Communications Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY

The Communications Specialist plays a key role on Feeding San Diegos Marketing & Communications team helping elevate our mission strengthen trust in our work and expand awareness of our hunger relief programs across San Diego this role you will partner closely with the Director of Communications & Content to plan develop and execute strategic communications campaigns that educate inspire and mobilize our internal and external audiences.

This position supports all facets of our communications strategyfrom shaping media outreach and crafting compelling stories to driving clear consistent internal messaging that keeps our teams informed and aligned. Youll thrive here if you excel in a fast-paced environment can independently manage projects from concept to completion and are eager to collaborate across departments to amplify our impact.

Were seeking a creative thoughtful communicator who is passionate about storytelling skilled at engaging diverse audiences and committed to upholding our reputation as a trusted community-centered nonprofit. If youre motivated by mission-driven work and energized by both strategy and execution wed love to have you on our team.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Media Relations

• Proactively pitch media outlets focusing on compelling storytelling that highlights Feeding San Diegos mission programs executive team and impact in the community
• Help field reactive media requests using independent judgement to make recommendations shaping the story including on spokespersons and locations
• Draft press materials including press releases pitches media advisories talking points statements and briefing documents; conduct research and informational interviews to get information needed
• Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists at local regional and national outlets investing time outside of media segments to learn more about the local media landscape and reporters beats
• Collaborate cross departmentally to gather information and ensure accurate and timely communication
• Support the coordination and execution of press conferences media briefings and other public relations events; interact with high level elected officials and partners
• Establish and maintain relationships with spokespersons throughout the network to serve as interview sources
• Maintain list of sources for the organization
• Maintain communication calendars and ensure timely delivery of content
• Monitor and track press coverage; compile monthly performance reports and insights
• Maintain updated media lists awards tracking and other administrative duties
• Proactively submit for awards and opportunities spotlighting the organization and its stakeholders including executive team staff and volunteers
• Provide day-to-day administrative support to the Director of Communications & Content including calendar coordination meeting scheduling and documentation

Internal Communications  

• Prepare internal communications for publication on company Intranet
• Draft and refine executive messaging communications to employees including town halls leadership updates speeches and internal announcements
• Support executive positioning strategies and thought leadership initiatives
• Develop coordinated messaging guidelines for communication to different employee channels across the network
• Ensure messaging is consistent in tone voice and narrative across all internal channels

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Engage directly with diverse stakeholders including program participants volunteers food donors and distribution partners while representing Feeding San Diego.
• Show compassion and build trust to authentically capture and share stories that reflect the organizations impact.
• Collaborate with the Marketing & Communications team and align communications with Feeding America best practices.
• Promote and uphold Feeding San Diegos values in all interactions

INTERACTION

The position will interact closely with FSD employees visitors neighbors volunteers donors and partner representatives. This position will also interact with all staff at Feeding San Diego.

Qualifications :

EDUCATION/YEARS EXPERIENCE

• Bachelors Degree or equivalent experience particularly in journalism public relations communications or marketing
• Minimum two years of experience as a communications specialist public relations specialist or a similar role in communications.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Required

• Strong understanding of corporate communication principles media relations public relations and crisis communication strategies
• Strong interpersonal and networking skills with the ability to build and maintain relationships
• High level of creativity and strategic thinking with the ability to develop innovative communication solutions.
• Excellent writing editing and proofreading skills with attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Capability to work independently or collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to handle confidential information with utmost integrity and discretion
• Adeptness to work under pressure and handle crisis communication
• The ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously and efficiently
• Microsoft 365 experience
• Asana Smartsheet Basecamp or other project management system experience
• Act as a collaborative team player who can take constructive feedback on their work and adjust accordingly
• Ability to understand organizational needs including general business strategy industry issues key stakeholders and giving trends

Preferred

• Experience working cross functionally with teams in a non-profit setting (development programs volunteer etc.)
• Existing non-profit experience working in marketing and communications

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Laptop and Microsoft Suite smartphone and printer.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS

Must have reliable transportation and possess and maintain a valid California drivers license a satisfactory driving record including proof of personal vehicle insurance coverage and insurability under the Agencys insurance carrier standards.

PHYSICAL MENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to:

• Work in an office adjacent to a warehouse setting with consistent travel to other locations in San Diego County.
• Prioritizes multi-task work and projects requiring good memory concentration and analytical thinking.
• Occasionally it is required to perform the safe operation of office equipment and machines and recognize and abate safety hazards within the workplace.

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet but this office is maintained in a distribution center with machinery and large trucks.

Additional Information :

Feeding San Diego provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race color religion age sex national origin disability status genetics protected veteran status sexual orientation gender identity or expression or any other characteristic protected by federal state or local laws.

PAY & HOURS

$70500

Hybrid M T TH in San Diego office and W & F remote 8am to 4:30pm occasional evenings and weekends

Why Youll Love It Here

• Employer sponsored healthcare benefits at platinum level for medical
• 401K retirement plan with company matching
• Flexible work environment; Attractive welcoming office
• Supportive time off policies including vacation sick & company holidays
• Learning & development and recognition programs
• Your work has a real purpose and will help change lives in San Diego County.
• Supportive and engaged Board of Directors
• Youll be part of a fun supportive team that works hard and celebrates accomplishments together.
• We live by our core values: Agility Stewardship Collaboration Environment Nutrition & Dignity.
• 100% of our workforce believes in our mission and vision
• Commitment to Sustainability We prioritize food rescue to feed people not landfills. Food waste goes to local hog farms.

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time