YMCA of Greater Boston · 1 month ago
Chief External Affairs Officer
Boston, MA
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
$225K/yr - $250K/yrThe YMCA of Greater Boston is one of Massachusetts' leading nonprofits committed to strengthening communities. They are seeking an experienced Chief External Affairs Officer to lead external affairs strategy, ensuring effective communication of the YMCA's narrative and priorities while fostering partnerships and community engagement.
Health CareWellness
Responsibilities
Develop and lead an external affairs strategy that integrates fundraising, communications, media relations, government affairs, corporate and community engagement
Serve as a strategic advisor to the CEO, Executive Leadership Team, and Board on visibility, partnerships, resource development, and long-term positioning
Advance enterprise-level initiatives—including system modernization, new media strategy— through strategic engagement and storytelling
Ensure a collaborative, inclusive, and accountable team culture across all external-facing functions
Create shared practices that support decentralized teams in storytelling, branding, donor engagement, and external representation
Lead a mission-aligned development strategy centered on relationship-building, equity, and long-term partnership
Ensure fundraising priorities are co-developed with internal leaders across locations and program areas and informed by community needs
Oversee the full philanthropic portfolio including annual giving, major gifts, foundation and corporate funding and partnerships, public and private grant-seeking, sponsorships, and events
Provide strategic foresight on emerging opportunities, risks, and sector trends to the CEO, Executive Leadership Team, and Board
Lead a values-driven communications strategy that strengthens brand identity, advances equity, and amplifies organizational impact
Oversee storytelling, digital engagement, media relations, partnership events, and crisis communications, ensuring accessible, clear, and authentic messaging
Ensure message alignment across all external platforms and audiences, building trust with staff, donors, partners, and community members
Partner with the COO and CFO to communicate progress on major organizational initiatives through transparent and mission-centered messaging
Serve as one of the organization’s representatives in government and civic spaces, ensuring the organization is present where decisions, funding opportunities, and sector priorities are shaped
Lead an advocacy strategy that reflects community needs, advances equitable outcomes, and positions the organization as a trusted, expert, and scale partner in youth development, community wellbeing, and mental health
Build, strengthen, and steward partnerships across healthcare, education, philanthropy, municipal agencies, corporate sectors, and community-based organizations
Ensure all partnerships reflect community voice, lived experience, shared goals, and alignment with organizational capacity
Expand regional presence and collaborative opportunities that support community wellbeing and further the mission
Qualification
Required
Extensive leadership experience in nonprofit, public-sector, or social impact organizations of significant scale
Demonstrated success leading development, communications, and/or government relations at the executive level
Strong relationship-building skills rooted in partnership, equity, and community-centered leadership
Ability to navigate complex systems, political environments, and multi-stakeholder landscapes
Exceptional communication, storytelling, and influence skills
Proven success guiding teams through growth, change, and strategic execution
Preferred
Experience in business development, revenue diversification, capital campaigns, major gifts, and/or public–private partnerships
Knowledge of regional and statewide civic, philanthropic, and policy ecosystems
Experience within membership-based, multi-site, or large-scale social services organizations
Background in community engagement, coalition-building, or regional planning
Benefits
FREE YMCA Membership for you.
Discount on Specialty Programs like Personal Training and Swimming Lessons.
Discounted or FREE family membership.
Robust Retirement Plan (see eligibility requirement)
Health, Dental, and Vision Benefit Package.
Vacation and Sick Time (PT receive sick time)
Company
YMCA of Greater Boston
YMCA of Greater Boston is dedicated to strengthening spirit, mind and body of every individual through programs and activities.
Founded in 1851
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$0.04MKey Investors
ComcastThe Boston Foundation
2023-10-27Grant
2018-12-14Grant· $0.04M
Leadership Team
David Shapiro
Chief Executive Officer
James Morton
President and Chief Executive Officer
Recent News
2025-05-07
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