Ford Foundation · 14 hours ago
Manager, Office of External Affairs
New York, United States
Full-time
Hybrid
Mid, Senior Level
$120K/yr - $125K/yr
5+ years expThe Ford Foundation is seeking a Manager for the Office of External Affairs to oversee operational and project management functions. This role involves monitoring emerging issues, facilitating cross-functional collaboration, and producing high-level communications to support the Vice President and Director of External Affairs.
Non Profit
Responsibilities
Monitor emerging issues through real-time tracking of press, social media, and digital platforms. Provide actionable reporting to department and Foundation leadership
Develop and maintain project management systems to track the Office of External Affairs’s actions and ensure timely follow-up on both ongoing and emerging initiatives
Act as a strategic conduit between internal departments—including Communications, Legal, Operations, and Program teams—to ensure seamless cross-functional collaboration during issue response and crisis management
Support rapid response and risk prevention activities by gathering data, maintaining situational awareness, and drafting time-sensitive materials
Produce and edit high-level communications, including talking points, briefing memos, media summaries, and executive presentations
Conduct research and environmental scans to analyze complex information and provide high-level executive summaries to inform recommendations
Draft government affairs-related reports, prep documents, and memos for the President and Executive Leadership Team
Collaborate on workflow improvements to refine protocols for risk prevention, issue escalation, and crisis response
Maintain internal knowledge assets, including databases, holding statements, and procedural guides
Coordinate with external vendors and consultants as directed by the Director and VP of External Affairs to ensure project deliverables are met
Partner with the Vice President and Director on special projects, adapting to evolving workflows to support the broader strategic goals of the office
Qualification
Required
At least 5 years of experience in nonprofit communications, media relations, public affairs, or a related field
Strong research, writing, editing, and analytical skills
Proven ability to monitor and synthesize information across multiple media platforms in real time
Highly organized with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities under pressure
Strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and good judgment
Proficiency in Google Suite, Microsoft Office Suite (especially PowerPoint) and project management tools
Baccalaureate degree in a related field or a record of equivalent professional experience and achievement
Preferred
Experience in government, political communications, or PR preferred
Benefits
Comprehensive benefits package designed for your well-being and work-life needs, including medical, dental, and vision benefits effective on your first day
Generous time off, including personal, vacation, sick, extended holiday time off, and wellness days
Generous parental leave policy, including birth, surrogacy, adoptive, foster parents, and resources for backup child and elder care that support our colleagues’ ability to attend to family responsibilities
Comprehensive retirement benefits options (with employee and employer contributions of up to 13%), allowing you to invest in your financial future with confidence
Company
Ford Foundation
Ford Foundation is an independent, nonprofit, nongovernmental organization with a mission to advance human welfare.
201-500 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Ford Foundation has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (3)
2024 (2)
2023 (2)
2022 (1)
2021 (2)
2020 (1)
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageLeadership Team
Michele Moore
Vice President & Chief Communications Officer
Sarita Gupta
Vice President of U.S. Programs
Recent News
2026-01-16
alleywatch.com
2025-12-16
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