Chief External Affairs Officer (CEAO) - Hybrid, Full Time

The Chief External Affairs Officer (CEAO) is a senior leader responsible for advancing the mission and long-term sustainability of Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey (GSNNJ) through exceptional external engagement. Reporting directly to the CEO and serving as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, the CEAO provides strategic leadership across major and principal gifts, government relations, marketing and communications, and public affairs.

This role requires a proven, results-driven leader with a strong track record of personally engaging and securing major gifts, cultivating high-level donor and corporate relationships, and successfully navigating government and public‑sector partnerships. The CEAO will play a critical role in positioning GSNNJ as a trusted nonprofit partner with donors, corporations, foundations, municipalities, and government stakeholders across northern New Jersey.

• Design and execute strategies to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward high-net-worth donors and institutional partners.
• Serve as a frontline major gift leader with a demonstrated record of securing significant philanthropic investments from individuals, corporations, and foundations.
• Build and manage a robust major gifts pipeline with clear metrics, accountability, and results-focused outcomes.
• Provide executive oversight for corporate partnerships including sponsor ships, cause-marketing initiatives, and long-term corporate alliances as well as foundation relations, public funding, and grant partnerships, ensuring alignment with mission priorities.
• Partner closely with the CEO and Board of Directors to advance donor engagement, solicitation strategies, and stewardship efforts.
• Provide strategic leadership for GSNNJ’s Fund Development function. Foster a strong culture of philanthropy across the organization, reinforcing shared accountability for fundraising success.

• Provide strategic leadership for GSNNJ’s marketing and communications functions to strengthen brand awareness, public trust, and community engagement.
• Provide strategic leadership for GSNNJ’s Marketing Communications function. Oversee media relations, public relations campaigns, and crisis communications strategy.
• Ensure consistent, collaborative, and compelling storytelling that highlights GSNNJ’s impact on girls, families, and communities.
• Leverage data and insights to refine outreach strategies and measure performance.

• Support the President/CEO in planning and executing GSNNJ’s government relations strategy, including engagement with local, county, state, and federal officials and agencies.
• Prior experience of participating in government initiatives, public‑sector partnerships, or advocacy efforts aligned with youth development, education, equity, and workforce readiness.
• Monitor public policy trends and funding opportunities impacting Girl Scouts and keep the CEO apprised of future opportunities.
• Support representation efforts of GSNNJ in coalitions, advocacy initiatives, and civic forums that elevate the organization’s visibility and influence.
• Support the CEO with briefing materials, talking points, and strategy related to government engagement and public affairs.

• Actively engage and support the Board of Directors in fundraising, advocacy, and external relations.
• Lead and support relevant Board committees, including Fund Development and the comprehensive campaign committee
• Build, mentor, and lead high-performing teams across development, communications, and public affairs.

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred in communications, public affairs, public policy, nonprofit leadership, or a related field.
• 15+ years of experience with fundraising, external affairs, government relations, and strategic partnerships.
• Proven record of personally securing major and transformational gifts.
• Demonstrated experience engaging with government entities, public funding sources, and advocacy or policy initiatives.
• Strong understanding of public‑sector environments and…