Chief External Relations & Program Officer (C na None

INTRODUCTION

The Chief External Relations & Program Officer (CERPO) is a key member of the executive leadership team, responsible for advancing Unity’s mission through strategic leadership of external relations, communications, marketing, fundraising, grants, programs, and strategic partnerships. This role serves as the organization’s chief ambassador to government agencies, community organizations, funders, and the public, strengthening Unity’s visibility, influence, and resources. The CERPO drives initiatives that integrate strategic planning, resource development, and program excellence to achieve measurable impact.

MAJOR DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to the following:  

• Strategic leadership. Partners with senior leaders to develop and implement strategic and business plans that advance Unity’s mission. Monitors progress, evaluate outcomes, and ensures initiatives align with organizational goals, values, and capacity. Fosters a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement, and actively participates in senior leadership activities.  
• Strategic partnerships. Cultivates and manages high-impact partnerships with government agencies, community organizations, funders, and other key stakeholders to advance organizational priorities and program goals. Ensures all collaborations align with strategic plans, deliver mutual benefit, and enhance Unity’s visibility, influence, and resources. Leads efforts to identify new partnership opportunities, negotiate agreements, and maintain strong, productive relationships that support long-term mission success.  
• Department of Corrections (DOC) contract involvement. Serves as a key participant in DOC contract negotiations, representing organizational priorities and ensuring agreements align with Unity’s mission, compliance requirements, and strategic goals. Collaborates with senior leaders and stakeholders to inform negotiation strategy and outcomes.  
• Communications and marketing. Provides administrative oversight of the organization’s communication strategy and team including internal communications, external communications, patient communications, and social media/ internet.  
• Fundraising and development. Leads the strategy, planning, and execution of fundraising initiatives to increase donor engagement, diversify revenue streams, and grow financial support for the organization. Oversees the creation and delivery of compelling messaging that effectively communicates Unity’s mission and impact to external audiences. Establishes and maintains systems, policies, and procedures to ensure all fundraising activities comply with applicable laws, regulations, and ethical standards.  
• Grants and programs. Oversees grants and programs to ensure alignment with strategic and operational goals. Identifies opportunities to expand mission-critical initiatives, leads grant writing and funding acquisition, and cultivates partnerships. Manages reporting and compliance to ensure timely submissions and adherence to regulations.  
• Other. Provides direction and directives to the department staff in the performance of their duties, establishing work priorities, and in achieving management initiatives. Accomplishing special assignments at the request of the Chief Executive Officer, as required. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, public administration, health administration or a related field, from an accredited college or university required, master’s degree preferred.
• 10-15 years of broad leadership experience preferred, ideally with experience in communications, external affairs, fundraising or program management.
• Experience working with Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), non-profit mission-based organizations, or in healthcare preferred.
• Proven track record in grant writing, fundraising and donor relations. 
• Strong understanding of policy advocacy and legislative processes. 
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross functional teams and manage complex projects. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Deep commitment to the mission of Unity.
• Superb interpersonal skills with experience motivating, coaching, and developing high performing teams.
• Ability to communicate effectively with and relate to a broad range of stakeholders, including other senior leaders, peers/direct reports, patients, third-party partners, volunteers, researchers and board members 
• A track record of creating and implementing innovative solutions that transform an organization.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage a variety of projects in a fast-paced environment while maintaining focus on high-level organizational goals.
• An ability to manage and work effectively within a team - setting clear expectations, delivering feedback, developing subordinates' skills and identifying opportunities for growth 
• Ability to build strong relationships and collaborate closely with others, An exceptionally strong sense of character, integrity, and collegiality
• Brings a high energy level, sense of ownership and accountability for a challenging work environment
• Comfortable with and sensitive to co-workers and patients in a multi-cultural environment.
• Continuous learner who is eager to build knowledge in the organization.
• Proficiency in MS Office software required.

Physical Requirements 

Requires no heavy lifting, and nearly all work is performed in an office environment.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus.  Frequently required to sit, use hands/fingers to handle or feel, and talk/hear. Requires critical thinking, organizational, decisive judgment, communication, good customer service skills. Must be able to handle multiple tasks, be able to work in a stressful environment and take appropriate actions as needed.  Must always follow Unity Healthcare and departmental policies and procedures.