Vice President, External Relations

Job Description
Vice President, External Relations

New York, NY (Onsite/Hybrid) Full-Time $175,000/year

A leading nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing homelessness is seeking a Vice President of External Relations to lead the organization's fundraising, communications, marketing, and community engagement efforts.

This senior leadership role offers the opportunity to shape the public narrative around homelessness prevention, deepen philanthropic partnerships, and expand national visibility for a mission-driven organization making measurable impact across New York City and beyond.

Position Overview

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Vice President of External Relations serves as a member of the senior leadership team and provides strategic vision, management, and implementation of all external relations activities.

The VP will oversee fundraising, marketing, communications, and public engagement strategies designed to expand donor relationships, strengthen brand identity, and increase awareness of the organization's innovative homelessness prevention programs.

Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Strategy

• Provide vision, direction, and oversight for all external relations functions, including fundraising, marketing, and communications.
• Serve as a senior advisor to the CEO, offering strategic counsel and insight on public relations, partnerships, and donor engagement.
• Lead a small internal team and oversee external consultants supporting communications, PR, and fundraising activities.
• Collaborate with cross-functional departments to ensure consistent messaging, brand alignment, and mission-driven storytelling.

Fundraising & Development

• Design and implement a comprehensive fundraising plan to expand private revenue from individual donors, corporations, and foundations.
• Cultivate and steward major donors and institutional partners through meaningful engagement and relationship management.
• Lead the development of a planned giving program to build long-term sustainability.
• Oversee the creation of compelling funding proposals, impact reports, and donor communications.
• Monitor and report on fundraising metrics and performance indicators to inform strategy and growth.

Marketing & Communications

• Develop and execute an integrated marketing and communications strategy that raises public awareness and drives engagement.
• Oversee brand management, media relations, digital marketing, and content creation.
• Lead storytelling initiatives that elevate awareness of homelessness prevention without compromising client confidentiality.
• Manage vendor and agency relationships to ensure consistent delivery of high-quality materials.
• Represent the organization at key events, media appearances, and public forums.

Requirements
Qualifications & Skills

• Alignment with organizational values of compassion, inclusion, integrity, professionalism, and social justice .
• 15+ years of experience in external relations, including 5+ years in senior leadership within fundraising, communications, or marketing.
• Proven track record of securing six- and seven-figure gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations.
• Strong expertise in donor cultivation, storytelling, brand management, and public relations .
• Experience leading high-performing teams and managing consultants or cross-functional collaborators.
• Excellent writing, editing, and public speaking skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and thrive in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
• Proficiency in CRM and fundraising platforms (e.g., Raiser's Edge) and analytics tools.
• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.

Benefits
Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $175,000/year
• Schedule: Full-time, onsite/hybrid (based in New York City)
• Benefits Include:
  • Employer-paid health, dental, and vision coverage
  • Disability and life insurance
  • 401(k) with employer contribution
  • Transit benefits
  • Generous PTO and paid holidays
  • Seasonal four-day work week