Director, External Affairs

The Council for Professional Recognition is the nation’s leading credentialing organization for early childhood educators and the home of the Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential, the most widely recognized certification in early childhood education. For more than 45 years, the Council has advanced the professionalization of the ECE workforce by setting rigorous, competency-based standards that ensure educators have the knowledge and skills to support the healthy development of children from birth to age five.

We are seeking a strategic, relationship-driven Director of External Affairs to elevate our national presence, strengthen stakeholder partnerships, and position both the Council and its CEO as influential thought leaders in early childhood education.

About the Role

The Director of External Affairs serves as a senior advisor to the CEO and leads a broad portfolio of external-facing initiatives, including stakeholder engagement, media relations, public affairs strategy, resource development, and organizational brand management.

You will represent the Council across national platforms, cultivate high-impact partnerships, and ensure consistent, mission-aligned messaging across all external channels.

Position Details

• Location: Remote (Washington, DC preferred)
• Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
• Classification: Full-time, Exempt
• Salary Range: $162,000 - $172,000 (commensurate with experience)
• Travel: Approximately 50% for stakeholder engagement, speaking engagements, conferences, and partnership development

Key Responsibilities

• In collaboration with the Vice President, Strategic Alliances, lead external engagement and partnerships by building and maintaining relationships with government agencies, policymakers, nonprofits, educational institutions, corporate partners, and national associations, serving as the Council’s primary liaison to external stakeholders.
• In collaboration with the Vice President, Marketing & Communications, oversee media relations and public affairs strategy, including messaging, press releases, media inquiries, and thought-leadership opportunities that elevate the Council’s national visibility.
• Drive resource development by identifying and cultivating donor, funder, and corporate sponsorship opportunities, and lead the Council’s Social Impact Investment initiative in partnership with the CEO and Leadership Cabinet.
• Advance thought leadership and advocacy efforts by positioning the Council as a national voice in early childhood education and supporting the CEO in preparing for high-profile engagements.
• Shape brand strategy and organizational messaging by maintaining a cohesive and credible brand for the CEO and the Council, ensuring consistency across all communication channels.
• Strengthen internal collaboration by partnering with Communications, Program, Credentialing, and Executive Leadership teams to align external strategies with organizational priorities.

Our Ideal Candidate

Our ideal candidate is a strategic, relationship-centered leader with a strong command of external affairs, public relations, and partnership development. The strongest candidates will bring:

• 10+ years of experience in external affairs, public relations, partnerships, government relations, organizational development, resource development, or strategic communications, ideally at a national or nonprofit organization.
• A proven ability to cultivate and manage high-level relationships with government agencies, policymakers, funders, corporate partners, media, and national associations.
• Experience advising and representing C-suite or senior executives, with sound judgment, professionalism, and discretion.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and executive communication skills, including the ability to translate complex ideas into clear, compelling narratives.
• Demonstrated success in media relations including messaging, press engagement, and navigating high-visibility communications.
• A strong understanding of brand strategy, organizational messaging, and public positioning.
• Ability to operate both strategically and tactically; comfortable setting vision while also managing execution.
• A collaborative and solutions-oriented mindset, with the ability to work across departments and build consensus.
• Strong project and relationship management skills, with experience balancing multiple priorities in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree or JD preferred.
• Experience or passion for early childhood education, education policy, or the social impact sector is highly desirable.

Why Work at the Council

The Council for Professional Recognition is more than a workplace; it is a mission-driven community where people stay, grow, and thrive. We are proud to be Great Place to Work Certified, with 96% of employees reporting that the Council is a great place to work.

We invest deeply in the people who advance our mission and offer a comprehensive, highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, work-life balance, and long-term success.

What We Offer:

• Remote-first environment with flexibility and trust
• 35-hour work week to promote balance and sustainability
• Highly competitive health benefits, including 90% employer-paid premiums and full deductible coverage for health plans
• Comprehensive dental, vision, and life insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan with a 10% employer contribution after one year
• 16 weeks of parental leave after one year of employment
• Health and dependent care FSA options
• Generous paid time off, including 13 holidays, 15 vacation days, and 12 sick days
• Robust professional development opportunities to support your growth

At the Council, you will join a high-impact organization where your contributions shape national conversations and meaningfully support educators who care for our youngest learners.

Equal Opportunity

The Council for Professional Recognition is committed to building a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on any protected characteristic. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.

Work Authorization

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States for any employer. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of any employment visas at this time.