Director of External Affairs

About Friends of the Parks

Friends of the Parks is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and promoting Chicago's parks and open spaces. We are seeking a Director of External Affairs to lead our advocacy, communications, and outreach efforts. This role reports directly to the Executive Director and supervises our Environmental Educator. Some evenings and weekends work is required. The position is hybrid with a requirement to be present at least 2 days a week in our downtown Chicago office.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and assess an annual communications plan to advance the organization's mission.
• Represent the organization at external events and within the community.
• Support and coordinate communications with partnership organizations.
• Maintain a consistent organizational voice, tone, and visual identity across all external communications.
• Create and manage key messaging tailored to diverse audience segments.
• Produce compelling content for newsletters, social media, website, press releases, annual reports, donor communications, and events.
• Oversee photography, videography, or delegate creation of visual materials.
• Build and sustain relationships with local and relevant media; manage press inquiries and monitor coverage.
• Administer social media platforms with regular posting and engagement; maintain and update the website.
• Utilize analytics to optimize reach and engagement.
• Develop and implement policy priorities aligning with organizational goals, including legislative strategies.
• Lead research and analysis of laws, regulations, and trends to inform policy proposals and advocacy initiatives.
• Serve as the primary contact for public records requests.
• Coordinate grassroots advocacy campaigns and coalition efforts focused on inclusion, justice, and equity.
• Maintain relationships with community partners, elected officials, Park Advisory Councils, and government representatives.
• Attend relevant meetings, events, and conferences related to advocacy and policy agendas.
• Develop and nurture donor relationships to support advocacy and policy work.
• Facilitate stakeholder engagement in advocacy campaigns.
• Staff the Advocacy Committee of the Board of Directors.

Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree is required; a master's degree or J.D. is preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of advancing experience in public relations, corporate communications, advocacy, policy, or government affairs.
• Proven ability to manage a large and diverse workload effectively.
• Experience in crafting and executing public affairs strategies and campaigns.
• Strong understanding of environmental justice, parks-related issues, community organizing, and Chicago politics.
• Excellent public speaking, writing, and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated capability to build and sustain relationships with varied stakeholders including elected and government officials.
• Skilled in producing engaging, brand-consistent content across multiple platforms.
• Experience in social media and earned media strategy development and execution.
• Self-driven with excellent time and task management capabilities.
• Analytical thinking skills to effectively convey messages and solve problems.
• Strong organizational skills, multitasking, and ability to prioritize under deadlines and fast-paced conditions.
• Team-building aptitude and ability to lead collaboratively while showing initiative.
• Technologically proficient with website management, CRM (EveryAction), and Google Suites.
• Project management experience including team supervision.

Compensation and Benefits

The annual salary range offered is $72,000 to $80,000 based on experience. Benefits include health care, dental, life insurance, and an employee-matched retirement plan available after three months of employment.

Additional Information

Location: Chicago downtown office with hybrid work arrangement requiring at least two days onsite per week.
Work Hours: Includes some weekends and evening commitments.

About the FOTP Internship Program

In addition to the full-time position, Friends of the Parks offers an Internship Program designed to provide university students with hands-on experience in conservation, environmental education, advocacy, and nonprofit operations. Interns can gain practical skills, explore organizational work, and contribute to key projects. Partnerships with universities, such as the University of Illinois Chicago, enable students to earn academic credit and connect coursework with community conservation efforts. Expansion to more universities is underway to broaden student opportunities.

Contact for full-time applications: Submit cover letter, resume, writing samples, and marketing materials authored solely by the applicant via email with subject "Director of External Affairs."