Northwest Harvest is Washington’s leading hunger relief agency – supporting a statewide network of 375 food banks, meal programs, and high-need schools. Focused on improving equity in our food system, Northwest Harvest believes everyone in Washington should have consistent access to nutritious food that feeds the body, mind, and spirit. In addition to making sure those who suffer from hunger are being fed, Northwest Harvest aims to shift public opinion, as well as impact institutional policies and societal practices that perpetuate hunger, poverty, and disparities in our state. Learn more at northwestharvest.org.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Communications & Events Director oversees the Northwest Harvest brand, visibility and reputation. This is a transformational opportunity to build upon the strong reputation of a well-known, highly regarded organization, developing a unified brand strategy and extending its public outreach efforts. The position oversees all related communication activities, including: marketing, publications, web presence, advertising, social and traditional media, public relations and outreach. The role actively supports efforts in agency fundraising, internal and external awareness building and fundraising events, advocacy communications and partner relations.

The Communications & Events Director will be responsible for overseeing the work of a team that handles the creative, editorial, and digital communications needs for Northwest Harvest, as well as oversees strategy and production of internal and external events. This role will also act as the story-teller and editor-in-chief for all internal and external agency communications. The Director will be expected to track and measure results and make data-driven recommendations and decisions to increase stakeholder/donor engagement as related to the critical agency strategy of Building a Movement.

This team member contributes to cutting hunger in half in our state by 2028 by ensuring brand awareness and establishing Northwest Harvest as a state and national thought leader in the food justice movement.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Strategy Planning and Brand Management 30%

• Determine overall Communications strategy and focus, in collaboration with senior leadership team; oversee development, planning, and implementation of annual integrated marketing campaigns – encompassing communications, media relations, fundraising, social media and other cultivation of community support – to build organizational awareness and reputation, and support strategic programmatic and equity initiatives.
• Collaborate cross-departmentally to develop communications/marketing and engagement platforms in support of agency strategic objectives.
• Track and measure the level of engagement of constituents over time and utilize this information for strategic alignment and course corrections
• Put communications vehicles in place to create momentum and awareness as well as to test the effectiveness of communications activities
  • Set and oversee Internal Communications strategy to support key initiatives and organizational development to ensure staff understand the agency’s strategic direction
  • Lead efforts in stewarding, safeguarding, and promoting Northwest Harvest’s brand awareness
  • Ensure appropriate brand placement in print, social and other media throughout Washington state and nationally

Media and Events (35%)

• Set and oversee annual media relations outreach strategy to ensure consistent and positive media coverage – while proactively managing potential negative coverage/reputational threats.

Serve as a primary Northwest Harvest media spokesperson alongside Chief Executive Officer and other identified staff members. Manage interview schedule; prep and debrief with spokespeople to ensure all opportunities are maximized.

• Conduct regular media training for subject-matter experts within the Food Bank who serve as spokespersons.
  • Oversees the creation and implementation of a multi-faceted events program that elevates Northwest Harvest brand engagement in the community, raises funds and promotes movement building.

Writing and Editorial Oversight (20%)

• Oversee the writing and editing of editorial content across multiple platforms and channels, including donor communications (annual fund, stewardship, and case statements); short and long-form features, narratives and multimedia stories; advertising copy; event communications and collateral; social media posts; speaker remarks; event and video scripts.
• Oversee, measure and report on the effectiveness of our content strategies.
• Receive and incorporate editorial input and feedback from internal and external stakeholders.

Team Management and Leadership (15%)

• Set a strong vision for the team, including clear priorities, objectives and measurable goals.  Oversee annual budgeting, work planning and performance evaluations.
• Ensure effective and positive collaboration within the Advancement team and across the agency.
• Provide professional development support to meet people where they are and mentor individuals toward professional and personal success
• Foster an environment that values and rewards collaboration, multidirectional communication, celebrating the whole person, leadership, excellence, accountability, and mutual respect.

EQUITY AND INCLUSION

• Apply the Northwest Harvest equity filter equity lens to the development of internal and external strategic communications
• Demonstrate the initiative to learn and enhance skills that promote anti-racism, cultural competency, and an understanding of oppression and its societal impact – especially in terms of poverty and food security
• Participate in intentional learning efforts, including events and opportunities relating to understanding and dismantling institutional racism and building cultural competency

RELATIONSHIPS:

Internal:  Frequent contact with CEO and Leadership Team, multiple departments and employees at all levels of the organization. Communicates regularly to collaborate on written materials, respond to requests for written content and develop story ideas. Works closely with fellow Advancement team members.

External:  Regular contact with producers, photographers, free-lance writers, community partners, advocates and activists, media and vendors.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

A combination of the real-life experience, education, and training listed below which provides an equivalent background to perform the work of this position.

Successful completion of Criminal History Background check is required.

Knowledge of:

Effective communications practices, brand management, engaging storytelling, project management, team leadership

Ability To:

• Understand individuals who have experienced poverty or food insecurity.
• Demonstrate interest and commitment to supporting equity and inclusion for members of historically marginalized groups including racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ populations and people living with disabilities.
• Communicate effectively, orally and in writing, including the ability to listen and to explain NWH’s vision and mission, as well as issues related to poverty, food insecurity and race and equity to external constituents.
• Establish and maintain effective collaborative working relationships internally and externally with respect and empathy.
• Project a professional presence and conduct relationships in an ethical manner with a high degree of tact, sensitivity, confidentiality and respect.
• Analyze issues, synthesize information, make decisions and learn from mistakes.
• Prioritize and handle multiple projects, drive innovative solutions.
• Ask questions to understand the merits of different approaches and shift strategies in response to demands of a situation.
• Motivate, inspire and leverage the strength of others.
• Maintain a calm and positive can-do attitude in the face of challenging situations; maintain the ability to shift strategies in response to the demands of a situation.
• Travel frequently throughout the state.

EXPERIENCE:   

• 10 years of progressively responsible experience in the fields of branding, marketing, public relations, communications
• Successful track record of leading a team with direct reports

DISCLAIMER:

The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification.  It is not designed to contain, or to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications and objectives required of employees assigned to this job. As an adaptive organization, responsibilities can and will change in alignment with greater efficiencies and mission metrics.

COMPENSATION:

Northwest Harvest offers a competitive salary and generous benefits which include but are not limited to paid time off, health/vision/dental insurance, and 401(k) retirement plan.

Pay range for this position is $76,000-93,000, negotiable

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY AND NON-DISCRIMINATION:

Northwest Harvest (NWH) is committed to equal opportunity for all employees and applicants.  NWH does not discriminate with regards to hiring, assignment, promotion or other conditions of staff employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other status protected under local, state or federal law.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, upon request, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of our positions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• 5 years of management and supervisory skills and expertise with staff direct reports
• 5 years of progressively responsible experience in the fields of marketing, public relations, communications
• Extensive knowledge of and experience in the full range of branding, marketing, graphic design, and communications strategies
• Demonstrated skill in planning and implementing communications and marketing strategies
• Excellent writing, communication, public speaking, and presentation skills
• Highly organized with strong project management and departmental budgeting management skills
• Understanding of budgets
• Strong leadership skills; team player with demonstrated ability to successfully lead and develop staff
• Experience working with a Board of Directors and other volunteers
• Strong interpersonal skills; commitment to staff development and donor customer service
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment, and to work well with a wide range of people, including volunteers, donors, businesses, clients, civic groups and community organizations
• Ability to analyze and evaluate programs
• Ability to think strategically, critically, and creatively
• Proficiency in all programs of Microsoft Office and Internet applications
• Bachelor’s degree or 10 years of the equivalent relevant experience
• Knowledge of geography of state of Washington
• Strong relationships already established in the state of Washington
• Demonstrated commitment to poverty and social justice issues
• Demonstrated competency of social media and other digital and new media tools

Website link here: https://secure3.entertimeonline.com/ta/90557.careers?rnd=IOS&ShowAllOpenings=