The Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina is an exciting, challenging, and rewarding place to work. Our vision: No one goes hungry, our Mission: Nourish people. Build solutions. Empower communities. We are an equal opportunity employer and are known for our core values of Respect, Integrity, Compassion, Dedication, Teamwork, and Fun!
The Vice President of Communications & Public Policy serves as a key member of the Food Bank’s Executive Management Team and will lead all aspects of Communications and Public Policy. Within Communications this position is responsible for advancing the brand, reputation and mission of the Food Bank and leading internal communications. The incumbent will lead all aspects of public relations, marketing, and communications and implement a comprehensive communication and marketing program. Additionally in collaboration with the CEO/ Board of Directors, and in alignment with Feeding America and Feeding the Carolinas, they will have overall responsibility for setting and implementing Public Policy and Advocacy strategies/initiatives. As a member of the executive management team (EMT), they will identify and influence connectivity between all Food Bank branches; external constituencies and uphold and display organizational values. Oversees department staff.
Responsibilities:
COMMUNICATIONS: 70%
- Lead the planning, development and implementation of a comprehensive and strategic communications program that is agile and responsive. Ensure consistency across the organization.
- In coordination with Development Dept. staff members, lead the planning and execution of a creative and innovative media and marketing plan that significantly enhances the Food Bank’s recognition in the 34 counties it serves.
- Employ best practices, including analytics, to oversee and maintain multi-media resources.
- Establish, support, and maintain a contemporary and appropriate brand standard that reflects the Food Bank’s motives and mission; ensure that messages are integrated across the organization.
- Work with Executive Management team to create a comprehensive crisis communications strategy and execution.
- Support Chief Development Officer when appropriate with the Development Committee of the Board.
- Provide communications/marketing vision, strategy, and leadership both internally and externally.
- Work in collaboration with the Executive Management Team and other leaders to enhance and coordinate all internal communications with staff.
- Work in collaboration with the Chief Development Officer and their appropriate staff members to coordinate donor messaging on multiple fronts.
- Serve as primary liaison between the Food Bank and local and regional journalists to generate increased coverage and awareness of the Food Bank’s work
- Oversee brand standards for the Food Bank and serve as its steward, ensuring consistent use of messages, design, and platforms
- Coach and support co-workers and identified spokespersons in media relations
- Advance the Food Bank’s position as a trusted leader and resource on hunger
- Lead Communications team, promoting a culture of high performance and continuous improvement that values learning and a commitment to quality
- Manage Communications departmental budget and all related expenditures
- Act as a liaison between the Food Bank and other disaster relief organizations including NCVOAD, FEMA, Red Cross, and Salvation Army, as well as maintain and update annually the Organization’s Disaster Relief Manual.
- Along with the President/CEO, serve as chief spokesperson for the Food Bank
PUBLIC POLICY: 30%
- In coordination with the Impact/Public Policy Committee, lead the planning, development and implementation of a comprehensive and strategic public policy platform that is agile and responsive to short- and long-term food insecurity issues and related public policy issues.
- Create and activate innovative public policy plans and actions that significantly enhance and advocate for resource improvement of the demographic within the Food Bank’s service area
- Complete satisfactory activities to meet Feeding America benchmarks.
- Determine, implement, and measure advocacy initiatives that align with strategic plans.
- Set public policy platform and goals annually with input from Impact/Public Policy Committee.
- Staff the Impact/Public Policy Committee, and ensure members are fully informed, educated and engaged.
- Stay abreast of Feeding America and Network Member activities and act as liaison to align if/when appropriate, including Feeding the Carolinas.
- Serve as primary liaison between the Food Bank and local, state, and federal legislative representatives to generate increased coverage and awareness of the Food Bank’s work and public policy platform.
- Employ best practices, including analytics, to oversee.
- Keep abreast of Federal/State/Local laws/bills/policies and through education and analysis advocate on behalf of the community we serve.
- Channel and coordinate communications of advocacy via PR; our Partners and other appropriate networks to deliver message(s) to the public and appropriate officials.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of the work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.
Qualifications:
- BA/BS degree (preferably in Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism or Communications) is required. Master’s degree is preferred.
- At least eight years of progressively responsible experience in communications and public relations with team leadership and staff management responsibilities, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Consistently demonstrates clear and concise written and verbal communication.
- Four or more years of strong management and interpersonal skills with all levels of staff across diverse functions.
- Strong organizational skills.
- Ability to lead discussions and clearly communicate programmatic information to all partners (Board, staff, and stakeholders) and across all functional disciplines with an ability to explain information coherently.
- Demonstrated experience and leadership in managing comprehensive strategic communications, media relations, and marketing programs to advance an organization’s mission and goals.
- Must be a self-starter with a proven track record in strategic communications, media relations, utilizing and managing social media platforms, stakeholder relations, and newsletter writing, editing and production.
- Creative, innovative, and strategic thinker with the ability to inspire confidence from, and to collaborate closely with, teams, internal stakeholders, and senior leaders; High level of independence, energy, and integrity, demonstrates respect for a diversity of opinions and styles, and takes accountability and accepts responsibility.
- A valid NC driver’s license and clean driving record are required.
- Must believe in the mission of the organization.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job successfully.
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.).
These physical demands are representative of the physical requirements necessary for an employee to perform the essential functions of the job successfully. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the described essential functions.
Work Environment:
While performing the responsibilities of the job, the employee is required to work in an office setting and or/remotely; occasionally, the employee will be required to drive an automobile. The employee is required to interact with employees in their offices or in the warehouse or in branches. In doing so, the employee will occasionally be exposed to moving mechanical parts and vehicles. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of the work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all essential functions and skills required of personnel so classified.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
We are an equal opportunity employer. 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.