Strategic Communications Director

Position: Strategic Communications Director Team: Strategic Communications Reports to: Vice President, Strategic Communications Location: Chicago OR Remote (must be in time zone compatible to collaborate with colleagues in Central Time Zone, USA) Summary: The Strategic Communications Director plays a key role on a dynamic team that is harnessing strategic communications to expand GFN’s influence, build our reputation, and spur global impact. Work closely with the Strategic Communications VP to establish a compelling communications vision and deliver on strategic communications priorities for the organization as a whole. Stay abreast of evolving trends and tactics in the communications field and help identify creative ways communications can be leveraged to advance program, development, and organization wide goals. Function as a true partner and collaborator with all GFN teams in accessing, synthesizing, and delivering key communications to create value-added messaging to the benefit of our mission. Responsibilities: Model GFN Core Values:

• We approach our work with curiosity and continuously improve through collaboration, innovation, and learning.
• We support community-led solutions as the best way to address food insecurity.
• We are committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in our workplace by recognizing the inherent power and privilege imbalances in our work.
• We are accountable to our members, each other, and our mission.
• We add value and impact by developing innovative solutions in service of our mission.

Media & Public Relations (40%):

• Create and execute PR strategy for GFN.
• Lead media outreach. Develop external relationships with key media outlets and journalists. Will include tracking of food systems news cycle and inserting GFN’s voice through proactive pitching, identifying opportunities for placed op-eds, and preparing staff for interviews. Enhance the organization’s role as an expert/influencer in the food systems space by driving strategic media coverage.
• Develop comprehensive communications planning & messaging strategy including strategic campaign communications plans, messaging, and creative communications tactics.
• Write and edit op-eds and blogs; ghostwrite for senior leadership, other GFN ambassadors including Board members.
• Responsible for final product key communication materials, including messaging, fact sheets, opinion pieces, press releases, speeches, Annual Report, and other marketing materials, in partnership with GFN’s Strategic Communications team.

Management (60%): oversee strategic communications operations including people management, projects, systems, and budget management

• Manage a team of strategic communications professionals (4 staff members) in the implementation of all aspects of communications. Create learning and development opportunities to develop the professional capabilities of the communications team. Provide day-to-day management and mentorship for team. Provide oversight of communications colleagues in the development of creative content (web content, social media, written works, videos, etc.).
• Research and develop communication best practices to ensure GFN’s strategic communications remains effective, relevant, transparent, ethical, and inclusive.
• With team, fulfill the operational role of acting as a day-to-day communications partner to programs, development and other GFN teams. Ensure responsive and effective follow up by team members. Advise on communications strategies for these teams.
• Budget planning and monitoring in partnership with the Vice President
• Prepare Board Materials in partnership with Vice President.

Qualifications:

• Advanced degree, or equivalent work experience, and a minimum of 8 years of experience in all areas of communications.
• Prior experience managing a communications team that is working across multiple communications channels or activities. Understand that managing staff is integral and that creating a cohesive and functioning team is a key to success.
• Deep experience in the conception, design and management of communications strategies, initiatives, and programs that yield impact as well as advance the mission of a non-profit organization.
• Communications generalist with strong understanding of a full range of communications activities/practices; including, digital communications, editorial content creation, event strategy etc.
• Demonstrated experience in media relations, including a record of successful media pitches and placed op-eds, and experience building relationships with journalists.
• Experience in a leadership role that requires a combination of strong analytical, writing, management, and excellent cross-cultural communication skills.
• Have an international orientation and ideally, have experience working with international campaign teams and colleagues
• Demonstrate essential people and management skills
• Desire to contribute to a fast-growing organization with a critical mision alleviating hunger through food banking.
• Some experience in sustainable development and food systems strategy preferred but not required.
• English language fluency is required
• Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
• COVID 19 vaccine/boosters required for any in-person engagements

Location: The position can be based at GFN’s global headquarters in Chicago, Illinois, USA or remotely in a location that is either in the Central Time zone or a closely related time zone. Occasional travel to Chicago will be required on an as needed basis; occasional global travel will be required when public health conditions permit. EOE Statement: Universal acceptance for everyone, everywhere is at the heart of our organization. We promote diversity of thought, culture, and background, which connects the entire GFN workforce. As such, GFN is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion or religious creed, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, military or veteran status, citizenship, or other characteristics protected by state or federal law or local ordinance. ADA: Work will be conducted in a normal office environment. To Apply: Please email a cover letter and resume to hr@foodbanking.org. EOE The Global FoodBanking Network embraces a philosophy that recognizes and values diversity. Its goal is to attract, develop, and retain a talented, diverse workforce in a culture where all employees will contribute to their fullest potential.