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Posted June 03, 2023
Charleston Wine + Food

Director of External Affairs + Strategic Engagement

Charleston Wine + Food
Charleston, SC, USA ⚠ [Archived] No Longer Accepting Applicants

DIRECTOR OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS AND STRATEGIC ENGAGEMENT

Job Description

REPORTS TO: Executive Director

PAYMENT SCHEDULE: Bi-weekly

TERM: Full-Time, Exempt

LOCATION: Charleston, SC. This role requires a hands-on leader in an office/campus hybrid environment most of the year and is not a fully remote role.

Benefits Offered

  • Wellness Benefits
  • Annual Performance Bonus
  • Employer-Paid Health Benefits
  • Cell phone Reimbursements
  • 401(K) Retirement Plan with non-elective employer contribution
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Professional Development Opportunities
  • Flexible + Hybrid Working Environment
  • Unlimited Vacation
  • Paid Holidays
  • Casual Dress

Overview

The Development Department plans and implements the development and fundraising program to provide for the short- and long-term needs of the organization. The Director of External Affairs + Strategic Engagement works to establish and maintain new strategic partnerships and oversees the organization's external affairs programs with key external stakeholders including corporations, government officials, government agencies, and other non-profit organizations. The Director of External Affairs + Strategic Engagement is passionate about relationships and multi-directional thinking. They are hard-working, flexible, detail-oriented, and creative, with demonstrated experience leading others. They will lead and manage other members of the Development team to ensure the success of all fundraising efforts and strategic partnerships. This role requires the ability to use professional relationship skills to cultivate, close, and maintain large-scale sponsorships, cultivate private donors and foundations that further Charleston Wine + Food's mission and impact in the local community in a positive way. Additionally, the Director of External Affairs + Strategic Engagement will serve in an advisory role as Special Assistant to the Executive Director.

They Recognize And Use Our Mission And Higher Purpose As a Guide In Every Decision Made On Behalf Of The Organization

The Director of External Affairs + Strategic Engagement is committed to act as a brand representative of Charleston Wine + Food and portray our values of people first, community, and good stewardship.

Mission: To celebrate, educate, enrich, and promote the Lowcountry's diverse culinary + hospitality community throughworld-class experiences.

Higher Purpose: to be a catalyst for connections that inspire curiosity through thoughtful storytelling and meaningful experiences with a sense of place.

Principal Accountabilities

  • Support the Executive Director to drive and deliver Charleston Wine + Food's vision, mission, and values with overall accountability for the achievement of organizational strategic plan
  • Support Executive Director in shaping the business infrastructure, increasing effectiveness, innovation, and financial viability of the organization
  • Develop and implement an external engagement strategy that advances the purpose, strategy and priorities of Charleston Wine + Food by developing and nurturing relationships and partnerships of influence while enhancing the reputation of CHSWF
  • Develop, implement and grow new fundraising functions of the organization including, but not limited to corporate and private donor programs, grant and public funding opportunities, and endowment opportunities
  • Oversee Development Department, ensuring its growth, success, and financial sustainability
  • Establish fundraising objectives for the organization, setting one-year, five-year, and longer-term goals in line with the financial needs of the organization
  • Establish and embed a monitoring and evaluation and market research and insight function to both demonstrate the impact of our work, inform strategic decision making and ensure continued viability for grant and public funding opportunities
  • Work closely with all departments, and department heads, to establish and maintain clear lines of communication and provide inspirational and strategic leadership
  • Function as an accountability leader with regards to organization and community expectations
  • Participate as a key member in client, sponsor, vendor, and internal meetings; manage expectations and timelines through planning sessions while encouraging creativity in brainstorming sessions.

Leadership

  • People leadership and team management may include cultivation of a diverse team, encouragement, and empowerment to drive great ideas, and stepping in to support at any level
  • Coach and mentor members of the Development team to continue to build strong, capable, confident and autonomous team members
  • Support and provide tools for team members to effectively and efficiently collaborate, work, and grow within and outside our walls
  • Champion and inspire teams to execute big ideas by allowing yourself to be seen as a valuable leader within a positive climate that inspires all to exceed their goals
  • Encourage a culture of equity and inclusivity by fostering diversity and innovation for all
  • Possess the ability to engage and communicate, both internally and externally, with enthusiasm and poise. Alternatively, this individual should have the ability to listen and respond with compassion and empathy.
  • Solution-oriented thinking and the ability to problem solve in a dynamic, constant state of change environment
  • Self-motivation and a passion for growth and challenge
  • Act as a champion and advocate for all involved in Charleston Wine + Food including sponsors, volunteers, staff, and attendees

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

  • Drive meaningful interactions within the community
  • Embody the core values and act as an ambassador of Charleston Wine + Food
  • Work alongside clients and sponsors to support their goals and enhance the relationships within our community
  • Source and manage sponsors and vendors for events and occasions
  • Inspire and encourage positive impacts on the local community while enhancing the experience of attendees

Requirements

  • 10 + years of leadership / senior management level experience in philanthropy, policy, government or related field
  • Visionary and strategic thinking skills - great at connecting the dots and seeing patterns within systems and partnerships
  • Proven experience in external leadership engagement
  • Influencer, opportunistic, detail-oriented, multi-tasker and adapts to change well
  • Direct experience working with government officials and staff around a variety of issue areas
  • Extensive knowledge of fundraising strategies and principles, and success in developing fundraising programs
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Knowledge of tax planning principles and techniques that favor charitable giving
  • Professional writing and communication skills with impeccable grammar
  • Mastery level skills with intermediate computer skills and Microsoft Office and G Suite platforms (Google Docs and Google Sheets)
  • Ability to work collaboratively with a variety of people
  • Comfortable working in an outdoor setting (rain, cold, mud)
  • Ability to do some physical work (lifting boxes, field set-up)
  • Bachelor's degree required, master's degree preferred

This job description reflects management's assignment of essential functions; and nothing in this herein restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at anytime.