Chief External Affairs Officer (CEAO) - Hybrid, Full Time at Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey

Riverdale, New Jersey, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

08 Oct, 26

Salary

155000.0

Posted On

10 Jul, 26

Experience

10 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Fundraising, Major Gifts, Government Relations, Public Affairs, Marketing, Communications, Strategic Leadership, Relationship Building, Team Leadership, Public Policy, Advocacy, Community Engagement, Data Analysis, Storytelling, Philanthropy, Stakeholder Engagement

Industry

Non-profit Organization Management

Description

Description The Chief External Affairs Officer (CEAO) is a senior leader responsible for advancing the mission and long-term sustainability of Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey (GSNNJ) through exceptional external engagement. Reporting directly to the CEO and serving as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, the CEAO provides strategic leadership across major and principal gifts, government relations, marketing and communications, and public affairs. This role requires a proven, results-driven leader with a strong track record of personally engaging and securing major gifts, cultivating high-level donor and corporate relationships, and successfully navigating government and public-sector partnerships. The CEAO will play a critical role in positioning GSNNJ as a trusted nonprofit partner with donors, corporations, foundations, municipalities, and government stakeholders across northern New Jersey. Essential Duties: Fundraising & Major Gift Leadership · Design and execute strategies to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward high-net-worth donors and institutional partners. · Serve as a frontline major gift leader with a demonstrated record of securing significant philanthropic investments from individuals, corporations, and foundations. · Build and manage a robust major gifts pipeline with clear metrics, accountability, and results-focused outcomes. · Provide executive oversight for corporate partnerships including sponsorships, cause-marketing initiatives, and long-term corporate alliances as well as foundation relations, public funding, and grant partnerships, ensuring alignment with mission priorities. · Partner closely with the CEO and Board of Directors to advance donor engagement, solicitation strategies, and stewardship efforts. · Provide strategic leadership for GSNNJ’s Fund Development function. Foster a strong culture of philanthropy across the organization, reinforcing shared accountability for fundraising success. Strategic Marketing Communications & Public Affairs · Provide strategic leadership for GSNNJ’s marketing and communications functions to strengthen brand awareness, public trust, and community engagement. · Provide strategic leadership for GSNNJ’s Marketing Communications function. Oversee media relations, public relations campaigns, and crisis communications strategy. · Ensure consistent, collaborative, and compelling storytelling that highlights GSNNJ’s impact on girls, families, and communities. · Leverage data and insights to refine outreach strategies and measure performance. Government Affairs, Public Policy & Advocacy · Support the President/CEO in planning and executing GSNNJ’s government relations strategy, including engagement with local, county, state, and federal officials and agencies. · Prior experience of participating in government initiatives, public-sector partnerships, or advocacy efforts aligned with youth development, education, equity, and workforce readiness. · Monitor public policy trends and funding opportunities impacting Girl Scouts and keep the CEO apprised of future opportunities. · Support representation efforts of GSNNJ in coalitions, advocacy initiatives, and civic forums that elevate the organization’s visibility and influence. · Support the CEO with briefing materials, talking points, and strategy related to government engagement and public affairs. Board & Organizational Leadership · Actively engage and support the Board of Directors in fundraising, advocacy, and external relations. · Lead and support relevant Board committees, including Fund Development and the comprehensive campaign committee · Build, mentor, and lead high-performing teams across development, communications, and public affairs. Requirements Education, Skills, Experience Requirement: · Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred in communications, public affairs, public policy, nonprofit leadership, or a related field. · 15+ years of experience with fundraising, external affairs, government relations, and strategic partnerships. · Proven record of personally securing major and transformational gifts. · Demonstrated experience engaging with government entities, public funding sources, and advocacy or policy initiatives. · Strong understanding of public-sector environments and stakeholder engagement. · Exceptional executive presence, relationship-building, and communication skills. · Strategic thinker with the ability to balance vision with hands-on execution. · Experience leading cross-functional teams and managing organizational growth. · Preferred community connections within G SNNJ’s jurisdiction (Bergen, Morris, Passaic, Sussex, or Warren counties). · Membership in GSUSA is required upon employment and annually thereafter (cost covered by GSNNJ) · Ability to work a flexible schedule including some evenings and weekends. · Valid driver’s license, reliable automobile and auto insurance. · Ability to travel throughout the jurisdiction to attend meetings during the day/evening/weekend Physical Demands and Environment: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate. We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package to support the health and overall well-being of our employees. Benefits for our full-time employees include medical, dental, and vision insurance; a 401k retirement plan with an employer match; paid time off for vacation, sick days, and holidays with offices closed for winter holiday break; parental leave benefits, life, disability, accidental and critical illness insurance; legal and pet insurance; employee assistance program, professional development opportunities; flexibility and a supportive and inclusive work environment. Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey is an Equal Opportunity Employer, drug free workplace, and complies with ADA regulations as applicable.

Responsibilities

The Chief External Affairs Officer (CEAO) is responsible for advancing the mission of Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey through external engagement, including fundraising, marketing, and government relations. The CEAO will lead efforts to secure major gifts and cultivate relationships with donors and public-sector partners.