Director of External Affairs

DIRECTOR OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

ABOUT CONNECTIONS FOR CHILDREN

Connections for Children (CFC) has long been a key community resource, empowering families and child care providers to ensure every child has access to quality early care and education. Through comprehensive resources, referrals, and training programs, CFC strengthens the link between families, providers, and the broader community, promoting the well-being and development of all children. Committed to equity and excellence, CFC remains a steadfast advocate for the nurturing and educational needs of children, continually evolving to meet the changing demands of the community.  

Connections for Children is focused on expanding programs to serve more people throughout the Westside and South Bay communities of Los Angeles County, while investing in staff and organizational capacity to ensure mission success. By establishing a more diverse revenue base, CFC is sustaining and growing its impact, prioritizing equity and inclusivity in all efforts. This prioritization affirms CFC’s commitment to serving underserved populations, and positions the organization to embrace innovation and cultivate strong partnerships for the betterment of countless children and families. 

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Director of External Affairs (Director) reports to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and serves as a member of the Leadership Team. This newly created position is responsible for designing and leading the execution of an integrated strategy across communications, marketing, community engagement, and fund development to advance CFC’s mission and strategic plan goals. The Director is accountable for all aspects of external communications, brand management, fundraising, community relations, and special events. The Director will play a key role in expanding the organization’s visibility and reach, cultivating relationships, and generating revenue to support organizational growth.

Initially, the Director will manage two full-time staff members and work closely with external consultants, with the opportunity to develop the department in alignment with agency goals and available resources.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Communications & Marketing

• Develop and oversee implementation of a comprehensive communications and marketing strategy encompassing messaging, branding, distribution channels, digital and traditional media, and audience engagement.
• Establish systems and tools to ensure consistent branding, voice, and quality control across all external communications.
• Drive the development and execution of integrated marketing plans, aligned with programmatic priorities and outcomes, in collaboration with program leaders.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of communications and marketing efforts; analyze performance metrics and return on investment to refine strategies, identify trends, and optimize campaigns.
• Initiate strategic marketing investments to enhance client engagement and donor acquisition.
• Collaborate with agency leadership and Human Resources to align and support internal communications that foster staff cohesion and mission alignment.

Fund Development

• Lead identification and pursuit of diverse fund development opportunities, including individual giving, corporate partnerships, planned giving, grants, and special events.
• Set and manage short- and long-term revenue goals across multiple fundraising streams; build and maintain prospect pipelines.
• Oversee portfolio of individual donors and prospects; guide development of cases for support and customized donor materials.
• Grow and maintain a robust, sustainable donor base with measurable acquisition, retention, and renewal strategies.
• Direct Implementation of a comprehensive stewardship plan to cultivate long-term donor relationships.
• Optimize use of the donor CRM to ensure data integrity and maximize fundraising intelligence.
• Raise a minimum of $300,000 in unrestricted revenue within the first 18 months of hire.

Community Engagement

• Oversee design and implementation of a comprehensive community outreach plan in alignment with strategic plan goals.
• Assess impact of community engagement activities and refine strategy for maximum results.
• Cultivate and maintain strong, mutually beneficial relationships with community stakeholders, partners, and organizations.
• Represent organization at external meetings, community events, and strategic convenings.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Serve as a key member of the Leadership Team, contributing to strategic plan implementation and cross-functional collaboration.
• Manage and mentor staff, promoting a high-performance culture rooted in learning, accountability, and purpose.
• Develop and manage the department’s budget, including revenue targets and expense oversight.
• Represent the organization in high-level external meetings, conferences, and community events, strategically positioning CFC as a leader in the field.
• Collaborate with Board members to advance agency priorities and resource development including facilitation of Fund Development Committee.

Qualifications

• At least 8 years of demonstrated experience in communications, marketing, fund development, or external affairs, preferably within a nonprofit environment.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive leadership experience, including direct management of staff, external consultants, grants, and budgets.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in communications, marketing, business, nonprofit management, or a related field, desired.
• Strong leadership and team development skills, with experience managing cross-functional teams in a collaborative environment.
• Record of raising large scale revenue through a mix of major gifts, foundation grants, corporate partnerships, and fundraising campaigns.
• Success in cultivating partnerships, stewarding donors, and serving as a public representative of the organization.
• Demonstrated ability to identify, recruit, and manage external consultants and vendors.
• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
• Proficient in CRM and digital marketing technologies to support strategic outreach and engagement.
• Ability to travel locally for meetings and events and work occasional evenings and weekends; valid CA driver’s license and insurance.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The salary range is $100,000—$125,000 depending on experience. Salary is based on a minimum 35-hour workweek, and is eligible for a performance-based incentive. Competitive

benefits package consisting of health, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) employer contribution, paid sick leave, paid time off (PTO), holidays, and a hybrid telework work option (after a 90-day introductory period).

Connections for Children is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from qualified individuals regardless of gender, race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender orientation, or different ability.

Envision Consulting was retained by Connections for Children to conduct the search for their incoming Director of External Affairs.

Applicants needing accommodation for any part of the application process may contact Envision Consulting at 626.889.7905 to request and arrange for assistance.