Reading : Vice President, External Relations
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Job Title : Vice President, External Relations
Reporting Office : Washington, DC or NYC
Department : External Relations
Job Classification : Fulltime; Exempt
Supervisor : President and CEO
Union Classification : Non-Union
Accountable To : Chief Operating Officer
Last Updated : 6 / 20 / 2025
Purpose of the Job
The Vice President, External Relations is a key member of the executive leadership team at Human Rights First, responsible for overseeing the organization's marketing, communications, fundraising, and strategic partnerships. This role leads efforts to build brand awareness, diversify revenue, and strengthen relationships to advance the mission.
The Vice President manages external engagement efforts supporting revenues over $12 million annually, reporting directly to the President & CEO. Key functions include:
- Designing and executing communication strategies
- Expanding donor-centered fundraising
- Cultivating external partnerships with foundations, corporations, coalitions, and aligned institutions
This position oversees teams across marketing, communications, and development, ensuring unified external strategies. Collaboration with program, legal, and policy staff is essential to align messaging with organizational priorities.
Major Duties and Responsibilities
- Serve as a strategic advisor on external engagement, brand positioning, and revenue growth.
- Develop and lead an integrated external relations strategy.
- Advise on public positioning and reputation management.
- Oversee marketing, communications, and development teams.
- Represent Human Rights First externally at media events, with donors, and at public forums.
Marketing & Communications
- Develop a cohesive brand strategy across digital and traditional channels.
- Modernize digital infrastructure and social media presence.
- Manage media outreach and journalist relationships.
- Oversee content strategy including storytelling, campaigns, and multimedia.
- Act as a spokesperson and media liaison.
- Implement data-driven audience targeting and analytics.
- Manage crisis communication strategies.
Fundraising
- Lead strategic fundraising efforts including grants, corporate partnerships, and individual giving.
- Align messaging with donor engagement strategies.
- Coordinate campaign messaging, reports, and donor materials.
- Manage donor relationships, including high-net-worth individuals and institutions.
- Ensure grant compliance and reporting.
- Collaborate with leadership to expand donor networks.
- Track and report on fundraising performance metrics.
Strategic Partnerships
- Develop relationships with mission-aligned organizations and institutions.
- Increase visibility through co-branded events and campaigns.
- Build strategic coalitions and advocacy presence.
- Coordinate with programming and policy teams on partnership alignment.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA)
Support DEIA initiatives by fostering inclusive practices, increasing cultural awareness, and promoting a respectful, accessible work environment.
Leadership & Management
- Set performance goals and conduct regular reviews with direct reports.
- Support professional development of team members.
- Maintain a safe, compliant, and motivating work environment.
- Provide coaching, resolve challenges, and ensure adherence to policies.
Qualifications
- Minimum 12 years of experience in nonprofit development, communications, or external affairs, including 5+ years in senior leadership.
- Proven success in leading high-performing teams and developing external relations strategies.
- Strong background in branding, media, and digital strategy.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Experience with major donor cultivation and stewardship.
- Results-oriented with a track record of exceeding goals.
- High ethical standards and sound judgment.
- Willingness to travel between NY, DC, and LA offices.
- Deep commitment to human rights, equity, and social justice.
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