VP, External Relations

Scion Executive Search is thrilled to lead an immediate search for a dynamic and mission-driven Vice President of External Relations on behalf of our client, Capital for Change (C4C), a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) advancing economic development and tackling community deterioration and business distress across Connecticut. This is a full-time opportunity based in Wallingford, Connecticut, with an onsite expectation of no fewer than three days per week. Local and regional candidates are highly encouraged to apply.

ABOUT CAPITAL FOR CHANGE:
Capital for Change is a thriving Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) dedicated to advancing economic opportunity and strengthening communities throughout Connecticut and Massachusetts. Through innovative financing solutions and strategic partnerships, the organization supports affordable housing, small business growth, nonprofit organizations, and long-term economic sustainability, particularly within communities historically impacted by limited access to capital.

As a trusted and mission-driven community development partner, Capital for Change works to create vibrant, economically strong, and environmentally sustainable communities through responsive capital solutions that generate lasting impact across the region.

POSITION OVERVIEW: The Vice President of External Relations is a senior executive leader responsible for directing the organization's resource development, investor relations, capitalization strategy, grant writing, marketing, and communications efforts.

This leader serves as a key strategist and ambassador for the organization, working closely with the President, Board, CFO, Compliance Officer, and staff to grow and diversify funding sources, strengthen institutional partnerships, and elevate Capital for Change's visibility and impact throughout the community.

The Vice President plays a critical leadership role in advancing the organization's capitalization strategy by cultivating relationships with public, private, and philanthropic funders; structuring and supporting financing opportunities; overseeing development communications; and ensuring strong impact reporting and investor engagement.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Investor Relations & Capitalization

• Develop and implement strategies to raise loan capital and operating funds, tailoring structures to fit funder and investor requirements.
• Ensure marketing and development communication strategies reinforce C4C programs, funding opportunities, and investor/funder prospecting efforts.
• Cultivate and manage relationships with funders and investors across public, private, and philanthropic sectors.
• In collaboration with the CFO, structure, negotiate, and manage financing agreements with banks, foundations, and other investors.
• In collaboration with the CFO and with support from the Compliance Officer, ensure compliance with funder and investor requirements.
• Direct, develop, and disseminate impact tracking and reporting initiatives that clearly communicate organizational outcomes and community impact.
• Track capital markets and philanthropic trends to identify new sources of capital and anticipate shifts affecting capitalization strategy.

• Oversee institutional giving relationships, ensuring high-quality grant applications, timely reporting, and strong funder stewardship.
• Lead the development and management of an annual Development Plan to achieve programming and operating support goals.
• Support federal grant applications, particularly to the CDFI Fund, including coordination with consultants and stakeholders.
• Monitor grant activities, compliance requirements, and reporting deliverables while maintaining accurate funding records.

• Develop and oversee the implementation of a comprehensive marketing and communications strategy to strengthen the organization's brand and reputation.
• Lead integrated communications efforts across platforms to amplify visibility, credibility, and regional impact.
• Align messaging across external touchpoints, including media, events, investors, stakeholders, and storytelling initiatives.
• Oversee public-facing content strategy, including reports, multimedia campaigns, rapid response communications, and impact storytelling.
• Serve as a public spokesperson and senior media liaison for the organization.

• Supervise professionals supporting grant writing, communications, marketing, and external relations efforts.
• Provide strategic counsel and partnership to the CEO and Board regarding external relations, communications, capitalization, and outreach initiatives.
• Collaborate across departments to align fundraising, investor relations, communications, and organizational priorities.
• Represent Capital for Change externally with donors, investors, coalition partners, media, and community stakeholders.

• Proven track record in capital raising, investor relations, grant management, and strategic communications.
• Experience cultivating relationships across philanthropic, financial, government, and institutional funding sectors.
• Strong leadership, collaboration, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Demonstrated ability to structure and manage complex funding relationships and financing agreements.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and external representation experience.
• Knowledge of CDFI funding environments, community development finance, or mission-driven capitalization strategies strongly preferred.
• Ability and willingness to travel throughout Connecticut and Massachusetts up to 25% of the time.