Chief External Affairs Officer
Location: New York, NY | Columbia, MD | Washington, DC
Time Type: Full time
Requisition ID: REQ3633

Enterprise is a national nonprofit that exists to make a good home possible for the millions of families without one. We support community development organizations on the ground, aggregate and invest capital for impact, advance housing policy at every level of government, and build and manage communities ourselves. Since 1982, we have invested $80.9 billion and created 1 million homes across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands – all to make home and community places of pride, power and belonging.

Join us at enterprisecommunity.org

Working at Enterprise

At Enterprise, you’ll be part of a diverse, committed team making a difference every day. You will collaborate with some of the smartest minds and biggest hearts in our field. You’ll be empowered to drive systems change and take bold steps to advance racial equity. And you will find a career home where you’re valued and supported in your growth journey.

Enterprise offers career opportunities in our offices across the country with an exceptional benefits package.

Job Description Summary

As a key strategic member of the executive leadership team, the Chief External Affairs Officer (CEAO) will oversee Enterprise’s policy, philanthropy, marketing and communications teams to create and lead cohesive external engagement and partnership strategies that strengthen branding and storytelling, enhances advocacy, expands the funder base and drives capital campaigns. The CEAO will use influence and capital to scale Enterprise’s work and that of partners by driving and unlocking innovation and the growth of housing solutions across the field. This role will be held accountable to increase Enterprise’s national visibility, advance key policy objectives at the federal level, and create coordinated, high-impact external engagement across each of these functions.

Job Description

• Lead the development of public policy positions that support Enterprise’s strategic goals, ensuring the organization’s strategy is informed by policy insights and emerging trends. Includes coordinating federal policy with state and local policy advocacy in our market locations across the nation.
• Lead the identification, cultivation, and deployment of multimillion-dollar philanthropic investments, bridging donor goals, community priorities, and organizational strategies. Includes the potential creation of an endowment that enhances our partnership with philanthropies and other donors and investors.
• Oversee communications strategy, ensuring consistent, effective messaging to internal and external stakeholders, including media, clients, partners, and the public. Includes developing new communications tools and channels that drive the scaling of impactful housing solutions across sectors, geographies and political parties.
• Manage high-performing teams across multiple locations. Drive teams to deliver consistent, excellent results, with high accountability and superior stakeholder engagement.
• Partner with senior executives and cross-functional teams to align external affairs initiatives with the organization’s overall business strategy
• Foster long-term relationships with policymakers, identifying trends and shaping the external policy environment in alignment with Enterprise’s mission and values
• Serve as a public spokesperson for the organization as needed, representing Enterprise’s interests with clarity, credibility, and authority
• Provide leadership to staff, including mentorship, resource planning, oversight and work direction
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, communications, political science, or a related field
• MBA, MPP, MS or other advanced degree preferred
• 15 years of relevant work experience
• 10 years leadership experience
• Pragmatic leader with strategic, creative, analytical and financial acumen as well as strong business intellect and action orientation.
• Experience operating as a senior “closer” leveraging existing relationships and building new relationships with institutional and high net-worth individuals.
• Extensive experience in government affairs, public policy, fundraising and corporate communications
• Demonstrated ability to mobilize millions of dollars in philanthropic funds and an understanding of the funding community, adept at bridging donor goals, community needs and organizations solutions.
• Proven track record of successful advocacy, policy development, and communications strategies
• Strong understanding of the legislative and regulatory processes
• Change management experience and inspiring leadership skills to shift culture, change behaviors, accelerate results, and keep employees motivated and engaged in the change process as needed.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders
• Strategic thinker with the ability to influence and drive change
• Ability to travel up to 25% of time

Salary TransparencyYou will be joining a team of talented professionals motivated by serving the community and addressing the need for affordable housing.Enterprise offers a comprehensive total rewards package for you and your family. The pay range for this position is $275,000 – $350,000. The salary range represents the low and high end of what may be paid for this position. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the pay range, and compensation decisions may be influenced by a variety of factors, including skills, qualifications, experience, and location.Total Rewards at EnterpriseThis range is just one component of our total rewards package, which also includes annual performance bonuses and generous paid leave programs.Our benefits form a major part of the total rewards package. These include dental, health, and vision care plans, as well as family-building benefits such as adoption and surrogacy support. Enterprise supports flexible work arrangements to promote work-life balance and offers health advocacy, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and mental health benefits. We round out our package with financial education, wellness programs, and auto-enrollment in the company’s 401(k) plan with employer matching contributions.Finally, you will have access to learning and development opportunities, including tuition reimbursement for job-related courses and certifications. Thank you for your interest in joining the Enterprise team and contributing to our mission to serve others.

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