Description

To Apply

Send a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and sample marketing materials which you have solely produced to [email protected]. The subject line must include “Director of External Affairs”. The deadline to apply is September 1, 2026 or until the position is filled.

About FOTP

Friends of the Parks (FOTP) inspires and mobilizes a diverse Chicago to ensure an equitable park system for health and well-being for all. For more than 50 years, FOTP has championed Chicago’s parks and open spaces. We work to preserve, protect, and expand green spaces so that every community can thrive. FOTP was born to fight against exclusion and give communities a real voice in their parks. 

Position Description

FOTP is seeking a Director of External Affairs to lead our outward facing strategies including advocacy, communications, and outreach. This new position will be responsible for leading the organization’s advocacy efforts, including developing, advancing, and implementing the organization’s policy priorities, coordination with coalition partners, and activating our base of members and supporters. The Director of External Affairs is responsible for developing and implementing our external narrative and communications strategies to advance our work. This position will supervise our Environmental Educator, collaborate with staff and consultants, and report directly to the Executive Director. Some weekends and evenings are required. We are a hybrid office with at least 2 days in our downtown Chicago office. 

The following list of responsibilities will be prioritized according to a work plan established in collaboration with the Executive Director.

Develop & Lead Public Relations Strategy

• Develop, implement, and evaluate annual communications plan and strategies to promote the organization’s mission
• Represent the organization at events and in the community
• Support partnership communications

Develop Brand & Messaging

• Maintain a consistent voice, tone, and visual identity across all external materials
• Ensure all communications reflect the organization's mission and values
• Develop and steward key messages for different audiences

Manage Content & Storytelling

• Write and produce content across channels — newsletters, social media, website, press releases, annual reports, and donor communications
• Tell the stories of impact in ways that connect emotionally with supporters
• Manage photography and filming, or coordinate creation of visual content
• Produce content for organization’s events and campaigns 

Lead Media (Earned and Social) & Public Relations

• Build and maintain relationships with local and relevant media
• Pitch stories and respond to press inquiries
• Monitor media coverage and manage the organization's public profile
• Manage social media channels with consistent posting and engagement
• Maintain and update the website
• Track analytics and use data to improve reach and engagement

Policy Priorities and Research 

• Develop and implement policy priorities that align with the organization’s goals and objectives.
• Lead the organization in researching, analyzing, and synthesizing complex information to draft policy proposals, reports, and recommendations.
• Researching and analyzing laws, regulations, and trends to make informed decisions when creating policies.
• Deliver media and communications that complement advocacy and policy initiatives.
• Develop legislative strategy to carry out our objectives; and track both policy and funding legislation affecting Chicago's parks. 
• Serves as primary contact for public records requests

Advocacy and Coalition Building 

• Develop advocacy campaigns and lead grassroots coalitions that align with the organization’s policy priorities 
• Maintain strong relationships between the organization and our community partners that centers inclusion, justice, and equity. 
• Serve as a liaison with Park Advisory Councils
• Develop and manage relationships with elected officials and government officials
• Attend meetings, events, conferences on issues related to the policy and advocacy agenda of the organization.
• Develop and maintain relationships with relevant potential donors for our advocacy and policy engagement work.
• Develop and coordinate advocacy opportunities for stakeholders to organize in support of our campaigns and issues. 
• Staff the Advocacy Committee of the Board of Directors. 

Requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; a master’s degree or J.D. is preferred.
• 7-plus years of progressive experience in public relations, corporate communications, advocacy, policy, and/or government affairs
• Ability to balance large workload across all areas of the job 
• Experience in developing, executing, and monitoring public affairs strategies and campaigns
• Strong understanding of environmental justice, park issues, community organizing, and city of Chicago politics
• Exceptional public speaking, writing, and presentation skills
• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders, partners, and elected and government officials
• Ability to produce high-level, exciting, and interesting brand-driven content
• Experience building and executing a social media and earned media strategy
• Self motivated person who is highly skilled at time and task management
• Analytical skills to solve problems and find the best way to convey a message
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to multitask and prioritize projects while working on a deadline or in a fast-paced environment
• Strong team builder that strives in collaboration while taking initiative
• The technological skills to manage the organization’s website, work with our CRM (EveryAction), Google Suites, etc. 
• Strong Project manager with experience supervising a team