Chief External Affairs Officer

Chief External Affairs Officer Chief External Affairs Officer Posted 3 days ago Company Location Lansing, MI Work Location Hybrid Company Food Bank Council of Michigan, Inc. Employer Contact

Dawn Opel Email:

dopel@fbcmich.org

Phone:

517.614.3411 Employment Basis Full Time Salary Type Annual Salary Range $100,000 - $150,000 Employer Type Nonprofit Experience Level 11-20 years Education Level Bachelor's Degree About the Food Bank Council of Michigan (FBCM) The Food Bank Council of Michigan (FBCM) is the Partner State Association of the seven Feeding America food banks serving all of Michigan. With an operating budget of over $24M (plus commodities more than $100M), FBCM coordinates federal and state public policy engagement, administers key food programs, advocates for Michigan families, and fosters innovation and collaboration across the unified food bank network. Working at both the organizational and systems level, FBCM advances shared strategies to reduce food insecurity and ensure dignified access to nutritious food statewide. Position Overview The Chief External Affairs Officer (CEAO) is a senior member of FBCM's leadership team, responsible for advancing the organization's mission, strategic priorities, and public influence through coordinated advocacy, government relations, communications, fund development, and stakeholder engagement. Reporting to the President & CEO, the CEAO leads external strategy and execution to ensure that FBCM is a credible, trusted, and effective voice for Michigan's food banks and the communities they serve. The CEAO operates in close partnership with the CEO to align external affairs with Board‑approved strategy, uphold FBCM's values, and strengthen relationships with policymakers, partners, funders, and the public. The role serves as both a strategic advisor and an operational leader, translating FBCM's vision into measurable external impact. Key Responsibilities Advocacy & Public Policy Leadership Develop and implement FBCM's state and federal advocacy strategy consistent with the CEO's strategic direction and Board priorities. Build and sustain strong, credible relationships with state departments, elected officials, regulatory agencies, and legislative staff. Represent FBCM before legislative and administrative bodies, coalitions, and advisory groups. Monitor, analyze, and communicate emerging data, policy, regulatory, and system‑level trends affecting food security in Michigan. Support and activate the unified food bank network in coordinating advocacy and policy engagement, including alignment and coordination with the Feeding America National Organization (FANO). Communications & Spokesperson Function Lead all external communications, ensuring consistency, transparency, and strategic alignment with FBCM's mission and values. Serve as a key spokesperson for FBCM, in coordination with the CEO, to policymakers, partners, funders, and media. Oversee messaging, media relations, thought leadership, digital engagement, and crisis communications. Translate complex policy and system issues into clear, persuasive narratives that resonate with diverse stakeholders. Fund Development & Revenue Strategy Lead the organization's philanthropic strategy in partnership with the CEO, including individual, foundation, corporate, and public funding streams. Oversee development planning, donor cultivation, stewardship, and revenue growth initiatives. Support major gift strategy and key funder relationships alongside the CEO. Ensure alignment between fundraising priorities and mission impact, programs, and advocacy goals. Establish measurable development goals and monitor performance. Special Events & External Engagement Provide strategic oversight of all fundraising and signature events (e.g., statewide campaigns, donor events, awareness campaigns). Ensure events strengthen stakeholder engagement, brand positioning, and revenue generation. Integrate advocacy, data storytelling, and donor engagement into event strategy. Evaluate event performance and return on investment. Relationship & Partnership Building Strengthen collaboration across Michigan's unified food bank network through effective communication and shared advocacy efforts. Develop and maintain partnerships with nonprofit associations, philanthropy, healthcare systems, agriculture, and the private sector. Position FBCM as a trusted convener and solutions‑oriented partner in advancing food security statewide. Represent FBCM in statewide and national forums in alignment with CEO priorities. Strategic Leadership & Organizational Alignment Serve on the senior leadership team, contributing to organizational strategy, long‑range planning, and risk management. Ensure advocacy and communications efforts are aligned with Board‑approved goals and integrated across departments. This may include facilitation of Board committees related to these functions. Develop measurable objectives and reporting frameworks to assess external affairs impact. Provide clear, timely information to the CEO regarding risks, opportunities, and external developments. Team Leadership & Management Lead, support, and evaluate external affairs staff with a focus on accountability, collaboration, and professional development. Foster a culture of respect, ethical conduct, and servant leadership consistent with FBCM's values. Manage departmental budgets, consultants, and external partners effectively. Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and best practices related to advocacy and communications. Issues, Risk & Reputation Management Anticipate and manage reputational risks and emerging public issues affecting FBCM and Michigan's food banks. Partner with the CEO to lead coordinated responses during crises or high‑profile policy challenges. Protect and enhance FBCM's credibility, integrity, and public trust. Skills & Qualifications Required Bachelor's degree in public policy, communications, political science, nonprofit management, or related field. 10+ years of progressive experience in advocacy, government relations, public affairs, fund development, and/or communications—preferably within a nonprofit, trade association, or public‑policy environment. Demonstrated success influencing public policy and managing external stakeholder relationships. Strong written and oral communication skills; ability to present ideas clearly and persuasively. Proven people‑management experience in a collaborative setting. Preferred Graduate degree in a related field. Experience working within a statewide network or membership organization. Deep understanding of Michigan's political, policy, and regulatory landscape. Demonstrated coalition‑building and systems‑level leadership experience. Leadership Competencies Strategic and systems‑level thinker Collaborative, relationship‑centered leader Sound judgment and political acumen High ethical standards and commitment to transparency Servant‑leadership mindset focused on mission, members, and community impact Work Environment Work is performed primarily in an office environment with standard office equipment, with occasional work in warehouse‑type environments. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Evening and weekend work may be required as needed.