthening Vital Voices’ presence in national and international media.
Oversee strategic planning and execution of major organizational events and convenings that raise visibility and deepen engagement.
Partner with program and advocacy teams to amplify field work through strategic external engagement.
Serve as a key advisor to the CEO and senior leadership on communications, advancement, crisis response, and positioning strategies.
Lead and manage a high-performing External Relations team , fostering a collaborative, accountable, and mission-driven culture.
Set clear, measurable objectives and regularly report progress toward strategic advancement goals.
Represent Vital Voices externally at events, forums, and in the media, serving as a compelling ambassador of the organization.