Associate Director of Communications at GREATER CHICAGO FOOD DEPOSITORY in Chicago, Illinois

Job Description:

Overview:

Through media relations, content curation and strategic communications, this role raises awareness of hunger in Chicago and Cook County while inspiring key audiences to take action in the Greater Chicago Food Depository’s mission. The associate director of communications serves as the primary point of contact for media inquiries and leads the development of media pitches and public relations plans. This role supervises the collection and organization of stories, photos and video content to support the Food Depository’s marketing and communications needs. This position is also responsible for management of the marketing and communications budget. The associate director of communications reports to the senior director of marketing & communications and supervises the communications specialist. This role will also work directly with Food Depository leadership and other departments on a variety of projects.

Responsibilities:
Responsibilities of the associate director of communications include but are not limited to the following:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for media inquiries and lead the development of proactive media pitches.


• Develop and maintain strong and productive relationships with key contacts in local and national news media.


• Lead the creation of press releases, media alerts and statements when needed.


• Serve as a leading spokesperson for media interviews while also preparing Food Depository leaders and approved spokespeople for their interviews.


• Oversee the collection and organization of stories, photos and video content to support the marketing and communications needs of the Food Depository, including content to support development and program communications.


• Supervise content strategy and production of the Food Depository’s quarterly publications and blog.


• Develop and maintain message guides, a communications handbook and talking points to equip Food Depository colleagues and board members.


• Lead message and communications trainings for Food Depository staff.


• Lead media training for select colleagues and board members.


• Support executive communications by drafting remarks, op-eds, speeches and select messages on behalf of senior leadership and board members.


• Manage the creation and stewardship of the annual marketing and communications budget.


• Supervise the communications specialist.


• As needed, assist the marketing and volunteer engagement department with website updates, social media management, event staffing and other projects.

Qualifications:

• Four-year college degree in journalism, public relations, communications or a related field.


• 7+ years of experience in journalism, public relations or a related field.


• Working knowledge of public relations best practices and the news media landscape.


• Exceptional writing and editing skills with proficiency in AP style.


• Experience writing press releases, message guides, talking points and speeches for a nonprofit organization or company.


• Spanish fluency strongly preferred.


• The ability to multi-task and manage several large projects at once.


• Steadfast belief that no one should go hungry and a compassion for those in need.


• Willingness to accept feedback and work in a collaborative environment.


• Occasional evening, early morning and weekend work required.


• Driver’s license and personal vehicle required.
  
   

The Greater Chicago Food Depository is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.