Director of External Affairs

Director of External Affairs Position: Director of External Affairs Position Type: Full-time, exempt Reports to: Executive Director Location: Chicago, IL (Hybrid Work Environment) Start Date: August 2026 Position Overview The Director of External Affairs is a senior leadership role responsible for advancing PCC’s external engagement strategy across communications, government affairs, advocacy, and community engagement. PCC is seeking a seasoned external affairs leader with demonstrated success in advocacy, coalition‑building, stakeholder engagement, and legislative strategy who can effectively translate research and policy priorities into meaningful public impact. This position ensures that PCC’s research, policy priorities, and institutional partnerships are translated into compelling public narratives, coordinated advocacy strategies, and strong relationships with policymakers, partners, funders, and the broader public. Core Responsibilities External Affairs Strategy and Organizational Leadership (40%) Develop and lead PCC’s integrated external affairs strategy across communications, government affairs, and community engagement. Partner with the Executive Director and other members of the Senior Leadership Team to align external engagement with PCC’s strategic priorities and policy agenda. Ensure that PCC’s external messaging, advocacy strategies, and public engagement activities reinforce one another and support measurable policy outcomes. Establish systems, planning rhythms, and cross‑team coordination processes that ensure communications, advocacy, and engagement efforts operate cohesively. Contribute to organization‑wide planning, budgeting, and performance monitoring related to external affairs activities. Supervise communications and government affairs staff, providing leadership, coaching, and professional development. Serve as a key organizational leader by contributing to strategic planning, goal‑setting, and cross‑functional alignment in support of PCC’s mission and values. Support board reporting and, when appropriate, present on programmatic work, progress, and impact. Actively shape and sustain a high‑performing, inclusive, and equity‑centered culture that promotes collaboration, innovation, accountability, and continuous learning across teams. Manage external consultants, vendors, and contractors as needed. Communications and Public Narrative (30%) Oversee PCC’s communications strategy, including messaging, media relations, digital communications, and public storytelling. Translate PCC’s research, policy analysis, and institutional partnership efforts into accessible and compelling narratives for policymakers, media, and the general public. Lead the strategy for releasing and amplifying PCC’s reports, publications, campaigns, and public‑facing materials to expand the organization’s public footprint and influence; ensure publications are strategically timed, communicated, and leveraged across media, policymakers, and partners to advance PCC’s broader public affairs and advocacy goals. Serve as a public spokesperson for PCC and prepare senior leaders and partners to represent the organization effectively. Build and sustain relationships with media outlets, journalists, and thought leaders to increase coverage and awareness of PCC’s work. Government Affairs and Advocacy (20%) Lead PCC’s government affairs strategy by aligning legislative engagement, coalition partnerships, and advocacy efforts with the organization’s annual policy priorities. Collaborate closely with the Policy and Advocacy team to ensure coordinated strategy, consistent messaging, and effective advancement of PCC’s policy agenda at the state and federal levels. Build and sustain strong relationships with policymakers, legislative staff, state agencies, and advocacy partners. Coordinate advocacy campaigns that advance PCC’s policy priorities and strengthen public investment in equitable higher education outcomes. Partner with the Policy and Advocacy and Data and Research teams to translate analysis and insights into clear and effective advocacy strategies. Support the organization’s engagement with coalitions and statewide initiatives focused on higher education equity. Community Engagement and Partnerships (10%) Strengthen PCC’s relationships with community organizations, student leaders, and advocacy partners across Illinois. Develop strategies for engaging communities in PCC’s work, ensuring that policy priorities are informed by lived experience and community expertise. Support coalition building and collaborative initiatives that advance shared goals across the higher education ecosystem. Qualifications Required: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and professional experience. At least 6 years of experience in government affairs, policy advocacy, communications, public affairs, or related leadership roles. Demonstrated experience contributing to media coverage, as well as developing and implementing strategic communications or advocacy campaigns at the local, state, or federal level. Strong understanding of policy and advocacy, coalition building, and public engagement strategies. Proven ability to build and sustain trusting relationships with policymakers, media, and community stakeholders while demonstrating exemplary integrity. Experience managing interns, consultants, and/or staff and leading cross‑functional initiatives. Flexibility to navigate frequently evolving political scenarios and organizational needs. Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. Commitment to advancing racial equity and educational opportunity. Alignment with PCC’s mission to increase college completion and eliminate equity gaps. Preferred: Master’s degree in public policy, communications, higher education, public administration, or a related field. At least 7 years of experience working in education policy, higher education, or related advocacy organizations. Demonstrated knowledge of Illinois’s higher education policy landscape and legislative processes. Demonstrated experience serving as a public spokesperson or leading media engagement strategies. Compensation and Benefits The salary range for Director of External Affairs is $115,000 – $125,000 annually, commensurate with experience, along with a generous benefits plan that includes health, dental, a 403(b) plan with a generous company match, short‑ and long‑term disability, holiday, vacation, and sick accrual, a flexible, hybrid work schedule, paid parental leave, access to professional and wellness opportunities, and a number of other elective and competitive benefits such as vision insurance. Commitment to Diversity The Partnership for College Completion is an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to building a diverse team and to engaging the skills and leadership of people of color, individuals from low‑income households, LGBTQ+ persons, differently‑abled people, and others that hold identities that represent the significant diversity of college students in Illinois. People from these and other historically marginalized backgrounds and communities are strongly encouraged to apply. Virtual and In‑Office Workplace PCC maintains a flexible, hybrid work environment. Staff work remotely three days per week and are expected to work in the office two days per week to support collaboration, team culture, and cross‑functional coordination. The person in this role should expect frequent in‑state travel, especially to Springfield during legislative sessions. COVID‑19 COVID‑19 vaccination and corresponding documentation must be provided by all employees in advance of their start date. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement PCC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on sex, race, color, ancestry, citizenship, ethnicity, national origin, religion, age, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law. #J-18808-Ljbffr