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Director External Affairs Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Director, External Affairs Team : External Affairs Location : In-Person in Chicago (IL) Employment Type : Full-time FLSA Classification : Exempt Start Date : ASAP About Braven Braven is a national ...

Director, External Affairs Team : External Affairs Location : In-Person in Chicago (IL) Employment Type : Full-time FLSA Classification : Exempt Start Date : ASAP About Braven Braven is a national ...

Director, External Affairs Team : External Affairs Location : In-Person in Chicago (IL) Employment Type : Full-time FLSA Classification : Exempt Start Date : ASAP About Braven Braven is a national ...

Title Director, External Affairs Reports To Chief Power Officer The Job The Director of External Affairs leads efforts to advance Core Scientific's strategic position and stakeholder adoption across ...

Summary The Director of External Affairs will be responsible for assisting with the daily functions of the Office of External Affairs including leading Tarrant County's comprehensive communications ...

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Director External Affairs information

What does a Director of External Affairs do?

A Director of External Affairs manages an organization's relationships with external stakeholders, including government agencies, media, community organizations, and industry partners. They develop communication strategies, advocate for policy initiatives, and enhance the organization's public image. Their role often involves overseeing public relations, corporate social responsibility efforts, and regulatory affairs to align external engagement with business goals. Effective Directors of External Affairs ensure that the organization maintains positive relationships and a strong reputation within its industry and community.

What jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

In the US, executive roles such as Chief Executive Officers, Chief Financial Officers, and other C-suite positions often have annual compensation exceeding $500,000, especially in large corporations. High-level sales roles, specialized medical professionals, and successful entrepreneurs can also reach this income level, often requiring advanced skills, extensive experience, and significant responsibility.

What does a director of external affairs do?

A director of external affairs manages an organization's relationships with external stakeholders such as government agencies, community groups, and partners. They develop strategies for public relations, advocacy, and communication to support organizational goals and often oversee media relations, policy initiatives, and corporate social responsibility efforts.

Is PR a high paying job?

Public Relations (PR) roles, including positions like Director of External Affairs, can offer high salaries, especially with extensive experience and in large organizations. Compensation varies based on industry, location, and company size, with senior roles often earning six-figure incomes. Skills in strategic communication, media relations, and crisis management are highly valued in this field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Director External Affairs position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director External Affairs, you need expertise in public relations, government affairs, and strategic communication, often supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in communications, public policy, or a related field. Familiarity with customer relationship management (CRM) tools, media monitoring software, and legislative tracking systems is valuable, as are certifications in public affairs or project management. Exceptional interpersonal skills, political savvy, and the ability to build strong networks set standout candidates apart. These competencies are crucial for effectively managing organizational reputation, advocating for company interests, and fostering strong external partnerships.

What jobs pay 10,000 a month without a degree?

A Director of External Affairs typically earns well over $10,000 per month, especially in large organizations or industries like government, non-profits, or corporate sectors, often requiring strong communication, negotiation, and strategic skills. Other high-paying roles without a degree include sales managers, real estate brokers, and certain entrepreneurial positions, but these often depend on experience, network, and performance. Most jobs paying this salary level emphasize skills and experience over formal education.

What are some typical daily responsibilities for a Director of External Affairs?

As a Director of External Affairs, your daily responsibilities may include developing and executing strategies to strengthen relationships with government agencies, industry partners, the media, and community stakeholders. You will often coordinate cross-functional teams to address legislative issues, prepare briefing materials for senior leadership, and represent the organization at external events or meetings. Additionally, tracking relevant policy developments and responding to emerging public relations challenges are key aspects of the role. Collaboration with internal teams such as legal, marketing, and executive leadership is also common to ensure cohesive advocacy and messaging.

More about Director External Affairs jobs
What cities are hiring for Director External Affairs jobs? Cities with the most Director External Affairs job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of External Affairs jobs? The most popular types of External Affairs jobs are:
What states have the most Director External Affairs jobs? States with the most job openings for Director External Affairs jobs include:
Infographic showing various Director External Affairs job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 5% Temporary, 13% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.
Director, External Affairs

Director, External Affairs

Braven

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Director, External Affairs
Team: External Affairs
Location: In-Person in Chicago (IL)
Employment Type: Full-time
FLSA Classification: Exempt
Start Date: ASAP
About Braven
Braven is a national nonprofit that prepares promising college students to secure a strong first opportunity after college graduation through a career-accelerating program.
We work with higher education and employer partners to offer a life-changing experience that begins with a semester-long course for college students, followed by support that lasts through graduation.
Together, our ambition is to help rebuild the middle class and revitalize the American Dream.
To learn more, take a look at Braven's Impact report.
About the Role
In order to achieve its ambition of serving 80,000-100,000 Fellows over the next decade, Braven is hiring a Director, External Affairs to play a pivotal role in growing our Chicago corporate and philanthropic fundraising through partnering closely with Braven's Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief External Affairs Officer, and the Chicago program team. This role will be responsible for cultivating new prospective partners and stewarding existing philanthropic and employer partnerships, supporting volunteer recruitment, engaging with and helping to build the Chicago Board, engaging the local Investor Committee, and advancing Braven's brand.
This role is on the External Affairs team and reports directly to the Chief External Affairs Officer.
What You'll Do
Development and Board Management (75%)
  • Donor and Prospect Cultivation
  • Partner with the CEO, Chief External Affairs Officer, and development team to establish the Chicago region's fundraising strategy, annual revenue game plan, and quarterly action plans; track progress to goal and weighted pipeline, adjusting as needed.
  • Steward donor relationships with excellence, leading prep and follow-up, joining most regional meetings, and owning a portfolio of relationships.
  • Identify, vet, and cultivate new prospects; conduct research on priority prospects, create individualized cultivation plans, and project manage execution through the Moves Management stages from ask to commitment to renewal.
  • Co-plan and execute external affairs-focused events; project manage national cultivation campaigns and ongoing stewardship of all Chicago region stakeholders except schools.
  • Support the CEO and Chief External Affairs Officer in stewarding local community influencers; develop relationships with champion Fellows and Post Accelerator Fellows and prepare them to represent Braven externally.
  • Monitor higher education partner and new site updates to stay current on strategy, Fellow recruitment, MOU renewal context, and key relationships.
  • Review grant application and report drafts; support timely submission of high-quality narratives and data.
  • Board Management
  • Partner with the CEO and Chief External Affairs Officer to steward current board members, identify and vet prospects, and develop cultivation and engagement plans.
  • Prepare and join 1:1 meetings and engagements with board members; customize collateral, lead prep and follow-up.
  • Project manage all board meetings and lead content planning, including the management memo, run of show, deck, and pre- and post-follow-up communications.

Employer Partnerships (EP) & Volunteer Recruitment (15%)
  • Partner with the national employer partnerships team to create the Chicago region's Employer Partnership (EP) strategy for revenue, volunteer, and program opportunities - identifying EP prospects, building a pipeline, researching, and creating engagement plans.
  • Serve as a conduit of information about the Chicago region's program needs, deeply understanding nuances and priorities, and advocating for shared-value solutions for Fellows and EPs.
  • Manage a portfolio of ~10-20 Chicago region local EPs, recruiting volunteers, preparing meetings, sourcing opportunities, and co-hosting events.
  • Collaborate with the central EP team on local contacts for EPs in the national portfolio and take the lead with the central EP director in meetings.
  • Support in-person events at EPs for Fellows.
  • Support volunteer recruitment through in-person info sessions, tabling, and personal outreach with national and local partners.

Other External Partnership Support (10%)
  • Partner with Braven's national communications, marketing, and policy teams to advance Chicago's external presence, including building a local policy agenda, securing brand visibility opportunities (speaking engagements, awards, media coverage), and supporting applications for public funding.
  • Support execution of national campaigns and initiatives at the local level, including the Jobs Report and Impact Report processes, social media content, and conference participation for Chicago program leadership.
  • Provide meeting prep, follow-up, and event support for the CEO and Chief External Affairs Officer on communications, marketing, and policy-related engagements.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Requirements
Minimum Requirements
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • 3-5 years of related work experience in development, corporate partnerships, or high-stakes relationship management.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Proven ability to strategically identify, build, and develop relationships, with a strong aptitude for influencing others.
  • Strong project management, strategic planning, and organizational skills, with a proven ability to collaborate effectively across lines of difference.
  • Problem-solving mindset with adaptability in complex environments.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Track record of meeting or exceeding ambitious goals.
  • Proficiency in Google Suite and Salesforce.
  • Demonstrated commitment to building strong and welcoming cultures that help to develop others.
  • Exemplification of Braven's core values.
  • Experience that has informed your belief in Braven's mission and has prepared you to work with, or for, Braven's student Fellow population.

Please know that no one ever meets 100% of the preferred qualifications. If much of this describes you, we encourage you to apply.
Work Demands
  • Ability to work in-person in Chicago (IL) at least 3 days per week
  • Ability to work in the evening for Braven related events and programming.
  • Travel once/year to Braven's All Team Retreat.

Additional Requirements
  • Authorized to work in the U.S.
  • Braven doesn't offer employment visa sponsorship.

Application & Interview Process
While the interview process may vary slightly, the general process will be:
  • Phone screen with Talent Team member
  • Performance Task
  • Interview with Hiring Manager
  • Panel Interview with Key Partners
  • Reference Checks

Benefits
Compensation and Benefits
Braven offers competitive base salaries based on the midpoint of the market among not-for-profit organizations of similar size, with opportunities for salary growth over time. We believe in compensating staff members fairly in relation to each other, their qualifications, and their impact on behalf of the organization, and take internal and external equity seriously. Given our commitment to equity, Braven does not negotiate salary offers; instead, each salary offer is determined carefully using external and internal benchmarking.
Starting salary within the range is determined by role scope and qualifications, with new hires starting at the lower end to allow for growth with performance. Braven does not base compensation on individual candidate salary expectations and is committed to maintaining internal equity. The salary ranges, by geographic market, for this role are set forth as $92,000-$114,900 in Chicago. This is a full-time, exempt, and benefits eligible position where you will be working at 100% capacity.
Braven also provides competitive, comprehensive benefits, recognition, and career development. While Braven reserves the right to change benefits at any time, current benefits include:
  • Unlimited vacation time in addition to org-wide holidays and week-long shutdowns in July and the end of the calendar year (this is a minimum of 19 days per year)
  • Braven supports your path to parenthood and beyond with $25,000 in lifetime Carrot benefits for fertility, family-building, and hormonal health
  • Match of your 401K contribution up to 5% of your base annual salary, starting your first full month
  • Coverage of 85% of health insurance premium for employee and dependents
  • 12 weeks of paid parental leave
  • A one-month paid sabbatical after 4 years on staff

Location
We gather in the office at least 3 days per week (on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday) and often work remotely 2 days per week (although certain commitments might adjust that from time to time). Therefore, this role requires teammates to live within commuting distance of Chicago. We believe in the magic, connection, and collaboration that happens when people work together face-to-face, and we believe in giving people flexibility to focus, balance personal priorities, and save themselves two commutes per week.
Braven is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected factor. We encourage talented individuals of all backgrounds to apply.