Chief Philanthropy & External Affairs Officer

Insight Housing•Berkeley, CA

10d

About The Position

The Chief of Philanthropy & External Affairs Officer (CPEAO) is a dynamic and strategic leader responsible for driving Insight Housing's external engagement, communications, and revenue strategy. Reporting directly to the CEO and serving on the executive team, the CPEAO ensures alignment across fundraising, policy, and communications to advance organizational priorities and impact. With a goal of raising $3 million annually, the CPEAO provides strategic vision and leadership to the philanthropy team while also leading our efforts to shape public policy, build meaningful partnerships, and amplify the organization's voice. This role directly supervises the Philanthropy Manager and the Policy and Communications Manager.

Requirements

Proven Major Gifts & Capital Campaign Leadership: Brings a strong track record securing six- and seven-figure gifts, sustaining long-term donor relationships, and generating $3M+ annually. Demonstrates executive-level fundraising experience and the ability to grow philanthropy year over year
Strategic, Growth-Focused Fundraising Leader: A strategic thinker and hands-on operator who can connect philanthropy to Insight’s programmatic and real estate priorities. Sets ambitious goals, builds strategies to achieve them, and pivots in a competitive funding landscape
Exceptional Relationship Builder & External Ambassador: Charismatic, mission-driven storyteller who builds authentic relationships with donors, funders, corporate partners, community leaders, and policymakers. Comfortable representing Insight publicly and engaging the board as partners
Strong Communicator & Brand/MarCom Leader: Outstanding writer and speaker who can articulate Insight’s impact clearly and compellingly. Able to shape, refine, and elevate organizational messaging and guide or oversee communications strategy
Team Leader, Talent Developer & Culture Builder: Experienced in inspiring, developing, and holding a team accountable. Able to mentor a junior team, strengthen confidence, build structure, and lead through change
Data-Informed, Systems-Savvy Fundraiser: Uses data, research, and CRM tools (Salesforce, HubSpot, etc.) to manage pipelines, measure progress, and inform strategy. Brings discipline to forecasting, segmentation, and tracking
Leadership Style & Personal Qualities: Flexible and calm under pressure, with the ability to navigate shifting priorities with resilience and humor. Visionary and collaborative, operating effectively at the intersection of philanthropy, policy, and public engagement. Resourceful, intrinsically goal-driven, and achievement-oriented, with a strong sense of urgency balanced by thoughtfulness
Technology, Data & Tools: Proficiency in Microsoft Office is required; experience with Salesforce, HubSpot, and Canva is a plus. Comfortable using data and research to inform strategy, manage pipelines, and measure impact
Mission, Values & Equity: Deep commitment to racial justice, housing equity, and community well-being. Demonstrates cultural humility—approaches work with curiosity, openness, and respect
Administrative Requirements: Valid California driver’s license, personal vehicle, and compliance with insurance requirements. Must pass criminal and credit background checks
Physical Requirements: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is Regularly required to use hands and fingers to handle, feel, or operate objects, tools or controls, and reach with hands and arms. Frequently required to stand, walk, sit, climb stairs, talk, hear, and see clearly. May be occasionally required to stoop, kneel, or crouch. May be required to lift or move up to 10 lbs.

Nice To Haves

Sector Knowledge (Preferred, Not Required): Understanding of housing policy, homelessness systems, and real estate development capital needs
Board & Stakeholder Engagement: Comfortable with board partnership, network engagement, and community representation

Responsibilities

Lead and implement an integrated fundraising strategy to meet or exceed annual revenue goals ($3M for 2025).
Oversee all aspects of individual giving, institutional philanthropy (foundations and corporations), major gifts, planned giving, events, and capital campaigns.
Partner with the CEO and board to cultivate and steward top donors and prospects.
Guide prospect identification, donor engagement strategies, and stewardship systems.
Ensure efficient systems for donor management, tracking, and reporting.
Personally manage a portfolio of high-capacity donors and institutional funders, and partner with the CEO to strategically cultivate top prospects and relationships.
Regularly evaluate Insight Housing’s fundraising programs to ensure that they are effective and efficient.
Oversee grants and team members who own the research, proposal writing, and reporting requirements.
Oversee donor database and tracking systems and the stewardship, gift accounting, and reporting functions, ensuring all donors receive timely acknowledgement of their gifts.
Monitor and prepare regular reports regarding fundraising activities and progress for the CEO, Board of Directors, Leadership Team, and other stakeholders.
Ensure sound fiscal management and efficient allocation of resources, as well as compliance with all federal and state laws, regulations, and accounting standards related to charitable giving
Refine and broaden Insight Housing’s policy and advocacy voice in alignment with the 10-year vision of becoming a recognized leader in shaping housing and homelessness policy
Lead at least three regional or statewide policy campaigns grounded in community voice and organizational data
Develop and manage an annual policy agenda informed by participant experiences and outcome data
Build and deepen partnerships with coalitions, government agencies, and peer organizations to advance policy goals
Establish and co-lead an internal Policy and Advocacy Committee to foster cross-functional alignment and embed advocacy into organizational culture
Launch and oversee Insight’s Advocacy Training Program to equip staff and participants as community advocates
Ensure the regular publication of policy briefs, impact reports, and public comment letters to influence housing-related legislation and resource allocation
Lead and support the team in hosting community-led policy roundtables and actively participating in public hearings, lobbying days, and campaigns
Lead a unified external affairs strategy that aligns development, communications, and policy goals
Oversee brand management, media relations, marketing campaigns, and digital communications
Serve as a key spokesperson for Insight Housing to the media, funders, and community partners when the CEO can’t be present
Ensure consistent and compelling messaging across all platforms
Lead the Communications team to devise effective marketing and communications initiatives to support Insight, including campaigns that raise awareness and funds for the organization’s work
Directly supervise the Philanthropy Manager and Policy and Communications Manager
Build and nurture a high-performing, collaborative team culture
Set and evaluate annual goals, professional development plans, and team benchmarks
Collaborate with other C-Suite leaders to ensure cross-functional alignment
Lead budget development and oversight for the fundraising, communications, and policy departments, ensuring resources are used strategically and responsibly to support organizational priorities
Work closely with the CEO and board members on fundraising strategy and execution
Provide Board training and support to encourage engagement with their networks and their philanthropic potential
Drive own vehicle to the field and to other program sites, as required; documenting and reporting mileage according to agency procedures, so that services can be provided in a timely manner; comply with agency driving policy at all times.
Participate in promoting a safe, healthy, and clean working environment consistent with agency’s health and safety practices.
Attend and participate in all meetings and trainings as assigned.
Complete and submit own timesheets and approve staff timesheet in a timely and accurate manner.
Work within the framework of Insight Housing’s Code of Conduct.
Perform other tasks and projects as assigned.

Benefits

100% Employee-Paid Health Insurance Options
Comprehensive dental and vision benefit
50% employer paid premiums for dependents healthcare, vision, and dental
Flexible spending account
Retirement Plan with discretionary employer match
Basic Life & AD&D (Accidental Death & Dismemberment) Insurance
Voluntary life, accident, long-term disability, critical illness care, and hospital indemnity benefits
Voluntary pet insurance
Mental health resources – Enhanced employee assistance program, CALM app, and various other tools
Commuter benefits
19 paid holidays (including birthday/floating holiday) plus vacation and sick days.
Paid Parental Leave
Milestone anniversary program including 10-year anniversary sabbatical
Professional development reimbursement plan
Legal assistance through Rocket Lawyer
Employee discount program