Manager, Office of External Affairs

The Final date to receive applications is February 13th 2026. Please submit both a resume and a cover letter to be considered.

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

The Office of the Vice President & Chief External Affairs Officer (CEAO) seeks a Manager to head the operational and project management functions of the Office of External Affairs. Reporting to the VP, CEAO, the Manager serves as a vital anchor for the team, driving a portfolio that encompasses issues management, risk prevention, and government affairs.

As a core partner, the Manager tracks emerging developments and conducts real-time monitoring to safeguard organizational interests while optimizing internal workflows for maximum efficiency. Acting as a key liaison across the foundation, the Manager fosters cross-functional collaboration and produces high-level briefings and memos to amplify the impact of the Vice President and the Director of External Affairs.

HOW YOU WILL CONTRIBUTE

* Monitor emerging issues through real-time tracking of press, social media, and digital platforms. Provide actionable reporting to department and Foundation leadership.

* Develop and maintain project management systems to track the Office of External Affairs's actions and ensure timely follow-up on both ongoing and emerging initiatives.

* Act as a strategic conduit between internal departments-including Communications, Legal, Operations, and Program teams-to ensure seamless cross-functional collaboration during issue response and crisis management.

* Support rapid response and risk prevention activities by gathering data, maintaining situational awareness, and drafting time-sensitive materials.

* Produce and edit high-level communications, including talking points, briefing memos, media summaries, and executive presentations.

* Conduct research and environmental scans to analyze complex information and provide high-level executive summaries to inform recommendations.

* Draft government affairs-related reports, prep documents, and memos for the President and Executive Leadership Team.

* Collaborate on workflow improvements to refine protocols for risk prevention, issue escalation, and crisis response.

* Maintain internal knowledge assets, including databases, holding statements, and procedural guides.

* Coordinate with external vendors and consultants as directed by the Director and VP of External Affairs to ensure project deliverables are met.

* Partner with the Vice President and Director on special projects, adapting to evolving workflows to support the broader strategic goals of the office.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

* At least 5 years of experience in nonprofit communications, media relations, public affairs, or a related field.

* Strong research, writing, editing, and analytical skills.

* Proven ability to monitor and synthesize information across multiple media platforms in real time.

* Highly organized with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities under pressure.

* Strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and good judgment.

* Experience in government, political communications, or PR preferred.

* Proficiency in Google Suite, Microsoft Office Suite (especially PowerPoint) and project management tools.

* Baccalaureate degree in a related field or a record of equivalent professional experience and achievement.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

This position is primarily a sedentary role. However, the person in this position may need to occasionally move about inside the office to liaise with internal staff, access files, office machinery and a copy machine/printer.

The Ford Foundation is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its programs, and operations. As part of this commitment, the Foundation will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application process, please contact, talentacquisitionhr.

SALARY:
The Ford Foundation is committed to salary transparency. The minimum salary for this position is $120,000, and the maximum is $125,000. A candidate's relevant experience and our commitment to internal equity determine the final offer. We review global compensation regularly to ensure market competitiveness and equity. The hiring range for this position has been carefully crafted to align with the market.

LOCATION:

This position is based in the foundation's New York office. We operate in a hybrid model and require staff to be in the office three days per week.

EMPLOYMENT TYPE:

This is a permanent position.

#Li-Hybrid

WORKING AT FORD

* Commitment to creating a culture where everyone feels respected

* A hybrid working model and flexible work arrangement policies offer colleagues the opportunity to engage in meaningful ways and the space to maintain a healthy work-life balance

* Professional development and ample opportunities to build your expertise and expand your network

* Comprehensive benefits package…