DIRECTOR OF EXTERNAL RELATIONS SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND JOB REQUIREMENTS

Updated: Mai 28, 2025 - The Director of External Relations possesses experience in higher education and event management, with expertise in engaging diverse community constituencies and fostering strong relationships. Proficiency in communication and organizational skills ensures the effective presentation of programs to donors and audiences while upholding professionalism and diversity. Advanced knowledge of fundraising tools like Salesforce supports strategic prospect management and the ability to adapt to flexible schedules and travel requirements.

Essential Hard and Soft Skills for a Standout Director of External Relations Resume
  • Public Relations
  • Media Relations
  • Strategic Communication
  • Crisis Management
  • Event Planning
  • Budget Management
  • Stakeholder Engagement
  • Social Media Management
  • Marketing Strategy
  • Contract Negotiation
  • Leadership
  • Communication
  • Problem-Solving
  • Negotiation
  • Relationship Building
  • Time Management
  • Decision Making
  • Adaptability
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Strategic Thinking

Summary of Director of External Relations Knowledge and Qualifications on Resume

1. BA in Communications with 10 years of Experience

  • Work experience in globally focused non-profits or multilateral agencies in fundraising
  • Proven successful track record in institutional fundraising, including securing major funding streams from ODA governments and large foundations
  • Strong experience in leading donor pitching
  • Understanding of international development, and experience in fundraising for gender equality advocacy (or related area)
  • Experience working in building results-based management frameworks and theory of change principles
  • Experience with high-net-worth individuals, private philanthropy, and family offices preferred
  • Experience in establishing and implementing ongoing stewardship programs and working in collaboration with program staff to execute
  • Strong oral and written communication skills
  • Excellent attention to detail and excellence in project management
  • Ability to thrive in high-profile environments supporting key program ambassadors, dignitaries, and other honored people with maturity and discretion
  • Ability to effectively work in a fast-paced environment under tight deadlines and conduct work independently
  • Strong attention to detail and a track record of consistently delivering high-quality work
  • Strong skills using Microsoft Word and Excel, familiarity with Salesforce

2. BA in Public Relations with 5 years of Experience

  • Experience working in higher education or related field managing events
  • Good working knowledge of University operations related to engagement with multiple constituencies
  • Working knowledge in support strategies and techniques used to engage broad community constituencies both locally and regionally
  • Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to relate to diverse constituencies
  • Effective organizational and time management skills.
  • Effective written and oral communication skills with emphasis on and presenting information about programs to potential donors and audiences in an understandable and compelling fashion
  • Demonstrated ability to continually strive to foster a working environment of fairness, cooperation, and professionalism
  • Promote open expression of individuality and diversity within the boundaries of courtesy, sensitivity, confidentiality, and respect.
  • The ability to maintain discretion regarding donor activities
  • Working knowledge of Salesforce (or equivalent fundraising software) for prospect management.
  • Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to include limited travel

3. BA in Business Administration with 8 years of Experience

  • Progressively work experience with a proven track record in fundraising, building relationships, drafting proposals, or strategic planning.
  • Experience in producing fundraising or other events and knowledge of principles and practices of events management.
  • Prior experience in a larger (500+) non-profit organization.
  • Ability to raise gifts of $50,000 or more as it pertains to External Relations.
  • Knowledge of the proposal development process and/or experience in assembling and writing complex reports
  • Demonstrated ability to think critically and strategically when developing plans and programs for External Relations.
  • Ability to successfully collaborate with faculty in gathering information and creating proposals and/or plans.
  • Ability to learn and comprehend Institute priorities and guidelines and apply appropriate processes.
  • Ability and willingness to learn/expand knowledge of all facets of the proposal development process, including prospect and project research and proposal creating and editing.
  • Demonstrated ability to assess programs and identify those with strong potential for individual giving, corporate giving, and foundation funding.
  • Ability to build effective relationships with individual, corporate, and foundation donor prospects.
  • Demonstrated ability to plan, implement, and manage fundraising events.
  • Solid interpersonal skills to establish and maintain good working relationships with an emphasis on good judgment, tact, diplomacy, flexibility, professionalism, and discretion.
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