Chief Philanthropy & External Affairs Officer

The Chief Philanthropy & External Affairs Officer

Base pay range: $/yr - $/yr

The Chief Philanthropy & External Affairs Officer (CPEAO) is the strategic leader responsible for driving Insight Housing’s external engagement, communications, and revenue strategy. Reporting directly to the CEO and serving on the executive team, the CPEAO ensures alignment across fundraising, policy, and communications to advance organizational priorities and impact. With a current goal of raising $3 million annually, the CPEAO provides strategic vision and leadership to the philanthropy team while also leading our efforts to shape public policy, build meaningful partnerships, and amplify the organization’s voice.

This role directly supervises the Philanthropy Manager and the Policy and Communications Manager.

• Proven Major Gifts & Capital Campaign Leadership: Brings a strong track record securing six- and seven-figure gifts, sustaining long‑term donor relationships, and generating $3M+ annually. Demonstrates executive‑level fundraising experience and the ability to grow philanthropy year over year
• Strategic, Growth‑Focused Fundraising Leader: A strategic thinker and hands‑on operator who can connect philanthropy to Insight’s programmatic and real estate priorities. Sets ambitious goals, builds strategies to achieve them, and pivots in a competitive funding landscape
• Exceptional Relationship Builder & External Ambassador: Charismatic, mission‑driven storyteller who builds authentic relationships with donors, funders, corporate partners, community leaders, and policymakers. Comfortable representing Insight publicly and engaging the board as partners
• Strong Communicator & Brand/Mar Com Leader: Outstanding writer and speaker who can articulate Insight’s impact clearly and compellingly. Able to shape, refine, and elevate organizational messaging and guide or oversee communications strategy
• Team Leader, Talent Developer & Culture Builder: Experienced in inspiring, developing, and holding a team accountable. Able to mentor a junior team, strengthen confidence, build structure, and lead through change
• Data‑Informed, Systems‑Savvy Fundraiser: Uses data, research, and CRM tools (Salesforce, Hub Spot, etc.) to manage pipelines, measure progress, and inform strategy. Brings discipline to forecasting, segmentation, and tracking
• Leadership Style & Personal Qualities: Flexible and calm under pressure, with the ability to navigate shifting priorities with resilience and humor. Visionary and collaborative, operating effectively at the intersection of philanthropy, policy, and public engagement. Resourceful, intrinsically goal‑driven, and achievement‑oriented, with a strong sense of urgency balanced by thoughtfulness

For more than 55 years, Insight Housing (formerly Berkeley Food and Housing Project) has provided a comprehensive range of housing, food, and support services to help those in need move from homelessness into a safe and affordable home of their own. We serve in seven Northern California counties—Alameda, San Francisco, Contra Costa, Solano, Sacramento, San Joaquin, and Amador County. We are proud of our team members who are very dedicated in our mission to ensure everyone in our community has a home through supportive, equitable, and sustainable housing solutions.

• Emergency and temporary housing, rapid rehousing, permanent supportive housing
• Fresh and nutritious meals, water, and snacks
• Wellness checks and links to medical providers
• Life skills and vocational counseling
• Family reunification support