External Affairs Manager

External Affairs Manager

Full time, In-person, Exempt

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Annual Salary: $90,000 - $100,000 - commensurate with education and experience.

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 9am - 6pm, evenings and weekends as necessary

The Mosholu Montefiore Community Center (MMCC) is one of the largest and most comprehensive human service organizations in the Bronx, serving more than 40,000 New Yorkers annually. For over 80 years, MMCC has been a trusted anchor institution, advancing equity and opportunity through programs spanning early childhood education, afterschool and enrichment, college and career readiness, workforce development, health and wellness, urban agriculture, financial literacy, senior services, and community engagement.

Position Overview:

The External Affairs Manager will serve as a senior leader and strategic partner to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This role combines public relations with leadership in fundraising, government relations, community partnerships, and communications with direct support to the CEO and senior leaders in advancing MMCC’s mission and external priorities.

The External Affairs Manager will play a central role in strengthening MMCC’s visibility and public image, cultivating relationships with key funders and stakeholders, and ensuring the CEO’s time and focus are leveraged for the highest organizational impact.

Key Responsibilities

External Affairs & Public Relations

● Develop and execute comprehensive public relations strategies that align with organizational goals and enhance reputation.

● Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with journalists, media outlets, community partners, and stakeholders to facilitate effective media coverage.

● Proofread all outgoing content meticulously to ensure accuracy, consistency, and adherence to organizational standards.

● Monitor media coverage and public sentiment to gauge the effectiveness of communication efforts and adjust strategies accordingly.

Strategic Leadership & Executive Partnership

● Serve as a thought partner to the CEO & MMCC’s senior leadership team on external affairs, strategy, and partnerships.

● Represent MMCC in coalitions, forums, and community events as a proxy for the CEO when needed.

● Draft and edit high-level communications and correspondence for the CEO.

● Coordinate across departments to ensure public messaging aligns with MMCC’s mission, vision, program priorities, and long-term strategy.

● Align program priorities with fundraising and government relations strategies to present a cohesive external narrative.

● Support engagement of the Board of Directors, including individual outreach, quarterly meetings, fundraising initiatives, and board-level communications.

● Partner with senior leadership to ensure board members are equipped with clear messaging, materials, and opportunities to support MMCC’s external goals.

Fundraising & Development

● Manage implementation of organization’s fundraising plan, specifically the individual, private foundations, & corporations’ portfolios, ensuring organization is on track to meet revenue goals.

● Drive proactive relationship-building with new prospective funders

● Lead cultivation of new revenue opportunities from foundations, corporations, and government agencies, working closely with the CEO and senior leadership on high-level funder relationships.

● Provide direct partnership and strategic guidance to the Development Team, holding bi-weekly check-ins to review progress, address challenges, and ensure alignment with organizational priorities.

Qualifications

● 5+ years of leadership experience in public relations, fundraising, external affairs, or related fields; experience supporting or serving CEO and leadership preferred.

● Understanding of New York City’s philanthropic, corporate, and government landscape.

● Strong writing, communications, and presentation skills.

● Strong organizational and project management skills, with ability to manage multiple priorities for the CEO.

● Effective interpersonal skills for building relationships with media professionals and community partners.

● Experience building cross-functional alignment.

● Commitment to MMCC’s mission and to advancing equity and opportunity in the Bronx.

● Bilingual (Spanish/English) skills are a plus.

Compensation & Benefits

● Salary range: $90,000–$100,000, commensurate with experience.

● Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, retirement, and generous PTO.

● Professional development opportunities and a supportive, mission-driven culture.

To Apply:

Send resumes, cover letters and questions to Rita Santelia, Chief Executive Officer [email protected] Your cover letter must address your qualifications for this position, salary requirements and your interest in MMCC.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. DRUG FREE WORKPLACE.

MMCC is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to cultural competency, diversity, and inclusion and values the ways in which we are different. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request for individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other characteristics protected by the applicable law.

Pay: $90,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Do you have a good understanding of NYC's philanthropic, corporate and government landscape?

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Public relations: 5 years (Required)
• external affairs: 5 years (Required)
• Fundraising: 5 years (Required)

Work Location: In person