Chief External Relations Officer

Chief External Relations Officer 

Lead with purpose. Connect with Impact!

The Chief External Relations Officer (CERO) leads Cottonwood, Inc.’s comprehensive philanthropy and community engagement efforts. The CERO will be responsible for generating income through donor acquisition, annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, corporate support, grants, and capital campaigns. This role also oversees marketing, public relations, communications (internal and external), volunteer engagement, and serves as a key ambassador for Cottonwood in the community.

The CERO works closely with the CEO, CFO, and both the Cottonwood, Inc. and Foundation Boards to align fundraising strategies with organizational goals. This position supports the mission of Cottonwood by securing private and public funding and managing non-operational funds to enhance strategic initiatives.

Essential Job Duties

• Lead and manage all fundraising activities, including major gifts, annual campaigns, and special events.
• Develop and execute strategies to meet an annual fundraising goal (number to be determined).
• Manage a portfolio of major gift prospects (number to be determined) and coordinate solicitations with philanthropic leaders and board members.
• Oversee Foundation Board membership and guide members in strategic fundraising and community relations.
• Supervise the Design and Event Coordinator and manage internal engagement activities (e.g., DSP Week, Holly Jolly Days).
• Oversee grant writing and administration, including financial tracking and stewardship reporting.
• Cultivate relationships with donors, business partners, government officials, and community leaders.
• Represent Cottonwood at public events and serve as a spokesperson.
• Provide leadership and oversight for volunteers and contracted professionals.
• Maintain donor records, process gifts, and ensure compliance with recognition guidelines.
• Lead marketing and communications efforts to promote Cottonwood’s mission.
• Report on fundraising performance to the Board of Directors and Foundation Board.
• Stay current on fundraising trends and best practices.
• Ensure alignment of fundraising efforts with Cottonwood’s mission and strategic goals.
• Ability and willingness to travel using a personal vehicle for company business.
• Establish a strategic communications plan to ensure all current stakeholders are informed and able to provide feedback in an efficient manner.
• Routinely analyze marketing channels to best attract new patrons and corporate donors with a focus on ROI.
• Reimagine branding efforts to align with mission-centric and fundraising goals which could include a revamp of the organization website.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; CFRE preferred.
• 5–8 years of experience in institutional fundraising, including major gifts, capital campaigns, and board relations.
• Demonstrated success in meeting fundraising goals and managing teams.
• Experience in institutional marketing with proven track record achieving data-driven results.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Bachelor’s degree required; CFRE preferred.
• 5–8 years of experience in institutional fundraising, including major gifts, capital campaigns, and board relations.
• Demonstrated success in meeting fundraising goals and managing teams.
• Experience in institutional marketing with proven track record achieving data-driven results.

Physical Demands

• Frequent communication and computer use.
• Occasional movement within office and lifting up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment

• Indoor professional office setting with occasional travel for events. Occasionally works evenings/weekends.

Supervisory Responsibility

• Supervises the Design and Event Coordinator; responsible for evaluations and staffing decisions.

Why Choose Cottonwood?

We don’t just take care of business—we take care of people.
Benefits include:

• Employee & family-friendly management
• Paid holidays, vacation, personal, and bereavement leave
• Health, dental, vision, life & disability insurance
• Workers compensation coverage
• Employee Assistance Program
• KPERS retirement plans
• Voluntary insurance options & FSAs
• Discounts at Genesis Health Clubs & local attractions

Here, you’ll:

• Broaden your appreciation for community diversity
• Apply your organizational and problem-solving skills
• Collaborate across teams to make an impact