Chief of Staff and External Relations

CHIEF OF STAFF & EXTERNAL RELATIONS

Review of applications will begin October 12, 2026

Position Overview

The Chief of Staff & External Relations advances Foster Success’s mission by strengthening executive alignment, organizational strategy, government relations, advocacy, communications, and external positioning. This hybrid executive role serves as a strategic partner to the President & CEO while leading the organization’s government relations, public affairs, communications, and external engagement functions.

As Chief of Staff, this executive supports the President & CEO and senior leadership team in advancing organizational priorities, coordinating cross-functional initiatives, strengthening executive team effectiveness, and ensuring alignment between strategy and execution.

As Chief of External Affairs, this executive leads government relations, regulatory strategy, advocacy, communications, marketing, public affairs, media relations, and external positioning. The role serves as a senior representative and spokesperson for Foster Success when the CEO is not available.

The Chief of Staff & External Affairs facilitates executive alignment but does not hold supervisory authority over the other members of the executive leadership team.

The Chief of Staff & External Affairs is a member of the senior leadership team and reports directly to the President & CEO.

Primary Responsibilities

Executive Strategy & Organizational Leadership - Serve as a strategic partner to the CEO and executive leadership team; coordinate organizational priorities, cross-functional initiatives, strategic planning, executive decisions, and follow-through on CEO priorities.

Government Relations & Advocacy - Lead engagement with state and federal policymakers, regulatory agencies, advocacy coalitions, and other governmental stakeholders; monitor policy developments and advance Foster Success policy priorities.

Communications & Public Affairs - Oversee communications, marketing, public relations, media, digital presence, storytelling, and public affairs strategy; ensure consistent messaging and brand representation.

External Positioning & Relationships - Build relationships with policymakers, community leaders, media, coalitions, strategic partners, and other stakeholders; position Foster Success as a recognized leader.

Board & CEO Support - Support the CEO in Board meetings, strategic discussions, executive communications, major initiatives, and high-priority external engagements.

Organizational Alignment & Internal Communications - Strengthen communication and alignment across the executive team and organization.

Crisis & Reputation Management - Lead or coordinate responses to significant external issues, media inquiries, reputational risks, and communications crises.

As a member of the Foster Success Leadership Team, the Chief of Staff & Vice President of External Affairs is expected to:

· Serve as a strategic partner and trusted advisor to the President & CEO.

· Facilitate alignment and accountability across the executive leadership team without assuming supervisory authority over other executives.

· Work with Foster Success team members to shape organizational opportunities and strategies.

· Lead external communications and advocacy strategies that advance organizational priorities.

· Collaborate with the Chief Development Officer to align communications, storytelling, donor engagement, and stewardship.

· Collaborate with VP of Programs and VP of Expansion & Impact so participant experiences and organizational impact inform external positioning.

· Represent Foster Success with policymakers, media, community leaders, partners, and other stakeholders.

· Protect participant confidentiality and ensure appropriate consent and privacy practices in storytelling and communications.

· Seek regular professional development and learning opportunities.

Position Requirements

· Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree in public policy, communications, law, nonprofit management, or related field preferred.

· 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in government relations, policy, advocacy, communications, nonprofit management, executive leadership, or related areas.

· Deep commitment to empowering young people transitioning out of foster care.

· Demonstrated success building relationships with policymakers, media, community leaders, and other senior stakeholders.

· Experience leading communications, public affairs, advocacy, or government relations strategies.

· Demonstrated ability to manage complex, cross-functional initiatives and executive priorities.

· Strong understanding of nonprofit advocacy regulations and compliance requirements.

· Exceptional written, oral, interpersonal, and public speaking skills.

· Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, manage confidential information, and navigate sensitive organizational issues.

· Ability to serve as an effective organizational spokesperson and senior representative.

All Foster Success employees are required to:

· Display a strong commitment to the inclusion of all individuals in the workplace.

· Adhere to all policies and procedures outlined in Foster Success employment agreements and the organizational handbook, including confidentiality requirements for program participants, employee, donor, and organizational information.

· Work a flexible schedule that includes some weekends and evenings as necessary to meet organizational goals.

· Hold a valid Driver’s License and have access to a vehicle or the ability to rent a vehicle for work-related travel.

· Demonstrate proficiency in computer skills and experience with relevant software, including Salesforce and Google and Microsoft Products.