Chief External Affairs Officer

Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey

Chief External Affairs Officer responsible for fundraising and government relations at Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey. Leading external engagement and strategic partnerships for long-term sustainability.

Posted 7/10/2026full-timeRiverdale • New Jersey • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $150,000 - $155,000 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead fundraising, government relations, and strategic public relations and communications efforts
Provide strategic leadership across major and principal gifts, government relations, marketing and communications, and public affairs
Serve as a frontline major gift leader with a record of securing significant philanthropic investments
Build and manage a major gifts pipeline with clear metrics, accountability, and results-focused outcomes
Oversee corporate partnerships, foundation relations, public funding, and grant partnerships
Partner with the CEO and Board of Directors to advance donor engagement and strategies
Provide strategic leadership for GSNNJ’s Fund Development function
Foster a strong culture of philanthropy across the organization
Provide strategic leadership for GSNNJ’s marketing and communications functions
Oversee media relations, public relations campaigns, and crisis communications strategy
Monitor public policy trends and funding opportunities impacting Girl Scouts
Support representation efforts in coalitions, advocacy initiatives, and civic forums

Requirements

What you’ll need

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 stakeholder engagement
Exceptional executive presence, relationship-building, and communication skills
Strategic thinker with the ability to balance vision with hands-on execution
Experience leading cross-functional teams and managing organizational growth
Preferred community connections within G SNNJ’s jurisdiction (Bergen, Morris, Passaic, Sussex, or Warren counties)
Membership in GSUSA is required upon employment and annually thereafter (cost covered by GSNNJ)
Ability to work a flexible schedule including some evenings and weekends
Valid driver’s license, reliable automobile and auto insurance
Ability to travel throughout the jurisdiction to attend meetings during the day/evening/weekend

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical, dental, and vision insurance
401k retirement plan with employer match
Paid time off for vacation, sick days, and holidays
Offices closed for winter holiday break
Parental leave benefits
Life, disability, accidental and critical illness insurance
Legal and pet insurance
Employee assistance program
Professional development opportunities
Flexibility and a supportive and inclusive work environment

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

FundraisingMajor GiftsPublic AffairsGrant ManagementStrategic PartnershipsCrisis CommunicationsPublic Policy AnalysisMetrics DevelopmentAdvocacy InitiativesCross-Functional Team Leadership

Soft Skills

Relationship BuildingExecutive PresenceStrategic ThinkingCommunication SkillsVision Execution

Certifications

Bachelor’s DegreeMembership in GSUSA