Director, CEO Communications & External Engagement (Chicago / Hybrid)

Feeding America•Chicago, IL

6d•$112,000 - $117,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director, CEO Communications and External Engagement serves as the strategic communications partner to the CEO, in close partnership with the Chief Marketing and Communications Officer (CMCO), to own and advance the CEO’s external voice, visibility, and influence as a leading voice in hunger relief, policy, and social impact. This role shapes and operationalizes a cohesive CEO platform across high-impact external engagements, media, thought leadership, partnerships, and digital presence. It ensures the CEO’s voice is clear, consistent, differentiated, and fully operationalized, while tightly aligned with Feeding America’s enterprise strategy, brand narrative, and growth priorities. Operating within the Marketing and Communications function, this role works in deep partnership with the CMCO and cross-functional leaders to support broader executive communications and priority external initiatives. It ensures coordination, cohesion, and maximum enterprise impact, positioning CEO communications as a strategic lever for organizational influence and growth.

Requirements

10+ years of experience in executive communications, external communications, public affairs, or related fields, with a strong emphasis on supporting C-suite leaders in high-visibility roles
Proven experience shaping and executing external engagement strategies, including media, speaking platforms, thought leadership, and stakeholder-facing communications
Exceptional writing and storytelling skills, with demonstrated ability to translate complex, nuanced topics into clear, compelling narratives for diverse audiences
Experience preparing senior leaders for high-stakes external engagements, including media interviews, public speaking, and partner or policy forums
Strong understanding of media landscape, public positioning, and reputation management
Experience operating in complex, matrixed organizations, with the ability to influence and align cross-functional stakeholders
Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and decision-making in high-visibility and sensitive situations
Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver under tight timelines

Nice To Haves

Experience in nonprofit, policy, advocacy, or mission-driven organizations strongly preferred

Responsibilities

Lead External Voice and Positioning: In partnership with the CMCO, shape and advance the CEO’s voice and support other executive leaders as needed, ensuring a clear, consistent, and differentiated presence across hunger relief, policy, and social impact.
Drive External Engagement Strategy: Develop and manage a prioritized roadmap for external engagements, including speaking, media, partner convenings, and policy moments for the CEO and select executives, aligned to enterprise impact.
Develop High-Impact Content: Create speeches, talking points, op-eds, presentations, and digital content that translate complex issues into clear, human-centered, and action-oriented narratives.
Prepare Leaders for High-Visibility Engagements: Lead end-to-end preparation for external appearances, equipping the CEO and other leaders with messaging, context, and guidance to ensure clarity, confidence, and impact.
Activate Across Channels and Initiatives: Partner across MarCom and other FANO departments or external partners to integrate and amplify executive voices across campaigns, announcements, and strategic moments.
Expand Digital and Thought Leadership Presence: Strengthen and sustain executive visibility across digital platforms and key forums, ensuring consistent and strategically aligned presence.
Ensure Enterprise Alignment: Align all external communications with Feeding America’s brand narrative, 2030 strategy, and nonpartisan positioning, in close partnership with the CMCO.
Provide Strategic Counsel and Coordination: Monitor the external landscape, advise on positioning and opportunities, and coordinate cross-functional execution to maximize impact.