Chief External Affairs Officer

About Common Future

Common Future is dedicated to closing the racial wealth gap by creating an equitable economy where people of all races and classes have power, choice, and economic ownership. Founded in 2001 and led by a diverse team, we provide capital, operational backing, and strategic partnerships to innovative solutions addressing racial and economic injustice. Our team comprises strategists, community organizers, financial activists, and policy experts who unite to incubate and propel initiatives that empower excluded communities economically. Our culture emphasizes equity, experimentation, community-centered work, collective problem-solving, and employee well-being. Learn more at our website.

Role Overview

The Chief External Affairs Officer (CEAO) will be a senior executive responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive revenue strategy and managing the organization's brand reputation to support our mission. This key leader will oversee fundraising involving institutional philanthropy, individual donors, capital raising, and emerging income streams, working toward a $10 million annual target, including $6-7 million for operations and $3 million for investment capital. The role involves maintaining a portfolio of funders and investors, particularly major donors, with travel accounting for 20-25% to conferences and meetings.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and lead Common Future’s revenue strategy across diverse funding channels and business models to ensure financial sustainability and increase unrestricted funding.
• Manage a $10 million annual fundraising goal closely aligned with organizational priorities, working with program and finance teams to integrate fundraising with program goals.
• Maintain and nurture a portfolio of funders, high-net-worth individuals, and impact investors, focusing on transformational giving and equity-centered capital relationships.
• Represent the organization externally at events, build relationships, and identify new philanthropic and capital sources.
• Guide brand management and strategic communications, ensuring messaging resonates with funders, partners, and the wider community, producing high-quality proposals and reports.
• Lead and develop the Fund Development and Strategic Communications teams, fostering a culture of excellence and accountability, overseeing budgets, and ensuring professional growth.
• Participate as an executive team member shaping organizational strategy, culture, and financial goals, collaborating cross-functionally and driving leadership development.

Qualifications

• Over 12 years in fundraising or related roles with proven success in securing major philanthropic and investment funds at an executive level.
• Demonstrated experience managing a portfolio of high-value donors, including transformational gifts and impact investors.
• Strong expertise in brand positioning, external communications, and enhancing executive visibility.
• Deep commitment to racial and economic justice and understanding how capital can drive systemic change.
• Successful track record crafting and executing multi-channel revenue strategies involving grants, individual giving, digital channels, and capital raises.
• Capacity to lead through change and ambiguity, rebuilding strategies and systems while meeting revenue objectives.
• Skilled in managing diverse teams with high standards and promoting development and accountability.
• Outstanding relationship-building skills with varied stakeholders from communities to major funders.
• Ability and willingness to travel regularly for external engagements, with accommodations where necessary.
• Equity-centered approach to capital pursuits and funder relationships, modeling organizational values externally.
• Strong strategic thinking, intellectual curiosity, entrepreneurial spirit, and ability to operate in complex environments.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including presenting to senior executives and boards.

Company Culture and Commitment

Common Future is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply, including those who may not meet every stated qualification but align with our mission and values. We strive to reflect the communities we serve.

Benefits

• Four-day workweek (Monday-Thursday), 32 hours weekly at full pay (80% time).
• Flexible and remote work options.
• 20 days of paid time off annually.
• 18 paid holidays.