Job Forum

About Us

The Children’s Advocacy Center of Hamilton County coordinates a compassionate, multidisciplinary response to child abuse. Every year, we serve over 1,000 children and families through our partnerships with law enforcement, the Department of Children’s Services, prosecutors, medical professionals, and victim advocates. Our work ensures that children are heard, believed, and supported throughout their healing journey.

The Opportunity

We’re seeking a strategic and creative Director of External Affairs to lead our organization’s voice in the community. This role is essential to sustaining our $1.5+ million operation and expanding our reach to serve more children. You’ll shape how our community understands child abuse prevention and response, cultivate relationships with donors and partners, and ensure our message inspires action and support.

This isn’t a typical development role—it’s an opportunity to utilize your communications expertise to positively impact lives and enhance a community’s response to its most vulnerable children.

What You’ll Do

Fundraising & Development

• Lead annual fundraising campaigns and donor communications
• Cultivate individual donors, corporate sponsors, and foundation relationships
• Collaborate with the Executive Director on grant proposals and major gift solicitations
• Plan and execute fundraising events and community engagement opportunities
• Manage donor database and acknowledgment systems
• Develop and implement comprehensive donor stewardship strategies that build long-term relationships
• Track fundraising metrics and analyze giving trends to inform strategic decision-making

Strategic Communications & Community Relations

• Develop and execute comprehensive external affairs strategies that elevate organizational visibility and impact
• Craft compelling narratives about our work while protecting client confidentiality and trauma-informed principles
• Manage media relations, press releases, and crisis communications
• Serve as organizational spokesperson when appropriate
• Build and maintain relationships with key community stakeholders, including elected officials, civic leaders, and partner agencies

Marketing & Brand Management

• Oversee all organizational marketing materials, website content, and social media presence
• Create educational content for community awareness campaigns
• Develop materials for volunteers, board members, and multidisciplinary team partners
• Ensure brand consistency across all platforms and communications

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Supervise external affairs staff and coordinate with program teams
• Partner with the Executive Director and board on organizational strategy
• Represent the CAC at community coalitions and professional networks

Who You Are

You bring a unique combination of heart and skill to this work. You’re moved by our mission but grounded in strategy. You can write a donor appeal that inspires giving, craft a social media campaign that educates without exploiting, and manage agency communication with both sensitivity and professionalism.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, public relations, nonprofit management, or related field
• 5+ years of progressive experience in nonprofit communications, development, or related fields
• Proven track record in fundraising and donor relations
• Supervisory experience managing staff and/or volunteers
• Grant writing experience with demonstrated success in securing funding
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Experience managing multiple projects, deadlines, and stakeholders simultaneously
• Proficiency with donor management systems, social media platforms, and marketing tools
• Understanding of trauma-informed approaches and ability to communicate sensitively about difficult topics

Strongly Preferred:

• Experience in child welfare, victim services, or social services sectors
• Knowledge of Hamilton County/Chattanooga community and nonprofit landscape
• Familiarity with child abuse prevention and intervention

What We Offer

• Meaningful work: Every day, your efforts directly support children healing from trauma
• Competitive compensation: Salary range $75,000-$85,000, commensurate with experience
• Comprehensive benefits: Health insurance, retirement plan, generous paid time off
• Professional growth: Opportunities for training and leadership development
• Collaborative culture: Work alongside a dedicated multidisciplinary team committed to excellence
• Flexibility: Understanding that work-life balance supports our ability to do this important work