Director of External Affairs

Director of External Affairs

Position: Director of External Affairs
Position Type: Full-time, exempt
Reports to: Executive Director
Location: Chicago, IL (Hybrid Work Environment)
Start Date: August 2026

The Director of External Affairs is a senior leadership role responsible for advancing PCC’s external engagement strategy across communications, government affairs, advocacy, and community engagement. PCC is seeking a seasoned external affairs leader with demonstrated success in advocacy, coalition‑building, stakeholder engagement, and legislative strategy who can effectively translate research and policy priorities into meaningful public impact. This position ensures that PCC’s research, policy priorities, and institutional partnerships are translated into compelling public narratives, coordinated advocacy strategies, and strong relationships with policymakers, partners, funders, and the broader public.

• Develop and lead PCC’s integrated external affairs strategy across communications, government affairs, and community engagement.
• Partner with the Executive Director and other members of the Senior Leadership Team to align external engagement with PCC’s strategic priorities and policy agenda.
• Ensure that PCC’s external messaging, advocacy strategies, and public engagement activities reinforce one another and support measurable policy outcomes.
• Establish systems, planning rhythms, and cross‑team coordination processes that ensure communications, advocacy, and engagement efforts operate cohesively.
• Contribute to organization‑wide planning, budgeting, and performance monitoring related to external affairs activities.
• Supervise communications and government affairs staff, providing leadership, coaching, and professional development.
• Serve as a key organizational leader by contributing to strategic planning, goal‑setting, and cross‑functional alignment in support of PCC’s mission and values. Support board reporting and, when appropriate, present on programmatic work, progress, and impact.
• Actively shape and sustain a high‑performing, inclusive, and equity‑centered culture that promotes collaboration, innovation, accountability, and continuous learning across teams.
• Manage external consultants, vendors, and contractors as needed.

• Oversee PCC’s communications strategy, including messaging, media relations, digital communications, and public storytelling.
• Translate PCC’s research, policy analysis, and institutional partnership efforts into accessible and compelling narratives for policymakers, media, and the general public.
• Lead the strategy for releasing and amplifying PCC’s reports, publications, campaigns, and public‑facing materials to expand the organization’s public footprint and influence; ensure publications are strategically timed, communicated, and leveraged across media, policymakers, and partners to advance PCC’s broader public affairs and advocacy goals.
• Serve as a public spokesperson for PCC and prepare senior leaders and partners to represent the organization effectively.
• Build and sustain relationships with media outlets, journalists, and thought leaders to increase coverage and awareness of PCC’s work.

• Lead PCC’s government affairs strategy by aligning legislative engagement, coalition partnerships, and advocacy efforts with the organization’s annual policy priorities.
• Collaborate closely with the Policy and Advocacy team to ensure coordinated strategy, consistent messaging, and effective advancement of PCC’s policy agenda at the state and federal levels.
• Build and sustain strong relationships with policymakers, legislative staff, state agencies, and advocacy partners.
• Coordinate advocacy campaigns that advance PCC’s policy priorities and strengthen public investment in equitable higher education outcomes.
• Partner with the Policy and Advocacy and Data and Research teams to translate analysis and insights into clear and effective advocacy strategies.
• Support the organization’s engagement with coalitions and statewide initiatives…