How to apply for Director, External Affairs

About Tilt Collective

Tilt Collective is a mission-driven nonprofit that partners with farmers, researchers, and communities to expand access to healthy, sustainable food. What sets them apart is their systems-level approach—bridging grassroots agricultural knowledge with high-level philanthropic and policy engagement. Working here means shaping the narrative around food systems at a time when climate, health, and equity are converging.

About the role

As Director of External Affairs, you will be the chief architect of Tilt Collective's public voice and donor-facing story. You'll lead media relations, crisis communications, and brand strategy across global markets, while building deep relationships with major philanthropies. This role is pivotal: you'll translate complex food systems work into compelling narratives that unlock funding and influence policy.

A typical day

Your day might start with a check-in with your media agency on a story pitch to a major outlet, followed by a strategy session with the development team on a donor briefing. Later, you'll review brand guidelines for a new global campaign, then jump on a call with a philanthropic partner to align on messaging. You'll end by drafting a crisis communications plan for a potential climate-related issue.

Who Tilt Collective is looking for

• A senior communications leader with 8+ years of experience, including direct work with philanthropic organizations and international media relations.
• Proven ability to design storytelling frameworks and visual content that resonate with donor audiences and maintain brand consistency across multiple countries.
• Deep understanding of food systems sustainability, climate, and health issues—able to speak credibly with farmers, researchers, and funders alike.
• Experienced in crisis communications and managing external agencies, with a track record of measuring communications effectiveness.

Tips for this application

• Highlight specific examples of donor-facing communications you've led—name the philanthropies and the results (e.g., funding secured, relationship deepened).
• Show your global range: describe campaigns or media placements that spanned multiple markets, and how you adapted messaging for each.
• Demonstrate food systems literacy by referencing key challenges (e.g., regenerative agriculture, supply chain equity) in your cover letter or resume summary.
• Include a portfolio or case study of a crisis communications situation you managed, especially in climate or health sectors.
• Emphasize your experience managing external agencies and measuring ROI—Tilt Collective will want to know you can steward resources efficiently.

What to cover in your cover letter

In your cover letter, lead with a concrete story of how you built a donor communications strategy that moved a philanthropic partner to action. Then connect your media relations wins to food systems outcomes. Next, articulate your approach to maintaining brand consistency across global markets—give a specific example. Finally, explain why Tilt Collective's farmer-centered model excites you and how you'd amplify their narrative to major funders.

Research before applying

• Study Tilt Collective's current programs and partners—look for their annual reports, blog posts, and any press releases to understand their narrative strengths and gaps.
• Research their key philanthropic funders and the broader food systems funding landscape (e.g., Rockefeller Foundation, Gates Foundation) to anticipate donor priorities.
• Review recent media coverage of food systems, climate, and health to identify trends and potential crisis scenarios Tilt Collective might face.
• Explore the backgrounds of Tilt Collective's leadership and board to understand their communications style and expectations.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How would you design an external affairs strategy that speaks to both a major foundation and a local farming community without diluting either message?
• Describe a time you handled a crisis that touched on climate or health misinformation. What was your approach and outcome?
• What metrics do you use to measure the effectiveness of donor communications and media relations?
• How would you build relationships with philanthropies that are new to food systems work?
• Can you walk us through a global brand campaign you led—how did you ensure consistency while respecting local contexts?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Avoid generic communications language—don't just say 'strategic communications' without tying it to food systems, climate, or health outcomes.
• Don't overlook the philanthropic relationship-building aspect; this role is as much about donor engagement as it is about media.
• Avoid ignoring the global dimension—if you only cite U.S. examples, you'll miss the international communications leadership requirement.