Job Description

OVERVIEW

Better Together works to end the root causes of poverty, dependency, divorce and child abuse by leveraging the power of the local church to provide struggling families with supportive relationships and meaningful work. Once properly supported, families can achieve independence, stay together and thrive.  

The Director of External Partners and Government Affairs is responsible for building, managing, and advancing strategic relationships that expand the organization’s reach, influence, and long-term sustainability. This role serves as the primary liaison to government leaders, law enforcement, the Department of Children and Families, public agencies, coalitions, and key external partners, while also helping to identify, cultivate, and support the closing of strategic funding opportunities aligned with organizational priorities.

This position works closely with the CEO, senior leadership, and external stakeholders to translate the mission into action through policy engagement, strategic partnerships, funding collaboration, and high-impact initiatives.

CULTURE AND FIT

At Better Together, we are a mission-first team that shows up with purpose, humility, and grit. Our culture is shaped by five core values that guide how we lead, how we serve, and how we grow. If these values reflect who you are and how you work, you may be a great fit for our team.

1. We Love Others : We lead with empathy, humility, and integrity. We treat every person with dignity, make people feel seen and valued, and do what’s right even when it’s hard.
   1. Do you treat people with respect, no matter their background or behavior?
   2. Do you make decisions based on what’s best for others, not just yourself?
2. We Choose Gratitude: Gratitude fuels our joy and shapes how we show up. We focus on what’s possible, not what’s missing. We uplift others, celebrate progress, and keep perspective—even in the tough seasons.
   1. Do you stay positive and solutions-focused when challenges arise?
   2. Do you regularly speak encouragement and appreciation to your teammates?
3. We Are Ideal Team Players : We are hungry, humble, and people-smart. We take initiative, lift others up, and work wisely with all kinds of people. The best teams aren’t made of perfect people—they’re made of teachable ones.
   1. Do you take ownership and go the extra mile without being asked?
   2. Are you open to feedback and constantly looking for ways to grow?
4. We Do Hard Things : We don’t quit when things get hard. We press in with courage, keep a growth mindset, and do whatever it takes to get the job done. We don’t waste time on drama—we stay focused on the mission.
   1. Do you rise to challenges with resilience and a clear head?
   2. Do you consistently push through discomfort to deliver results?
5. We’re All In : We carry the mission in our hearts and act like owners. We take full responsibility, build capacity in ourselves and others, and do the work that matters most.
   1. Are you passionate about transforming lives and communities through your work?
   2. Do you take initiative and show up fully—because you believe this mission is worth it?

We don’t hire just for talent. We hire for alignment, character, and commitment to the mission. Expect honest conversations about these values throughout the hiring process.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

The Director of External Partners and Government Affairs will have four primary roles, broken down into key responsibilities. They are:

Government Relations and Public Policy  

• Serve as the primary point of contact with local, state, and federal government officials and agencies
• Build and maintain strong relationships with elected leaders, agency staff, and policy influencers
• Track relevant legislation, policy developments, and funding opportunities
• Support advocacy strategies that align with organizational goals and approved policy positions
• Work with communications team to help prepare briefing materials, talking points, and summaries for leadership as needed

Strategic Partnerships and External Alliances

• Identify, cultivate, and steward strategic partnerships that advance mission and scale impact
• Develop partnerships with national and statewide nonprofits, coalitions, and civic leaders.
• Evaluate partnership opportunities for alignment, capacity, and long-term value
• Serve as an organizational representative in external meetings, convenings, and coalitions
• Ensure partnerships are clearly scoped, documented, and effectively managed

Funding and Strategic Partnerships

• Identify and help close strategic funding opportunities with private philanthropic partners and aligned institutions
• Support the CEO and senior leadership in cultivating and stewarding high-value funding relationships
• Collaborate on proposals, due diligence, and reporting as needed
• Support negotiations, renewals, and long-term partnership agreements
• Coordinate with finance and operations to ensure alignment with organizational capacity and strategy

Strategy, Leadership and Internal Alignment 

• Partner with the CEO and senior leadership to shape external strategy and growth priorities
• Translate external opportunities into clear internal action plans
• Provide regular updates, insights, and recommendations to leadership and the board as requested
• Ensure messaging and engagement are consistent with mission, values, and brand
• Contribute to long-term organizational planning and cross-department collaboration

REQUIREMENTS

• Must Reside in Florida
• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Public Policy, Political Science, Business Administration, Communications, or a related field required 
• Proven experience in government relations, public policy, partnerships, or external affairs
• Strong relationship-builder with credibility across public, private, and nonprofit sectors
• Strategic thinker with the ability to move from vision to execution
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• High level of judgment, discretion, and professionalism
• Experience navigating complex stakeholder environments
• Technological requirements: Salesforce, Zapier, WordPress and Basecamp
• Match Better Together’s core values (described above)

TIMING, LOCATION AND COMPENSATION

Better Together seeks to fill this position as soon as possible. The organization’s headquarters are in Naples, Florida, but all the Better Together staff reside in Florida. Better Together has built a highly successful work culture over the past decade with systems and structures designed for clarity, flexibility, and great communication. Key elements of the environment include:

• Weekly team meetings with clear accountability and the opportunity to solve issues as a team. 
• Quarterly in-person team meetings at which you’ll build deeper relationships, set clear goals aligned with the Better Together vision, and brainstorm how to seize new opportunities
• An intensive 90-day orientation to familiarize you with the Better Together team, our policies, and how we operate
• Home office setup, including equipment and communication tools you need to hit the ground running

Compensation and Benefits: 

Better Together also offers a generous benefits package, as outlined below:

• Medical (99% employer paid, employee only)
• Dental 
• Vision
• Life Insurance
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Time off
• Retirement Savings Plan with 50/50 employer match up to 6%

QUESTIONS

Please direct all questions to hiring@bettertogetherus.org.

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