Vice President External Affairs

THE ORGANIZATION

Bancroft, founded in 1883, is a leading human services provider supporting adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities and traumatic brain injury. Operating over 200 locations across New Jersey and Delaware, Bancroft offers special education schools, group homes, day services, and rehabilitation therapies.

THE POSITION

The Vice President of External Affairs is responsible for advancing Bancroft’s mission through advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and strategic government relations. This leader will develop and execute strategies to strengthen relationships with policymakers, nonprofit coalitions, business leaders, and community influencers to increase Bancroft’s impact.

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, this role collaborates closely with senior leadership, the Board of Trustees, and external partners to shape policy initiatives and build a broad network of support.

Department: Executive/Administration
Reports to: Chief Financial Officer
Direct Reports: Director of Government Relations
FLSA Status: Exempt

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Government & Legislative Affairs

Develop and implement strategies to optimize Bancroft’s engagement with federal and state policymakers and regulatory agencies.

Monitor and analyze policy issues impacting Bancroft’s mission, advising leadership on advocacy priorities.

Mobilize stakeholders to support legislative initiatives that align with Bancroft’s strategic goals.

Represent Bancroft at hearings, legislative sessions, and political events to advocate for policy advancements.

Collaborate with internal and external government affairs professionals to maximize advocacy efforts.

Advocacy & Public Engagement

Build and maintain relationships with elected officials, community leaders, and nonprofit coalitions to enhance Bancroft’s visibility and influence.

Identify, cultivate, and manage partnerships with business leaders and other external stakeholders to promote public awareness and support for Bancroft’s work.

Represent Bancroft at public forums, conferences, and community events to advance its mission and policy objectives.

Prepare speeches, presentations, and talking points for the CEO and leadership team tailored to key audiences and constituencies.

Facilitate research-driven special projects to strengthen Bancroft’s advocacy and engagement strategies.

Strategic Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement

Strengthen Bancroft’s presence in coalitions, associations, and nonprofit networks to drive policy initiatives and best practices.

Engage donors, families, and volunteers in advocacy efforts that support organizational growth.

Work closely with the CEO, Board of Directors, and external lobbyists to refine and implement stakeholder engagement strategies.

Lead initiatives to educate policymakers and community members on Bancroft’s impact and needs.

Leadership & Team Development

Build and mentor a high-performing external affairs team aligned with Bancroft’s mission and strategic priorities.

Provide leadership and professional development opportunities to strengthen the team’s advocacy and stakeholder engagement expertise.

Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning within the department and across the organization.

Establish and track performance metrics to ensure advocacy and external affairs goals are met.

ORGANIZATION-WIDE PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

Abides by Bancroft’s Code of Ethics, Mission Statement, Vision Statement, and Core Values.

Remains current with required training certifications and regulatory accreditations.

Maintains effective communication with colleagues, those served, and their family members or guardians.

Cooperates with licensing and state agencies during inspections and investigations.

Maintains a safe and respectful environment, free of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.

Reports any violations promptly.

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

Essential Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Public Policy, Political Science or a related field.

Demonstrated leadership experience in external affairs or government relations within nonprofit, healthcare, or policy-driven organizations.

Strong strategic thinking skills with a proven ability to develop and execute advocacy initiatives.

Coalition-building experience, working with associations, nonprofits, and external partners to advance policy priorities.

Deep understanding of federal and state policy processes, regulations, and funding mechanisms related to human services.

Key Skills & Competencies

Exceptional relationship-building skills, capable of engaging policymakers, business leaders, and community influencers.

Strong communication and public speaking abilities.

Analytical expertise in assessing program, policy, and advocacy issues, translating findings into actionable strategies.

Ability to drive data-informed decision-making.

High-energy leadership style, combining initiative, collaboration, and adaptability.

REQUIRED BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES

Bancroft requires all employees to model and uplift its Core Values:

Compassion: Expressing kindness, caring, and a willingness to help others.

Accountability: Accepting responsibility for personal behavior and actions.

Respect: Showing care about the feelings and well-being of others.

Empowerment: Becoming strong and confident, especially in controlling one’s life and claiming one’s rights.

Safety: Protecting self and others from danger, risk, or injury.

COMPENSATION

This is a full-time, exempt, in-person position with Bancroft, with executive offices at 1255 Caldwell Road, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034. The role will require occasional travel in-state and regionally.

Starting Salary Range: $174,000 – $190,000 depending on experience.

Benefits include (but are not limited to):

Medical, prescription drug, vision, and dental coverage

Flexible spending plan

Employee assistance program (EAP)

Life insurance

Short- and long-term disability insurance

Commuter benefits

403(b) retirement plan

Wellness program

Tuition benefits

All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory completion of background checks as determined by Bancroft.

TO APPLY

Bancroft has retained Dunleavy & Associates to manage this search. Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter via the provided application link.

EEO STATEMENT

Bancroft provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination of any type based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and any other characteristic protected by law.

BANCROFT’S CORE VALUES

Compassion – Expressing kindness, caring, and a willingness to help others.
Support others without judgment. Create space for different ideas and backgrounds. Show empathy and listen openly. Explain the “why” behind treatment decisions.

Accountability – Accepting responsibility for personal behavior and actions.
Keep your commitments. Meet deadlines. Follow policies and attend meetings. Use escalation channels when needed. Own problems by addressing what is within your control.

Respect – Showing care about the feelings and well-being of others.
Treat everyone fairly. Get to know people personally. Support inclusive language and pronoun use. Celebrate milestones. Respect cultures and perspectives. Keep meetings focused and respectful.

Empowerment – Becoming strong and confident in controlling one’s life and claiming one’s rights.
Take initiative. Encourage others’ growth. Share decisions. Help others make informed choices. Report concerns and support others’ development. Be inquisitive and courageous in doing what’s right.

Safety – Protecting self and others from danger, risk, or injury.
Follow safety procedures at all times. Provide psychological safety. Report hazards. Be proactive in maintaining safe, clean, and stocked environments. Ensure alignment with treatment best practices.