Director, External Affairs

Tilt Collective • Madison, MS

19h • Remote

About The Position

The Director of External Affairs will be responsible for developing Tilt Collective's profile and reputation, with a particular focus on the philanthropy sector (major climate and health foundations, family offices). The role will lead on media relations, digital engagement, brand strategy, and executive communications, while directly supporting the organization's fundraising objectives. Reporting to the Chief Partnerships Officer and working closely with our Directors of Philanthropy and Grants, and our Monitoring & Evaluation team, the role will shape how Tilt Collective tells its story and engages key philanthropy stakeholders across climate, health, and nature.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or related field (or equivalent professional experience)
• Extensive & proven experience in strategic external affairs or communications roles
• Native / Fluent English language ability; both written and verbal.
• Proven track record in media relations, brand (and senior executive profile) building, and stakeholder engagement at a senior level.
• Experience managing external communications partners/agencies.
• Proven experience leading international communications for a global organisation operating across multiple regions
• Strong understanding of sustainability, climate, health issues as they relate to the sustainability of food systems.
• Experience working in or with philanthropic organizations, foundations, or NGOs and leading on executive profile building and alongside fundraising teams.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with ability to craft compelling narratives for a philanthropy audience.
• Strategic thinker with proven ability to translate organizational goals into effective communications plans.
• Strong media relations skills.
• Proficiency in digital communications, social media platforms, and content management systems.
• Experience with communications analytics and performance measurement.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver under deadline pressure.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to influence and build relationships across all organizational levels.
• Collaborative leadership style with ability to work effectively across cultures and geographies.
• Entrepreneurial mindset suited to a growing organization.
• Comfort with ambiguity and rapid iteration in a start-up style environment.
• Adaptability and creative problem-solving skills.

Nice To Haves

• Other languages relevant to our regional presence advantageous (e.g. Portuguese, German)

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement Tilt Collective's external affairs strategy.
• Design targeted engagement plans for key audiences across climate, health, and nature sectors.
• Lead cross-functional communications initiatives, working and coordinating with teams across the wider organization.
• Manage external agencies, including communications agencies, graphic designers, and content creators.
• Track, analyze, and report on external affairs effectiveness using relevant metrics and insights.
• Help shape Tilt Collective's core narrative around balanced diets and food systems transformation.
• Develop adaptable messaging frameworks that maintain consistency while allowing for cultural sensitivity across global markets.
• Create and curate messaging, storytelling and visual content that accurately reflects our work and that resonates with diverse donor audiences.
• Develop and oversee Tilt Collective’s events strategy, including donor and grantee partner convening opportunities.
• Lead on developing and executing communications profile building for Tilt Collective, its CEO and selected senior leaders.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with specialist and mainstream media and drive proactive media opportunities, and manage reactive media enquiries.
• Manage Tilt's media strategy and reputation, ensuring consistent messaging and brand across all channels and content.
• Cultivate relationships with communications counterparts at partner philanthropies.
• Maintain crisis communications plans.
• Develop our brand guidelines and ensure consistency across all markets and touchpoints.
• Oversee our digital presence including our website and social media channels.
• Support the crafting of high-impact communications materials that support fundraising objectives and articulate Tilt's value proposition.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director