The Chief External Affairs Officer (CEAO) is a pivotal Executive Leadership Team role, accountable for ensuring Blue Ventures (BV) has the visibility, authority, influence, relationships, and resources needed to deliver impact at scale for coastal communities and ocean conservation. As part of BV’s distributed leadership model, the CEAO serves as the organization’s senior architect and champion of external influence.
The role involves driving an ambitious thought leadership and profile-raising agenda to strengthen BV’s standing as a leading, values-led voice in community-centered marine conservation. The CEAO ensures BV is consistently present and credible in conversations that shape funding, policy, and public narratives, translating evidence into narrative leadership that advances systems change.
Key Responsibilities
Executive Leadership: Provide expert executive leadership within the external engagement portfolio, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and values.
Strategic Communication & Fundraising: Oversee performance across fundraising and communications teams, maximizing strategic storytelling to amplify BV’s profile with donors and media.
High-Level Representation: Serve as a persuasive spokesperson at global levels, engaging with scientists, philanthropy leaders, policymakers, and journalists.
Thought Leadership: Proactively identify and lead high-profile speaking opportunities at major international platforms such as Our Ocean, Skoll, and New York Climate Week.
Alliance Building: Build strategic alliances and convene stakeholders to attract mission-aligned investment and influence sector narratives.
Operational Oversight: Enable day-to-day delivery through strong partnership with the Director of Development and Director of Communications.
Ethical Standards: Ensure all external positioning and resource mobilization align with community needs, BV values, and safeguarding/ethical standards.
Requirements
Education: A Bachelor's degree (BA/BSc) or Higher National Diploma (HND) in a relevant field.
Experience: Extensive experience in a senior executive leadership role, specifically within external affairs, development, or communications.
Proven Track Record: Demonstrated success in high-level representation, resource mobilization, and influencing policy or practice in the conservation or non-profit sector.
Strategic Expertise: Strong background in driving thought leadership and managing complex stakeholder relationships.
Communication: Exceptional communication and storytelling skills with the ability to tailor messages for diverse global audiences.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should apply online through the Blue Ventures careers portal.
