Director, External Affairs

Position Summary

The Director, External Affairs is a key senior leadership position responsible for overseeing the strategies for planning, development, and execution of the organization’s fundraising efforts, program development, and communications. This role is a transformational leader with a proven track record of cultivating, soliciting, and retaining prospective and existing donors, sponsors, and supporters while working collaboratively with stakeholders to achieve organizational growth.

This role oversees the organization’s communications efforts and strategies to enhance the organization’s visibility, engagement, and impact. It also plays a critical role in shaping and leading major events and programs that align with the organization’s mission and strategic objectives. The Director partners with the Executive Director, Board of Directors, and the team to advance the organization’s mission-focused work, vision, and strategic goals.

Position Title: Director, External Affairs
Department: External Affairs
Reports To: Executive Director
FLSA Status: Exempt, Full-Time
Deadline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Essential Responsibilities & Duties

Fundraising & Development

• Lead, produce, execute, monitor, evaluate, and report on the organization’s development and program strategy for annual individual gift-giving, corporate and foundation appeals, special events, outreach initiatives, and other cultivation activities.

• Manage sponsorship and naming opportunities, donor acknowledgments and receipts, and fulfillment with sponsors and donors.

• Design, deploy, and manage digital, online, and direct mail campaigns.

• Maintain, cultivate, and steward a portfolio of current and prospective donors.

• Lead list-building efforts, online donation platform management, and data integrity practices.

• Research and identify grant opportunities, develop compelling proposals, and track reporting requirements.

Communications

• Provide oversight of the organization’s communication strategy and implementation.

• Manage all communication products, including annual reports, newsletters, internal reports, social media, Google Ads, email campaigns, and the website.

• Develop and execute multi-channel campaigns to increase visibility and engagement.

• Ensure brand consistency across all platforms.

• Engage media outlets, influencers, and partners to enhance public relations.

• Analyze performance metrics to refine strategy.

• Craft compelling messaging and storytelling to highlight success and impact.

Programs & Events

• Develop, plan, and execute monthly programs and events that engage key audiences.

• Lead the strategy and execution of major special events, including the Global Leadership Awards Gala.

• Secure high-profile speakers and cultivate partnerships with leaders across sectors.

• Oversee sponsorship development, ticket sales, and donor engagement.

• Manage all event logistics and audience engagement strategies.

• Evaluate event success using data analysis and stakeholder feedback.

Financial Management

• Develop, oversee, and report on the annual fundraising, communications, and events budget.

• Monitor financial performance of initiatives, sponsorships, and events.

• Ensure proper financial reconciliation with Finance and Accounting.

• Implement best practices for donor tracking and revenue reporting.

• Provide performance updates and financial reports to leadership and stakeholders.

• Support audit preparation, IRS filings, and registration requirements.

• Identify cost-saving and revenue-enhancing strategies.

• Ensure legal and financial compliance related to fundraising.

Strategic Leadership and Team Development

• Collaborate with leadership to set strategic priorities for fundraising and communications.

• Support CRM system transition for stakeholder management.

• Assist in developing a new strategic plan with the Board and Executive Director.

• Hire, train, and develop a high-performing team.

• Foster a collaborative and results-driven team culture.

• Identify professional development opportunities.

• Conduct performance reviews and provide feedback.

• Monitor industry trends and innovations in nonprofit leadership.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Skills

Applicants must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily and demonstrate a passion for the mission, high ethical standards, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Key Skills:

• Proven success in securing and managing annual and major gifts.

• Expertise in stakeholder relationship management and strategic communication.

• Excellent writing, speaking, organizational, and analytical skills.

• Ability to manage multiple projects and create innovative engagement strategies.

• Strong marketing and branding skills.

• Proficiency with grant management, CRM systems, and donor databases.

• Effective relationship building across complex organizations.

• Demonstrated leadership and staff development skills.

• Data-driven decision making in fundraising and marketing strategy.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, PR, Business, Nonprofit Management, or related field required; advanced degree preferred.

• Minimum 10 years’ experience in fundraising, communications, and program development.

• Demonstrated success in donor engagement and grants management.

• Leadership experience in nonprofit communications and development.

• Expertise in event planning and major fundraising events.

• Familiarity with CRM platforms (Salsa, Salesforce, etc.) and cloud-based tech (Office 365).

• Strong digital marketing and project management background.

• Diplomatic communication experience preferred.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

• Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

• Physical duties include light lifting (up to 10 lbs), stooping, kneeling, bending, and sitting.

• Use of keyboard and hand movements is required.

• Occasional travel for meetings and events.

• May include evening, holiday, or weekend hours.

• In-person work required in Washington, DC.

Compensation:
Competitive annual salary of $80,000–$85,000, depending on experience. Includes comprehensive benefits package: health insurance, retirement plan, and paid time off.

Equal Opportunity Statement

International Student House of Washington, DC, is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to a workplace free from discrimination and harassment and comply with all employment-related laws to ensure equal opportunity.

About the International Student House of Washington, DC

International Student House of Washington, DC is an 89-year-old nonprofit fostering intercultural dialogue, life-long connections, and global citizenship. We provide a premier residential experience to graduate students, interns, and visiting scholars in Washington, DC. Our Tudor-style mansion in Dupont Circle hosts a vibrant, diverse community of nearly 100 residents. Since our founding, over 15,500 individuals from more than 140 countries have called ISH home.