Chief External Relations Officer
Austin, TX
Full Time
Executive
Texas CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is part of a national volunteer movement that began in 1977 in Seattle when a juvenile court judge conceived the idea of citizen volunteers speaking up for the best interests of children who are in foster care due to allegations of abuse or neglect. Today, the CASA movement has evolved into one of the largest volunteer organizations in the country. Judges appoint CASA volunteers to advocate for children in court, school and other settings with the goal of reuniting children with their families. Collectively, the local CASA programs in Texas serve the majority of Texas’ 254 counties. As integral members of their respective communities, they recruit, train, supervise and support court-appointed volunteers to advocate for the best interest of children. Local programs also coordinate and collaborate with other service providers who share the mission of supporting Texas families.
Established in 1989, Texas CASA is the statewide membership association for all local CASA programs. In this role, we support the CASA network by serving as the administrator of state and federal funds, setting and monitoring standards, providing training, leading a statewide volunteer recruitment campaign, advocating for public policy and more. Texas CASA is committed to partnering with statewide stakeholders and the CASA network to elevate best practices when working with children and families. Texas CASA is a registered 501(c)(3) organization with a mission to support local CASA programs with training, community awareness, resources and public policy to make a positive difference in the lives of children and families in Texas.
POSITION SUMMARY:
To provide strategic leadership for Texas CASA’s internal and external communications, fund development, legislative and public policy advocacy efforts. This position directs the development of legislative advocacy work and other policy efforts in collaboration with multiple stakeholders, cultivates the organization's relationship with the judiciary, state agencies, foundations, donors and the media, and aims to broaden the impact of Texas CASA and statewide network of CASA programs. The Chief External Relations Officer provides guidance on policy development, government relations, communications and fundraising. This position oversees the Public Policy team, including events and collaborative partnerships to advance systemic reforms of the child protection system. This position also oversees the work of the Communications Team and the Fund Development Team.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The primary office is Texas CASA’s headquarters in Austin, TX. Although work may be performed in a remote location requiring ongoing computer use, Texas CASA requires weekly transportation to the primary office at the discretion of the CEO. Up to 40% travel may be necessary. During this time, the employee may be occasionally exposed to a variety of working and environmental conditions, that could involve intermittent physical activities including bending, reaching, sitting, and walking during working hours.
The Chief External Relations Officer will be expected to have daily transportation to attend offsite meetings and various events, as needed. This position requires frequent communication in a multitude of settings and must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations. This position must be able to remain stationary or move about for long periods of time, depending on the day and setting. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable a person with physical disabilities to perform the job.
FLSA STATUS: Exempt
COMPENSATION: $125,000 annual salary
BENEFITS:
Hybrid (partially remote and in-person) working environment. In addition, new staff will be eligible to participate in Texas CASA standard employee benefit programs on the first of the month after 30 days following the date of hire. Benefits include:
HOW TO APPLY:
Please upload a PDF cover letter, resume, and three references. The cover letter should describe your interest in the position and include a detailed explanation of how your experience meets the minimum qualifications and prepares you for the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Applicants selected for an interview will be required to complete a Texas CASA employment application, which will be provided in advance.
Please note: We do not accept phone inquiries regarding the position.
Anyone interested should have a willingness and openness to learning and growing in a member-focused service environment.
Established in 1989, Texas CASA is the statewide membership association for all local CASA programs. In this role, we support the CASA network by serving as the administrator of state and federal funds, setting and monitoring standards, providing training, leading a statewide volunteer recruitment campaign, advocating for public policy and more. Texas CASA is committed to partnering with statewide stakeholders and the CASA network to elevate best practices when working with children and families. Texas CASA is a registered 501(c)(3) organization with a mission to support local CASA programs with training, community awareness, resources and public policy to make a positive difference in the lives of children and families in Texas.
POSITION SUMMARY:
To provide strategic leadership for Texas CASA’s internal and external communications, fund development, legislative and public policy advocacy efforts. This position directs the development of legislative advocacy work and other policy efforts in collaboration with multiple stakeholders, cultivates the organization's relationship with the judiciary, state agencies, foundations, donors and the media, and aims to broaden the impact of Texas CASA and statewide network of CASA programs. The Chief External Relations Officer provides guidance on policy development, government relations, communications and fundraising. This position oversees the Public Policy team, including events and collaborative partnerships to advance systemic reforms of the child protection system. This position also oversees the work of the Communications Team and the Fund Development Team.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Increase the awareness and positive perceptions of Texas CASA and the goal of a CASA for every child who needs one.
- Manage, lead and mentor the Communications, Public Policy and Fund Development teams.
- Position Texas CASA as a premier child advocacy policy organization and resource on child protection and foster care to external stakeholders, policy makers, foundations, donors and the media.
- Serve as a resource for local programs on issues related to public policy, communications and fund development.
- Advance internal communications strategy to strengthen engagement, transparency, and collaboration across the Texas CASA network
- Ensure timely, consistent, and accessible communication with staff, board members, and the 74 local CASA programs; aligning messaging between departments; and fostering a culture of clarity and connection that supports organizational effectiveness and staff empowerment.
- Support the development of policy and legislation to improve the child welfare system.
- Oversee and support advocacy for increased legislative appropriations, including preparation and development of information for state agencies, the Texas legislature, and the public.
- Identify, develop and maintain relationships with the judiciary, legislators, state agency leaders, foundations, donors and other key stakeholders and partners.
- Produce and edit op-eds, editorials and news releases.
- Provide crisis communications support to local programs.
- Lead the creation of a cohesive and innovative external affairs strategy to strengthen and leverage the CASA and Texas CASA brands.
- Possess viable contacts with statewide media outlets.
- Train and equip local programs to work with their local media.
- Oversee the Texas CASA fund development plan to increase private sector funding.
- Cultivate current and new donor relationships.
- Provide and ensure high customer relations standards.
- Provide assistance to appropriate board committees assigned by the CEO.
- Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Five years experience with editorial creation and production.
- Experience with media relations and crisis communications strategies.
- Five years full-time leadership experience, preferably with a nonprofit or governmental organization.
- Experience in public speaking/appearances.
- Understanding of the legislative process in Texas.
- Experience identifying and cultivating major donors or corporate partners.
- Experience training and engaging various audiences.
- Must pass background check.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
- Demonstrated experience producing and/or editing editorial, op-eds and news releases.
- Ability to train and equip local CASA programs to develop appropriate responses to media inquiries and how to cultivate relationships with their local media.
- Ability to leverage contacts with statewide media outlets.
- Excellent verbal/written communication skills and effective listening skills.
- Ability to manage and coordinate multiple projects and meet deadlines effectively.
- Ability to lead and manage a highly productive, fast-paced team of staff.
- Ability to build relationships and garner support from various constituencies including Board members, staff, civic leaders and donors.
- Ability to engage internal and external clients from all organizational levels and varied backgrounds.
- Proficiency in use of legislative tracking software, content management systems, and social media.
- Understanding of the complexities of the Child Welfare System and CASA, including emerging systemic changes preferred.
- Excellent presentation skills.
- Understanding of nonprofit fundraising practices preferred.
- Experience with transforming data into compelling infographics for external and internal audiences.
- Commitment to empowering all staff to reach their full potential
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The primary office is Texas CASA’s headquarters in Austin, TX. Although work may be performed in a remote location requiring ongoing computer use, Texas CASA requires weekly transportation to the primary office at the discretion of the CEO. Up to 40% travel may be necessary. During this time, the employee may be occasionally exposed to a variety of working and environmental conditions, that could involve intermittent physical activities including bending, reaching, sitting, and walking during working hours.
The Chief External Relations Officer will be expected to have daily transportation to attend offsite meetings and various events, as needed. This position requires frequent communication in a multitude of settings and must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations. This position must be able to remain stationary or move about for long periods of time, depending on the day and setting. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable a person with physical disabilities to perform the job.
FLSA STATUS: Exempt
COMPENSATION: $125,000 annual salary
BENEFITS:
Hybrid (partially remote and in-person) working environment. In addition, new staff will be eligible to participate in Texas CASA standard employee benefit programs on the first of the month after 30 days following the date of hire. Benefits include:
- Medical, Dental, Vision
- Group Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
- Short- and Long-Term Disability
- Vacation, Personal Days, Paid Sick Time
- 403(b) Retirement Plan with 5% Employer Contributions
HOW TO APPLY:
Please upload a PDF cover letter, resume, and three references. The cover letter should describe your interest in the position and include a detailed explanation of how your experience meets the minimum qualifications and prepares you for the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Applicants selected for an interview will be required to complete a Texas CASA employment application, which will be provided in advance.
Please note: We do not accept phone inquiries regarding the position.
Anyone interested should have a willingness and openness to learning and growing in a member-focused service environment.
Apply for this position
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