Chief Relations Officer; CRO

Position Summary:

The Chief Relations Officer (CRO) is a senior executive responsible for leading the holistic, external strategy to advance revenue growth, brand influence, impact, and long-term sustainability of YWCA Richmond. As a member of the executive leadership team, the CRO drives the organization’s integrated advancement efforts including fundraising, communications, marketing, public engagement, partnerships, and government relations strategy in alignment with the strategic plan and mission.

Working in close partnership with the CEO and Board of Directors, the CRO serves as a key architect of YWCA Richmond’s brand, a driver of sustainable and diversified revenue, and a visible leader advancing racial and gender justice locally and statewide. The CRO is a high-profile role representing the CEO when necessary, at key functions, to funders, and the media. 

Role & Responsibilities:

Primary Position Outcomes
:

• Integrated Brand & Mission Execution: Ensure a unified, mission centered brand and narrative across all fundraising, marketing, partnerships, and external engagements in alignment with the Strategic Plan for all agency programs.

• Revenue Growth & Diversification: Develop and drive sustainable diversified multi-year revenue strategy that ensures sustainable growth across major gifts, institutional and government grants, corporate partnerships, and innovative funding models.

• Strategic Alliance Portfolio: Build and steward a high-impact portfolio of cross-sector partnerships that deliver both financial investment and programmatic scale.

• Thought Leadership & Public Influence: Position YWCA Richmond as a premier convener and trusted voice on racial justice, gender equity, violence intervention & prevention, housing stability, and early childhood education.

• Stakeholder & Alumni Activation: Transform donors, alumni, corporate partners, and community leaders into a mobilized network of advocates, ambassadors, and investors.

Key Responsibilities
:

Strategic Leadership & Partnership Development

• Executive Thought Partner: Serve as a strategic advisor to the CEO and Board on external positioning, long-term alliances, and organizational visibility.

• Ecosystem & Alliance Management: Identify, negotiate, and manage high-value partnerships with corporations, foundations, government entities, and nonprofits.

• External Advocacy & Representation: Represent YWCA Richmond at high-profile events, media opportunities, civic forums, and legislative engagements to amplify impact and influence.

Advancement & Revenue Generation

• Fundraising Oversight: Provide strategic leadership for all fundraising functions, including major gifts, annual giving, corporate social responsibility (CSR), institutional funding, and government grants.

• Revenue Generation: Lead the development of multi-year, multi-layered partnership agreements that integrate funding, co-branding, and programmatic collaboration.

• Stewardship & Relationship Building: Cultivate deep relationships with high-net-worth individuals, foundation leaders, and corporate executives.

• Grant Strategy: Oversee grant development and management to ensure alignment with mission priorities and maximize funding capture.

• Advancement Projection: Lead revenue forecasting in partnership with finance and the executive team.

Marketing, Communications & Brand Strategy

• Integrated Communications: Direct comprehensive marketing and communications strategies that align storytelling with fundraising, advocacy, Sprout School, Domestic Violence Resources, and partnership goals.

• Executive Voice & Visibility: Partner with the CEO to serve as a public-facing leader and spokesperson for the organization. Oversee efforts that advance YWCA Richmond’s mission, collaborating with community partners and policymakers. 

• Digital Strategy: Ensure a consistent, high-impact digital and social media presence across all platforms for all programs.

• Crisis Communications: Lead crisis communications planning and response to protect and strengthen organizational reputation.

Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Alignment

• Talent Development: Lead and mentor a high-performing team including Advancement, Marketing & Communications, and…