Job Description

The Director of External Affairs will provide leadership in respect to development, communications, marketing, and public policy. He/she will be responsible for developing and articulating a visionary strategic plan for the external affairs of the school that will strengthen relationships with donors, public officials and all other external constituencies. The Director of External Affairs will be expected to create excitement about the important work of BCSE, increase the donor base, and partner with the Head of School and the Board of Trustees to raise BCSE's visibility, increase revenue and develop long-term relationships.

Skills & Qualifications

Qualified candidates will have professional poise, excellent written and verbal communication abilities, impeccable presentation skills, and an optimistic approach towards achieving ambitious goals. Successful candidates will have a strong work ethic, will be resourceful and have a can-do attitude. Additionally will have:

· A record of success in fundraising and creating marketing strategies and the ability to harness financial resources by cultivating effective relationships with a wide variety of constituents

· An enthusiastic, entrepreneurial approach to fundraising

· Proven success in securing six- and seven-figure gifts as a frontline fundraiser

· Ability to work effectively with the Board of Trustees and senior management team

· Superior relationship-building skills

· Good judgment and the ability to reconcile divergent points of view, resolve conflicts and ensure that all of the constituents work toward a common goal

· A professional demeanor and personal style that elicits trust from prospects and BCSE staff

· Some exposure to public policy and advocacy including issues at the local, state, and national levels


· A history of building visibility for an organization and a track record as an effective communicator in written and verbal form, including proven public speaking skills that will represent BCSE to a broad public community


· Broad functional experience in areas of strategic planning and marketing, market research and planning and promotions/advertising


· Impeccable integrity, judgment and discretion needed to handle confidential matters


· Experience in the New York City philanthropic community

· Able to inspire teamwork and to motivate others to work together toward a common goal

· Demonstrated experience as an exceptional manager

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Raisers Edge and FundEZ

· Experience in a complex, multi-site organization

• A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in a role of External Affairs, public relation and/or fundraiser/developer

Organizational Description & Mission

Website: www.bronxexcellence.org

How to Apply

For more information, email: bcsesearch@bronxexcellence.org