What are the responsibilities and job description for the Chief External Affairs Officer ( Hybrid ) position at Low Income Investment Fund?

About LIIF

The Low Income Investment Fund (LIIF), a nonprofit community development financial institution (CDFI), seeks a dynamic and experienced Chief External Affairs Officer (CEAO) to lead LIIF’s communications, policy and advocacy, fundraising, and stakeholder engagement efforts. This role is crucial in advancing LIIF's mission to mobilize capital and partnerships to create equitable access to opportunity for all.

The CEAO will lead our external affairs teams in inspiring, engaging, and connecting with multiple constituents in ways that advance our mission while communicating with one voice and a consistent set of messages. LIIF is a diverse and dynamic organization with lending and investment activities across various locations to support the capital and capacity needs of community development partners.

Critical partners and stakeholders for this role include LIIF’s executive team, board of directors, key funders, policy leaders, advocacy partner organizations, and business leads.

Reporting Relationships

The CEAO reports to the Chief Executive Officer and oversees a team of ten. Direct reports include the Senior Vice President / Chief Development Officer and the Vice President for Policy and Communications.

The CEAO is a member of the executive management team, which includes the Chief Financial and Administrative Officer, Chief People Officer, General Counsel, and the company’s President, who oversees lending and programs. The CEAO participates in LIIF Board meetings and works closely with board members.

Essential Functions

Stakeholder Engagement and Partnership Development

Build and maintain relationships with philanthropic entities, private-sector partners, government agencies, policymakers, media, and other external stakeholders to increase awareness and support for LIIF's capital strategies and programs.
Position LIIF to reach government and business decision-makers on issues vital to the organization’s mission.
Act as an ambassador for LIIF, representing the company to a range of stakeholders, including supporters, funders, policymakers, elected officials, and the media.
Develop and implement strategic campaigns to encourage the adoption of LIIF’s models and learnings by industry organizations and decision-makers.
Identify opportunities to elevate LIIF’s emphasis on social justice and racial equity into tangible community impact.
Form effective high-level relationships with partner organizations to reinforce LIIF’s commitment to equity.
Represent LIIF at conferences and other public meetings.

Strategic Planning Process

Collaborate with the CEO to manage LIIF’s multi-year strategic planning process, including board-level presentations.

Continuously monitor industry trends and external environments to inform organizational strategy and operations.

Track LIIF’s progress toward strategic goals and provide annual reporting to the board.

Inform annual divisional work plans that support the strategic plan.

Fundraising Strategy

Collaborate with the Chief Development Officer to develop strategies for diversifying and sustaining philanthropic support.

Optimize LIIF’s fundraising program, encompassing operating grants, program / capital-related grants, and competitive government grant applications.

Oversee the preparation of annual fundraising plans with revenue goals, strategies, and timelines.

Act as a steward and liaison for major donors and funders.

Thought Leadership

Position LIIF as a thought leader in community development, leveraging insights to attract support.

Conduct events and convenings to showcase LIIF’s work and expand audiences.

Oversee marketing and communications to strengthen LIIF’s reputation as a leader in racial equity and community impact.

Policy

Establish the vision and strategy for LIIF’s government relations and advocacy efforts, aligning them with LIIF’s strategic plan.

Lead legislative and regulatory advocacy to support affordable housing, early education, and community facilities.

Build coalitions with community and national partners for legislative needs.

Represent LIIF in advocacy efforts, including Capitol Hill office visits.

Communications, Marketing, and Public Relations

Serve as LIIF’s media representative, managing proactive and reactive engagements.

Develop and implement branding and external communication strategies aligned with LIIF’s strategic goals.

Enhance LIIF’s digital and social media presence to engage stakeholders.

Actively seek opportunities for media visibility and public forums to amplify LIIF’s voice.

Provide messaging support for senior managers for public engagements.

Handle internal communications responsibilities.

Qualifications

Minimum of 15 years of executive-level experience in external affairs, public policy, or related fields within the community development or financial services sectors.

Proven success in advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and fundraising strategies.

Strong knowledge of CDFIs, affordable housing, and community development.

Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and leadership skills.

Education

Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in Public Policy, Law, or Business preferred.

Work Demands

Frequent travel required.

Additional Information

All LIIF employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Accommodations for medical or religious reasons may be requested.

How to Apply

Please visit our Recruitment Portal at liifund.org / who-we-are / careers

Notice to Third-Party Recruitment Agencies

Unsolicited resumes from third-party agencies will not be accepted without a prior agreement.

Equal Opportunity Employer

LIIF values diversity as a driver of excellence. We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Employment Type : Full Time

Years Experience : 15 years

Salary : $230,000 - $265,000 Annual

Bonus / Commission : Yes

Salary : $230,000 - $265,000

Apply for this job

Receive alerts for other Chief External Affairs Officer ( Hybrid ) job openings

Chief External Affairs Officer ( Hybrid )

What are the responsibilities and job description for the Chief External Affairs Officer ( Hybrid ) position at Low Income Investment Fund?

What is the career path for a Chief External Affairs Officer ( Hybrid )?

Job openings at Low Income Investment Fund

Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Chief External Affairs Officer ( Hybrid ) jobs in the San Francisco, CA area that may be a better fit.

We don't have any other Chief External Affairs Officer ( Hybrid ) jobs in the San Francisco, CA area right now.

AI Assistant is available now!