Director, External Affairs

About the role

The Director, External Affairs will shape the organization’s profile, reputation, and engagement with influential stakeholders across the philanthropy sector. Based in Switzerland and working fully remotely, this senior leader will drive external affairs, media relations, brand strategy, digital engagement and executive communications.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and implement an external affairs strategy aligned with growth and fundraising objectives.
• Design targeted engagement plans for audiences in climate, health, nature and philanthropy.
• Lead cross‑functional communications initiatives and ensure consistent messaging across teams.
• Manage external communications partners, including agencies, designers and content creators.
• Monitor, analyse and report on external affairs performance using relevant metrics.
• Shape evidence‑based narratives around balanced diets, food‑system transformation and sustainability.
• Oversee event strategy, including donor and grantee convenings, in coordination with philanthropy and impact teams.
• Lead media relations, build profiles for the organization, CEO and senior leaders, and handle crisis communications.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations or equivalent experience.
• Extensive senior‑level experience in strategic external affairs, communications or public relations.
• Fluent English; additional languages such as German or Portuguese are a plus.
• Proven track record in media relations, brand development and senior‑executive profile building.
• Experience managing external agencies and creative partners for a global organization.
• Strong understanding of sustainability, climate, health and food‑system issues.

What we offer

• Fully remote position with flexibility across EDT and CET time zones.
• Full‑time role within a globally distributed, mission‑driven team.
• Opportunity to shape external affairs and reputation for a growing organization.
• Direct contribution to fundraising, stakeholder engagement and organizational growth.
• Collaborative cross‑functional environment with exposure to senior stakeholders in philanthropy, climate, health and food‑system sectors.