Director, External Affairs

About the role

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company. The Director, External Affairs will shape the organization’s profile, reputation, and engagement with influential stakeholders across the philanthropy sector. The role leads external affairs, media relations, brand strategy, digital engagement, and executive communications.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and implement an external affairs strategy aligned with growth and fundraising objectives.
• Design targeted engagement strategies for audiences in climate, health, nature, and philanthropy sectors.
• Lead cross‑functional communications initiatives and ensure consistent messaging across the organization.
• Manage external communications partners, including agencies, designers, and content creators.
• Monitor, analyze, and report on external affairs performance using relevant metrics.
• Shape evidence‑based narratives around balanced diets and food‑system transformation for diverse donor audiences.
• Develop and oversee an events strategy, coordinating donor and grantee convenings.
• Lead media relations and proactive profile‑building for the organization, CEO, and senior leaders.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations or equivalent experience.
• Extensive senior‑level experience in strategic external affairs, communications or public relations.
• Native or fluent English; additional languages such as German or Portuguese are a plus.
• Proven track record in media relations, brand development and senior executive profile building.
• Experience managing external agencies and creative partners for a global organization.
• Strong understanding of sustainability, climate, health and food‑system issues.
• Background working in philanthropic, foundation or NGO environments.

What we offer

• Fully remote position with flexibility across EDT and CET time zones.
• Full‑time role within a globally distributed, mission‑driven team.
• Opportunity to shape external affairs, communications and reputation at a growing organization.
• Direct contribution to fundraising, stakeholder engagement and organizational growth.
• Collaborative, cross‑functional environment spanning multiple regions.