Senior Director of External Affairs

Government & Public Sector Relations

• Lead BGCWPA’s local, state, and federal government relations strategy to support public funding, policy advocacy, and program alignment.
• Cultivate strong relationships with elected officials, government agencies, school districts, and public-sector partners.
• Track and analyze legislation, funding opportunities, and regulatory issues relevant to youth development and nonprofit operations.
• Represent BGCWPA in advocacy coalitions, public hearings, and government briefings.
• Write compelling grant proposals, reports, and communications for public funding streams, in collaboration with internal stakeholders.
   

Media Relations & Public Relations

• Serve as the organization’s primary media spokesperson; develop press releases, media pitches, op-eds, and talking points.
• Proactively manage media relationships and earned media opportunities to elevate BGCWPA’s brand and thought leadership.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive public relations & marketing strategy that supports key programs, fundraising campaigns, and events.
• Manage crisis communications and media response in coordination with the Executive leadership and legal counsel
   

Strategic Partnerships & Community Engagement

• Build and maintain strategic partnerships across sectors (education, business, nonprofit, civic) to advance BGCWPA’s mission.
• Serve as a representative at community events, panels, and policy forums to position the organization as a leader in youth development and equity.
• Support CEO and executive team in thought leadership efforts, including public speaking, board engagement, and special projects.
• Activate local communities with local advisory councils to develop and build on structure for advisory committees. Stewarding and leveraging those key relationships for fundraising.
   

Communications Strategy & Internal Alignment

• Provide high-level oversight and guidance to the marketing function, including brand consistency and messaging across campaigns and platforms.
• Lead strategic marketing planning in collaboration with Advancement and Program leadership.
• Supervise the Marketing Coordinator, ensuring timely execution of marketing projects, events, and campaigns.
• Oversee and contribute to external content including newsletters, position statements, and advocacy updates.
• Ensure that public-facing messages are inclusive, equity-centered, and aligned with BGCWPA’s values and voice.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to surface stories and program impact that support advocacy and communications goals.

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Affairs, Political Science, Communications, Journalism, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• 5–7+ years of experience in external affairs, public relations, government relations, or nonprofit advocacy.
• Proven ability to influence policy, secure public funding, and build strong government and media relationships.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including media training and public speaking.
• Deep understanding of government structures, public policy, and nonprofit funding landscapes.
• Strong political acumen, emotional intelligence, and cultural competency.
• Passion for youth development, education equity, and community empowerment.
• Based at BGCWPA’s Administration Office in Pittsburgh, with regular travel to Clubhouses, community events, and legislative meetings.
• Occasional evening and weekend availability required. Hybrid/flexible work schedule negotiable based on performance and needs.