DIRECTOR OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND JOB REQUIREMENTS

Published: Dec 2, 2024 – The Director of External Affairs possesses extensive experience in a mid-size non-profit focused on serving underserved adults and adolescents, has effectively managed teams, and orchestrated comprehensive fundraising plans. Proficiency in both traditional fundraising metrics and modern marketing communications underscores a track record of increasing net profits through special events and strategic donor engagement. The director is equipped with advanced computer skills, including Raiser’s Edge, and a sophisticated approach to board development, the candidate demonstrates a strong commitment to the social services sector.

Essential Hard and Soft Skills for a Standout Director of External Affairs Resume
  • Public Relations
  • Strategic Communications
  • Crisis Management
  • Media Relations
  • Event Planning
  • Social Media Management
  • Government Relations
  • Budget Management
  • Data Analysis
  • Stakeholder Engagement
  • Leadership
  • Negotiation
  • Problem-Solving
  • Adaptability
  • Communication
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Teamwork
  • Time Management
  • Emotional Intelligence
  • Decision Making

Summary of Director of External Affairs Knowledge and Qualifications on Resume

1. BA in Public Relations with 10 years of Experience

  • Experience working in the field or a related area.
  • Experience across multiple areas of Corporate Communications including media relations, stakeholder engagement, public affairs, and social media.
  • Strong understanding of Agriculture and/or Food Production issues preferred.
  • Must be a self-starter who works well both independently and as part of a team.
  • Proven experience in issues management, messaging, and narrative development.
  • Results-oriented with an emphasis on both individual and team accountability with the ability to delegate, supervise, and perform hands-on tasks as dictated by the situation.
  • Excellent verbal, written, presentation, and informal communication skills with an ability to adapt the communication style for the situation.
  • Must be resilient and adaptable to evolution in the industry and markets.
  • Passion to rapidly build expertise in new regions and/or industry verticals.
  • Understanding and knowledge related to dynamics and trends that affect clients.
  • Demonstrated experience communicating broad strategic initiatives to both key stakeholders and diverse internal teams.
  • Experience in directing complex multi-party negotiations to achieve goals.
  • Must be detail-oriented, focused, and thoughtful in driving action.

2. BA in Communications with 11 years of Experience

  • Experience in leadership roles in a high growth/scale-up type of environment
  • Experience in leading a busy communications team in media, corporate communications, or a similar field
  • Experience in leading an impactful public affairs program and team
  • Experience in managing and developing a team
  • Budget and financial management working experience
  • Experience remaining calm in high-pressured environments
  • Comprehensive knowledge of UK media and political environment, the interplay between politics and public opinion, and how GLP can influence and effect change
  • Understanding of media/communications trends
  • Ability to develop multi-pronged communications plans that are ambitious and achievable, and that both deepen public understanding/awareness about critical issues and promote the organization.
  • Exceptional strategic sensibility, including the ability to develop effective messaging that brings together consumer, brand, policy, and political lenses.
  • Understanding of political processes (local, county, state, and federal) and the ability to identify, analyze, and communicate legislative, regulatory, and policy issues
  • Ability to identify and build strategic relationships with key government leaders, policymakers, industry, community leaders, and other stakeholders.
  • Strong organizational skills and excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to research, analyze, and recommend strategies for program and policy development.

3. BA in International Relations with 9 years of Experience

  • Progressive development experience within a mid-size non-profit organization that caters to the underserved adult and adolescent population.
  • Experience working in a managerial role.
  • Proven track record with major gifts, foundations, and corporations, grant writing, and RFP.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of implementing a fundraising plan and execution of such a plan.
  • Experience with special events/galas and increasing net profits.
  • Experience fundraising with success using industry-standard metrics (cost per dollar raised, donor cultivation, foundation grants, etc.) and/or marketing/communication metrics (website and social media analytics).
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Flexible, collaborative, coaching management style.
  • Knowledge of donors, foundations, and low-hanging fruit within the social/human services sector.
  • High level of work ethic and sophistication to solicit and develop a Board of Directors.
  • Excellent computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suites.
  • Experience working with Raiser’s Edge
  • Bilingual in English and Spanish

4. BA in Political Science with 13 years of Experience

  • Experience in positions of increasing responsibility in government affairs, public affairs, or public policy in the pharmaceutical and/or healthcare industry and/or trade association and/or government
  • Relevant experience in health care, as well as experience with the pharmaceutical industry
  • An understanding of how governments make decisions and what types of input can help shape those decisions.
  • Experience executing external affairs strategies at a country or regional level with proven results (emerging markets experience)
  • Possess a high degree of strategic thinking, decision-making, and tactical skills to develop broad strategy and policy, options, and recommendations to address issues expeditiously.
  • Well-honed political sensitivities and the utmost integrity while having the executive presence necessary to deal effectively with high-profile stakeholders
  • Strong analytical, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills, the ability to speak and write persuasively and with clarity
  • Strong organizational skills, flexibility, adaptability to changing requirements, resourcefulness, and creativity
  • Strong attention to detail, a proven track record of being able to work under deadlines, and an ability to work collaboratively in a fluid organizational environment.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills along with knowledge of emerging communications trends and technologies.
  • Excellent business acumen with the ability to anticipate company and team needs
  • Must be an individual who works well in a team environment and enjoys working in a collegial, yet highly demanding culture.
  • Must be able to work collaboratively with business leaders and other internal stakeholders across different geographies.