Executive Vice President, Chief External Affairs Officer

Background

Summary

Based on a strong understanding of LIIF’s business, and the external environment, the CEAO will work closely with the CEO to formulate and update the company’s external affairs strategy, and then be responsible to develop a comprehensive and cogent plan, comprising branding, communications, fundraising and policy/advocacy activities, all in service of advancing LIIF organizational goals, including increasing LIIF’s visibility, commitment to racial equity, sustainability, and impact.

Responsibilities

Stakeholder Engagement and Partnership Development

The CEAO will:

Build and maintain relationships with philanthropic, private sector, public sector/government agencies investors, policymakers, media, and other external partners to increase awareness and support for LIIF’s innovative capital strategies and programs.

• Position LIIF to reach government and business decision-makers on issues vital to our mission.

The CEAO will be able to set up the organization to convey its outcomes, impact, and narrative effectively and persuasively to thought leaders, supporters, and the broader housing and community development ecosystem through a wide variety of communication tools.

• Serve as an ambassador for LIIF, representing the company to a range of external stakeholders including supporters, partners, funders, policy makers, elected officials, and with medi
• Develop and implement strategic campaigns to encourage the use of the company’s models and learnings by key industry organizations, decision-makers and others, strategically positioning LIIF and its leaders as an influencer and resource within the community development industry.
• Identify opportunities to leverage ongoing work to elevate LIIF’s priority on social justice and racial equity into tangible impact in the communities it serv Maximize the use of key senior leaders’ time in engagement – and relationship-building activities. Coordinate closely with LIIF’s Director of Racial Equity (in Programs division).
• Form effective high-level relationships with key partner organizations, including those that reinforce LIIF’s commitment to equit
• Represent the company at conferences and other public meetings.

Strategic Planning Process

The CEAO will:

• Work closely with the CEO to drive, coordinate, and manage LIIF’s multi-year strategic process, coordinating with the organization’s leaders and managing board level presentations.
• Monitor continuously the external environment and industry, tracking trends and issues that may affect the company’s strategy and operation
• Monitor and assess the organization’s progress against goals on an annual basis, and to provide board-level repo
• Inform annual workplans for LIIF divisions that underpin the strategic pla

Oversee Fundraising Strategy

The CEAO will, working with the Chief Development Officer on the team – :

• Develop strategies to diversify and sustain philanthropic support, as well as attract mission-aligned partners for LIIF’s real estate lending tools and innovative early care and education programs.
• Optimize and expand LIIF’s fund-raising program, which encompasses general unrestricted operating grants, program/capital-related grants, and competitive federal, state, and local grant RFP
• Alongside the CEO, and working with other senior managers, will play a lead role in fundraising activities, generating significant, renewable funding, working in concert with other LIIF leadership in capital / fundraising effor
• Oversee the preparation of LIIF’s annual fundraising plan for national and regional funding needs with established revenue goals, strategies, and timelines for reaching fundraising go
• Serve as a key steward and liaison for select major donors and fund

Lead Thought Leadership

The CEAO will:

• Position LIIF as thought leader and SME in critical business activities, and utilize to expand LIIF’s influence and to attract philanthropic support.
• Seek opportunities to conduct convenings, or other events, independently and in conjunction with partners, to profile LIIF’s work, and expand our audiences.
• Oversee marketing, communications and thought leadership to strengthen LIIF’s reputation as a leader in mobilizing capital for racial equity, job creation and community impact.

Policy

The CEAO will:

• Establish the vision, goals and strategy for LIIF’s government, and advocacy efforts, including rationalizing the work to be done by the LIIF policy team, coalitions and membership organizations, and lobbying suppo This will be in service of LIIF’s “influencing agenda” which focuses on leveraging LIIF’s lending and programmatic work to inform and support the broader work of national and DC-based advocacy organizations.
• Lead advocacy efforts for legislation, funding, and regulatory policy changes that support LIIF’s focus areas of affordable housing, early care and education, and community facilities. S/he/they must be skilled in coalition building and working in partnership with community and national partners to tackle legislative and policy needs on the state, local and federal levels.
• Ensure that the policy program will align the company’s policy priorities with LIIF’s strategic plan.
• Analyze program, policy, and advocacy issues and communicate findings and recommendations to a variety of audience
• Represent LIIF on legislative and advocacy efforts to external audiences, including Capitol Hill office visits.

Communications, Marketing and Public Relations

The CEAO will:

• Act as LIIF’s primary representative to media / other external audiences in both proactive and reactive situations.
• Develop and oversee implementation of LIIF’s external branding, public relations, and related external communication strategy, in alignment with LIIF strategic goals and priorities
• Drive a strong communications program, utilizing internal and external resources, to lift up LIIF’s initiatives, build LIIF’s brand. Set a vision for communications that extends beyond traditional one-way media relations, encompassing the key roles that thought leadership and stakeholder development play in supporting mission and organizational initiatives. Navigate the workings of news media (print, broadcast, and online in national and local markets.
• Lead the Communications team in defining and building a strategy that ensures consistent institutional messaging and strong branding aligned with LIIF’s core valu The strategy will leverage multiple tools, including LIIF’s annual reports, social media presence, program and lending initiatives, and website.
• The CEAO will lead the refinement of LIIF’s digital and social media presence and to engage our partners and key stakeholders.
• Actively seek opportunities for LIIF to share insights through media, conferences, and other public forums, and serve as primary point-person for all opportunities and reques
• Provide messaging strategy and support for LIIF senior managers, for public events and other engagem
• Handle critical internal communications’ responsibilities

 

Requirements

• Minimum of 15 years of experience of executive level external affairs, public policy, or related fields within the community development or financial services sector with track record of success.
• Proven track record in developing and implementing successful advocacy and stakeholder engagement strategies.
• Strong understanding of CDFIs, affordable housing, early care and education, and community development issues.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Exceptional fundraising, impact investing and government grant experience a must.
• Leadership experience in public relations strategy development and implementation
• A track-record of success with major gift fundraising and expertise with all aspects of development, including institutional giving, planned giving, annual giving and event management; strong knowledge of how marketing, communications and public relations can further fundraising efforts and success using these tools to improve and optimize business development outcomes.
• Education
  • Bachelor’s degree is required. Advanced degree in Public Policy, Law or Business is preferred.

  Work Demands

  • Frequent travel is required

Compensation and Benefits

The Executive Vice President, Chief External Affairs Officer, position offers a highly competitive salary range of $230,000 to $265,000, with an additional performance-based bonus structure, reflecting the strategic importance and executive leadership responsibilities of this role. The comprehensive compensation package includes health, dental, and vision insurance, a generous retirement savings plan with employer contributions, executive-level paid time off, and extensive opportunities for professional development. Additional benefits include wellness initiatives, relocation assistance for eligible candidates, and a hybrid work environment that supports work-life integration while enabling exceptional organizational leadership

How to Apply

Please apply with a Resume and Cover Letter via email: [email protected]