Director of External Communications & Engagement

ABOUT US & THE ROLE

Hunger and poverty are not primarily the result of personal choices or circumstances; they are deeply rooted in systems that deny opportunity and provide insufficient safety nets for common crises such as illness or loss of income.  This is the true story of hunger — and as Director of External Communications & Engagement, you will lead efforts to raise awareness of the root causes of food insecurity, its impact in our communities, and the systemic approach needed to end hunger for good.

In this role, you will lead the Food Bank’s external-facing communications efforts – including media relations, digital engagement, content development and thought leadership. Combined, your team’s efforts will help to connect hundreds of thousands of community members with essential resources, information, and opportunities to make a difference throughout the region.

• Typical Schedule: Monday – Friday | 8:30a-5:00p
• Occasional evening and weekend work may be required.
• Salary Range: $71,074 – $88,837*
  *May be higher for exceptional candidates; see details in the “though not required…” section of the job description. Lived experience with food insecurity and/or its root causes is especially valued.

 

BENEFITS

We help YOU thrive. As a mission-based organization, we believe our team needs great support to help deliver on our work to Nourish People, Build Solutions, and Empower Communities. Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

• Medical, Dental and Vision Plans
• Health Spending Accounts + Employer Contributions
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Paid Time off: including Holidays, Personal, Vacation, and Sick Time
• 403(b) with 5% Match after 90 days
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Assistance Program
• 100% Employer paid STD and LTD Insurance
• 100% Employer paid Group Life Insurance
• Voluntary benefits including Accident and Critical Illness
• Business Travel mileage reimbursement

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

You are a senior communications team leader who cares deeply about people in our community who are experiencing food insecurity. You have a background in earned and owned media strategies, as well as demonstrated accomplishments in message development, storytelling, and digital engagement. And you are committed to disrupting systems that drive hunger and poverty. The successful candidate will also bring a sincere interest in collaboration and continuous learning within a growing communications and public policy team; a firm belief in the Food Bank’s mission; and a strong commitment to our vision of a future where no one goes hungry.

External Communications & Engagement Leadership (60%) 

• Lead the planning and execution of an external communications and engagement program that is responsive to immediate challenges while laying the groundwork for longer-term narrative change
• Implement proactive earned media strategies that help connect community members with essential resources and support organizational fundraising, volunteer and advocacy goals
• Serve as a lead Food Bank representative in face-to-face and virtual conversations with media, community stakeholders and vendors — and prepare other spokespeople for public engagements, where needed
• Oversee digital and social outreach efforts, employing best practices and analytics to grow reach and engagement
• Collaborate with the Director of Internal Communications & Creative Support to develop and manage an organization-wide editorial calendar
• Drive connections with community members who have been historically excluded from food assistance programs and opportunities to get involved
• Work with Directors of Regional Development to execute earned, paid and owned media strategies that raise awareness of the Food Bank Network’s efforts in local communities
• Adapt and localize org-wide messaging to support regional community engagement and marketing efforts
• Support execution of a comprehensive disaster / crisis communications strategy – counseling colleagues on appropriate tactics, timing and tone

Team & Organizational Leadership (40%) 

• Coach direct reports to enhance skills in interpersonal communication, creative problem-solving, delegation and time-management
• Help team members achieve department- and individual-level goals through content creation, editorial review, and other strategic support as needed
• Center the leadership of individuals with lived experience, both in decision-making processes and resulting bodies of work
• Cultivate a collaborative department and team culture that leans into individual strengths and positions each member for success
• Participate fully in org-wide Management cohorts and committees to help develop leadership skills, team capacity, and an equity-centered work culture.
• Perform other duties as directed.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of the work being performed by people assigned this job.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

 

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

The Director of External Communications & Engagement supervises and is supported by a small team of digital and storytelling professionals – including the Digital Engagement Specialist and the Branch Communications Specialist. The Director also oversees key vendor relationships and collaborates regularly with the department’s branding and creative team to bring Food Bank content, stories, and actions to life.

QUALIFICATIONS

• At least eight (8) years of progressive responsibility for communications, public relations, and/or digital engagement functions – ideally in nonprofits, advocacy organizations, campaigns or journalism settings
• Including at least three to five (3-5) years of leadership and staff supervision experience, with a track record of coaching and mentoring high-functioning teams
• Working knowledge of best and emerging practices in strategic communications, marketing and digital strategy
• Proven track record driving digital and social media outreach efforts that raise awareness and compel action
• Comfort in engaging journalists and opinion leaders on and off the record — including direct pitches, background conversations, and media releases / advisories
• Affinity for building and maintaining relationships with direct reports, co-workers and fellow leaders — and capable of navigating complex organizational structures and personalities
• A valid driver’s license is required, with some expected travel within the service area
• Ability to take initiative and thrive within a creative, responsive and fast-paced culture
• Significant experience managing collaborative, cross-department projects and initiatives in diverse, multi-faceted organizations
• Strong writing and editing skills (in English) across print and digital mediums, with an eye toward search engine optimization (SEO) and consistency in voice
• Demonstrated ability to identify and develop compelling stories across diverse communities and subject matter, paired with editorial process and production pipeline familiarity

Though not required, exceptional candidates may have any of the following skills: 

• Lived experience of food insecurity and / or the systemic inequities that drive hunger and poverty
• Advanced study or certification in communications, journalism, marketing, digital media or storytelling (ex: Accreditation in Public Relations, Professional Certified Marketer, etc.)
• Understanding of and interest in the intersection of social service delivery, grassroots policy advocacy, and racial and economic justice.
• Written and oral proficiency in Spanish or other languages commonly spoken by people facing food insecurity in our region: Arabic, Cantonese, French, Mandarin, or Vietnamese
• Awareness of current events and news in anti-hunger efforts, federal food assistance programs (SNAP, WIC, etc.) or general social / human service initiatives
• Familiarity with the dynamic political and policy landscape in North Carolina

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

We believe strongly in the power of lived experience — and we actively seek individuals who have experienced hunger and its root causes to join our team. Our organization is stronger because of the leadership of people who have faced food insecurity in their own lives and/or hail from historically under-represented communities. The Food Bank is an equal opportunity employer known for our core values of Respect, Integrity, Compassion, Dedication, Teamwork, and Fun. We do not regard race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy, marital status, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation or any protected class characteristic when seeking to hire. This practice, in addition to hiring, applies to our recruiting, training, transfers, promotions, job benefits, pay, dismissal practices, social and recreational activities, and any other term or condition of employment.

We care about our employees, our candidates, and our community. As such, please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the essential functions of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, and interact without deliberate impediment (e.g., wearing or listening to headphones, etc.). The employee is often required to sit and use their hands and fingers to handle or feel. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, reach with arms and hands, climb, balance, lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, and to stoop, crouch, or crawl. Additional abilities required by this job include close vision.