Director of Communications

About Operation Food Search:

Founded in 1981, Operation Food Search is a hunger relief organization that provides food, nutrition education and innovative programs in order to reduce food insecurity and increase equitable access to food. We serve 200,000 people every month through a network of 330 partners in 27 counties in Missouri and Illinois. We use a combination of immediate food assistance and supportive services, while also working on long-term solutions and systemic changes to help solve the problem of hunger.

 

Our Mission is to heal hunger with innovative and collaborative solutions that provide food today and help create a hunger-free tomorrow.

Our Vision is a region where everyone has equitable access to the food they need to lead healthy lives.

Our Goals are to:

1. Meet the immediate need for food for children, individuals and families by providing high-quality nutrition through our distribution network.
2. Empower long-term skills through nutrition education and by teaching how to shop and prepare healthy food on a budget.
3. Champion change through advocacy, innovative programs and by addressing systemic inequities.

For more information about OFS, please visit our website at www.operationfoodsearch.org.

Position Summary:

Operation Food Search is looking for a passionate and experienced communications leader who loves connecting the community to mission and impact. Serving on the Senior Leadership Team, the Director of Communications guides, plans, and executes all communications activities related to OFS’s mission and organizational strategy. The position oversees marketing, public relations, awareness-building and internal communications and supports all fundraising, policy and programming communications.

Essential Functions:

Communications and Marketing

• Working with the Chief Development Officer, develop, implement, execute, and evaluate the annual communications plan across OFS’s stakeholder network. Track metrics that show effectiveness of communication strategies and tactics.
• Manage development, distribution, and maintenance of all print and electronic collateral including, but not limited to, newsletters, brochures, annual reports, e-newsletters, fact sheets, and OFS’s website.
• Develop and manage multichannel communications that elevate OFS and the organization’s mission, including video assets, social media and other digital collateral.
• Coordinate and oversee workflow between OFS media and communication consultants, specifically graphic design/marketing and media relations. Act as media spokesperson as needed.
• Write, edit, and coordinate content for stakeholder communications and annual and other reports, and oversee design of professional pieces that include compelling imagery and infographics.
• Act as a communications expert to the CEO and Senior Leadership Team. Support OFS staff as needed with communications in public forums, board meetings, fundraising events, and other speaking engagements.
• Engage and educate the community of supporters who care about solving hunger. Help manage and maintain OFS’s e-learning hub and related efforts to create a hunger-informed community.
  Supervise the Communications Coordinator.

Fundraising

• Collaborate with the CDO and Development team to support and communicate all aspects of the donor cycle, including cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities. Participate in fundraising events as requested.
• Play key role in OFS’s direct response and digital fundraising strategy, working with an outside vendor.
• Support communication needs for Planned Giving campaigns, working with an outside vendor.
• Plan, lead and execute social media campaigns on annual giiving days and at other designated times.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

• Demonstrate a genuine commitment to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion throughout the organization. Ensure organizational DEI values are embedded within all aspects of organizational messages and collateral. Willingly and authentically pursue opportunities that increase and include client voices and ethical storytelling.

Thought Leadership

• Identify and participate in elevating OFS’s thought leadership. Explore and identify opportunities for OFS staff to be present on digital media channels such as LinkedIn, podcasts, and blogs. Write and submit nominations for OFS staff and leadership for awards and professional recognition.

Education and/or Experience:

• Minimum of bachelor’s degree in Communications, English, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field.
• 8-10 years of multi-channel communications experience
• 2-3 years of supervisory experience

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Passion for OFS’s hunger relief mission
• A relationship builder with the flexibility and finesse to “manage by influence.”
• Experience developing and implementing a wide variety of communications strategies
• Excellent writing/editing and verbal communication skills
• A strong track record as an implementer who thrives on managing a variety of key initiatives concurrently
• A high-energy, mature leader with the ability to serve as a unifying force and to position communications discussions at both the strategic and tactical levels
• Highly collaborative, with a sincere commitment to supporting with all constituent groups, including staff, board members, volunteers, donors, program participants, elected and government officials, and other stakeholders
• Experienced in Microsoft Suite, Adobe Suite, WordPress, Mailchimp, social media platforms and video editing

Special Requirements:

• Occasional travel required for meetings, events, and conferences
• Flexibility in working hours for occasional special events after-hours or weekend activities
• Willingness to volunteer for other OFS duties that don’t fall under regular job duties

Working Conditions and Physical Demands:

• Sedentary inside office work with limited exposure to weather conditions

Benefits – FT Positions

• Medical, dental and vision coverage
• HRA and FSA
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Vacation and sick time, paid holidays
• Short and long-term disability income
• Company paid term life and AD&D insurance
• Voluntary employee paid term life and AD&D insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Wellness support
• Potential for student loan forgiveness, if qualified

To Apply: Please submit your application and include your resume and cover letter at https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/Details/2242212/Operation-Food-Search-Inc/Director-of-Communications

Location: 1644 Lotsie Blvd., Overland, MO 63132

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.