Chief External Affairs Officer

Department: Operations

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Huntington YMCA

Reporting To: CEO

Compensation: $225,000 - $250,000 / year

Description

POSITION SUMMARY:
Grounded in equity, belonging, community voice, and meaningful partnership, the CEAO is a first-time role at YGB. The CEAO will ensure that YGB’s narrative, priorities, positioning, and impact are communicated with clarity and authenticity ensuring that member and community voices are continuously integrated in messaging. This leader will maintain a sophisticated understanding of sector dynamics, including shifts in public policy, philanthropic trends, and regional priorities—to ensure YGB remains visible, influential, relevant, and well-positioned where decisions, elevation and opportunities take shape. 

As a strategist, connector, and systems-thinker the CEAO will lead the integrated efforts of high-performing teams across development, communications, and government relations; establish structures that drive consistent, values-aligned external engagement; and represent the organization in regional networks, civic coalitions, business forums, and sector convenings. The CEAO will also strengthen cross-organizational collaboration, fostering alignment, transparency, and opportunities for elevation and responsiveness across locations and program areas. In partnership with the CEO and Board, this leader will serve as a strategic advisor, informing long-term direction, organizational positioning, resource development for mission advancement.

Key Responsibilities

Key Areas of Leadership

1. Strategic Leadership & Organizational Positioning

• Develop and lead an external affairs strategy that integrates fundraising, communications, media relations, government affairs, corporate and community engagement.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to the CEO, Executive Leadership Team, and Board on visibility, partnerships, resource development, and long-term positioning.
• Advance enterprise-level initiatives—including system modernization, new media strategy— through strategic engagement and storytelling. 
• Ensure a collaborative, inclusive, and accountable team culture across all external-facing functions.
• Create shared practices that support decentralized teams in storytelling, branding, donor engagement, and external representation.

2. Development, Philanthropy & Resource Strategy- With VP of Development:

• Lead a mission-aligned development strategy centered on relationship-building, equity, and long-term partnership.
• Ensure fundraising priorities are co-developed with internal leaders across locations and program areas and informed by community needs.
• Oversee the full philanthropic portfolio including annual giving, major gifts, foundation and corporate funding and partnerships, public and private grant-seeking, sponsorships, and events.
• Provide strategic foresight on emerging opportunities, risks, and sector trends to the CEO, Executive Leadership Team, and Board.

3. Communications, Brand & External Messaging- With VP of Communications:

• Lead a values-driven communications strategy that strengthens brand identity, advances equity, and amplifies organizational impact.
• Oversee storytelling, digital engagement, media relations, partnership events, and crisis communications, ensuring accessible, clear, and authentic messaging.
• Ensure message alignment across all external platforms and audiences, building trust with staff, donors, partners, and community members.
• Partner with the COO and CFO to communicate progress on major organizational initiatives through transparent and mission-centered messaging.

4. Government Relations & Advocacy - With Sr. Director of Partnerships & Community Affairs and Relevant Leaders:

• Serve as one of the organization’s representatives in government and civic spaces, ensuring the organization is present where decisions, funding opportunities, and sector priorities are shaped.
• Lead an advocacy strategy that reflects community needs, advances equitable outcomes, and positions the organization as a trusted, expert, and scale partner in youth development, community wellbeing, and mental health.
• With partnership of Grants & Contracts Manager, prepare strategic recommendations, analyses, and responses based on legislative and regulatory developments.

5. Strategic Partnerships & Community EngagementWith Sr. Director of Partnerships & Community Affairs and Relevant Leaders: