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Vice President External Affairs Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Openlands

Vice President of External Affairs

Chicago, IL · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

The Vice President of External Affairs is a member of Openlands' Senior Leadership Team, responsible for integrating and leading the organization's development and communications strategies. This ...

Democracy Fund

$154 - $186/hr

Reporting directly to the Senior Vice President of External Affairs, you will serve as a key leader and connective tissue across departments, driving integrated campaigns--including our strategic ...

Indiana Electric Cooperatives

$150 - $190/hr

Vice President of Strategic Engagement & External Affairs The Vice President of Strategic Engagement & External Affairs serves as a member of the Cooperative's executive leadership team and provides ...

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How much do vice president external affairs jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for vice president external affairs in the United States is $142,106.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,500.00 and $163,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a vice president external affairs?

A Vice President of External Affairs is a senior executive responsible for managing an organization's relationships with external stakeholders, including government agencies, industry groups, media, and the public. They develop and implement strategies to enhance the organization's public image, influence policy, and build strategic partnerships. Their role often involves advocacy, communications, and corporate social responsibility initiatives. By fostering strong external relationships, they help advance the organization's objectives and maintain a positive reputation.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a vice president external affairs?

A Vice President External Affairs typically oversees the development and execution of strategies to build and maintain relationships with key external stakeholders, such as government officials, community leaders, industry partners, and the media. On a daily basis, you may draft and review communications, represent the organization at public or industry events, coordinate advocacy efforts, and manage crisis situations or sensitive issues. Collaboration with internal executives, legal teams, and communications staff is frequent to ensure that messaging and policies align with organizational goals. The role also involves regular monitoring of legislative and regulatory developments that could impact the organization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the vice president external affairs position?

To thrive as a Vice President External Affairs, you need expertise in public relations, stakeholder engagement, strategic communications, and a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant field such as communications, public policy, or business. Familiarity with CRM platforms, media monitoring tools, and government relations databases is often essential, as are memberships in relevant professional associations. Outstanding leadership, negotiation, and relationship-building skills set exceptional candidates apart in this strategic position. These skills are crucial for effectively managing an organization's external reputation, building influential partnerships, and navigating complex regulatory or public environments.

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Vice President External Affairs jobs near you
Infographic showing various Vice President External Affairs job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $142,106 per year, or $68.3 per hour.

Vice President of External Affairs

Openlands

Chicago, IL • On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Key responsibilities

  • Lead the organization's fundraising strategy, including major gifts, annual giving, grants, corporate sponsorships, and planned giving.

  • Direct strategic communications, public relations, media engagement, and digital presence to promote the organization's mission and brand.

  • Build, manage, and mentor the Development and Communications teams, and build relationships with donors, partners, media, and the public.

Job description

The Vice President of External Affairs is a member of Openlands' Senior Leadership Team, responsible for integrating and leading the organization's development and communications strategies. This role ensures that fundraising, messaging, and public engagement consistently advance Openlands' mission: conserving vital landscapes, connecting people with nature, and rooting land at the heart of our region's identity and resilience.

Reporting to the President and CEO, the VP builds and stewards relationships with donors, partners, media, and the public, and works closely with the Vice Presidents of Policy and Land Conservation and Land Management to ensure that storytelling and fundraising are fully integrated across the land conservation lifecycle — from policy and acquisition through community-driven restoration and long-term stewardship.

The VP directly supervises the Communications team and the Development team. Given the Director of Development's fundraising responsibilities, that role also maintains a dotted-line relationship to the President and CEO.

Essential Job Functions

Leadership and Strategy

Serve on the Senior Leadership Team, shaping Openlands' strategic direction, priorities, and cross-functional collaboration.

Act as strategic advisor to the CEO and executive team on all external affairs matters.

Develop and execute an integrated external affairs strategy that aligns development, communications, and brand.

Build, manage, and mentor high-performing Development and Communications teams.

Partner with the Vice Presidents of Policy and Land Conservation and Land Management to ensure fundraising and communications reflect accurate, compelling impact data.

Collaborate with Finance leadership at the beginning of each fiscal year to ensure fiscal alignment.

Communications and Branding

Direct strategic communications, public relations, media engagement, and digital presence.

Ensure consistent, compelling brand messaging across all channels; serve as steward of brand voice and visual identity.

Lead crisis communications response.

Partner with fellow VPs to translate program outcomes into compelling public stories and visuals.

Partner with the Board of Directors and Communications Committee to advance strategic communications and brand objectives.

Development and Fundraising

Lead the organization's fundraising strategy — major gifts, annual giving, grants, corporate sponsorships, and planned giving — in partnership with the President and CEO.

Directly manage the Director of Development, coordinating closely with the CEO given the role's dotted-line reporting.

Cultivate and steward relationships with major donors and institutional funders.

Partner with the Board of Directors and Development Committee to advance fundraising goals.

Build the systems, processes, and staff capacity needed to support donor growth and retention.

Data, Evaluation and Impact

Partner with the Vice Presidents of Policy and Land Conservation and Land Management to build shared systems for collecting, evaluating, and reporting data across land-based programs.

Define success metrics and track progress toward organization-wide goals alongside fellow VPs.

Use data and evaluation results to shape fundraising and communications narratives.

Ensure public materials accurately reflect shared outcomes and organizational success measures.

Partnerships and Public Engagement

Build relationships with government agencies, community partners, peer organizations, and media.

Develop strategies to raise visibility and public awareness of Openlands' mission and programs.

Represent Openlands at key events, conferences, and donor meetings.

Education, Skills and Abilities

Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, communications, public relations, environmental studies, or a related field preferred; Master's degree a plus.

Minimum 10 years of progressive leadership experience in fundraising, communications, or external affairs; nonprofit and/or environmental sector experience strongly preferred.

Proven success leading integrated development and communications teams, with a track record of effective impact storytelling.

Demonstrated ability to build donor and media relationships that advance mission and funding.

Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

Strong strategic thinking, planning, and organizational development skills.

Commitment to conservation as a tool for equity, climate resilience, biodiversity, and public good.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office; familiarity with Salesforce a plus.

Willingness to travel regionally for meetings, site visits, and public events.