Chief Executive, External Affairs

Job Title: Chief Executive, External Affairs

Position: Full-time, exempt

Supervisor: Board of Directors

Location: Remote, US-based

Earth Force engages young people as active citizens who improve the environment and their communities now and in the future.

We see a future where young people from all walks of life improve environmental decision making by participating in the development of environmental policies and practices.

We provide school districts and nonprofit organizations with the system design, curriculum, professional development, and ongoing support to implement Environmental Applied Civics. Environmental Applied Civics engages young people in authentic learning whereby they investigate environmental problems in their communities and advocate to community decision makers to address them.

The Chief Executive, External Affairs joins a Chief Executive, Programs already in place as a full partner, together holding executive responsibility for Earth Force's direction, performance, and mission fulfillment. This position reports directly to the Board of Directors. The Chief Executive, External Affairs takes primary ownership of revenue strategy, development, and external representation, while sharing joint accountability with the Chief Executive, Programs for organizational strategy, culture, and the health of the organization.

Commitment to Earth Force's mission and vision is paramount. Above every other qualification, the successful candidate must bring a genuine, demonstrated belief in the power of civic skills and youth voice to shape environmental decision‑making, and a real investment in Earth Force's role in building that future.

Earth Force runs on a high-trust culture. That trust shows up first as psychological safety: staff are expected to push back on all aspects of our programming, including with fellow senior leaders, and to bring forward new approaches within the boundaries of a strategy the team has built together. It also shows up as partnership: people are given latitude to shape how their piece of the work gets built, working closely with colleagues rather than executing a fixed playbook handed down from above.

The Chief Executive, External Affairs carries that same spirit to the senior leadership table, sharing leadership with the Chief Executive, Programs rather than directing from above, while also being able to step outside the organization and represent Earth Force with a clear, unified voice.

• Fundraising Strategy and Execution: Lead the development and execution of a multiyear fundraising strategy, including donor and prospect pipeline management, CRM, and repeatable cultivation, stewardship, forecasting, and reporting processes. Personally cultivate and secure grants, major gifts, and other revenue sources, and identify opportunities to diversify beyond the organization’s current funding base, including growing individual and board giving over time. Earth Force’s annual budget currently averages approximately $1.2 million, with grants and contributions comprising roughly 80% of that;
  
  this role holds primary responsibility for securing that portion.
• External Relationships and Representation: Build and maintain relationships with funders, board members, district leaders, partners, and other external stakeholders. Represent the organization effectively in meetings, convenings, and other public settings.
• Strategic Communication: Translate the organization's programmatic work, strategy, and impact into a compelling case for support. Ensure that communications and organizational messaging are clear, consistent, and credible.
• Public Relations and Marketing: Serve as Earth Force's…