EVP Chief External Affairs Officer

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 LIIFs communications policy and advocacy fundraising and stakeholder engagement efforts. This role is crucial in advancing LIIFs 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 LIIFs 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 companys 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 privatesector partners government agencies policymakers media and other external stakeholders to increase awareness and support for LIIFs capital strategies and programs.
• Position LIIF to reach government and business decisionmakers on issues vital to the organizations 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 LIIFs models and learnings by industry organizations and decisionmakers.
• Identify opportunities to elevate LIIFs emphasis on social justice and equitable opportunities into tangible community impact.
• Form effective highlevel relationships with partner organizations to reinforce LIIFs commitment to equity.
• Represent LIIF at conferences and other public meetings.

Strategic Planning Process

• Collaborate with the CEO to manage LIIFs multiyear strategic planning process including boardlevel presentations.
• Continuously monitor industry trends and external environments to inform organizational strategy and operations.
• Track LIIFs 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 LIIFs fundraising program encompassing operating grants program/capitalrelated 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 LIIFs work and expand audiences.
• Oversee marketing and communications to strengthen LIIFs reputation as a leader in equitable and community impact.

Policy

• Establish the vision and strategy for LIIFs government relations and advocacy efforts aligning them with LIIFs 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 LIIFs media representative managing proactive and reactive engagements.
• Develop and implement branding and external communication strategies aligned with LIIFs strategic goals.
• Enhance LIIFs digital and social media presence to engage stakeholders.
• Actively seek opportunities for media visibility and public forums to amplify LIIFs voice.
• Provide messaging support for senior managers for public engagements.
• Handle internal communications responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 15 years of executivelevel 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 relationshipbuilding and leadership skills.

Education

• Bachelors 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 COVID19. Accommodations for medical or religious reasons may be requested.

How to Apply
Submit your resume and cover letter via email @.

Notice to ThirdParty Recruitment Agencies
Unsolicited resumes from thirdparty 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.