Director of Communications & Advocacy

Director of Communications & Advocacy

Salary: $95,000

Location- 70% Remote, 30% In person

Job Description:

Food Connect is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bridging the gaps in our food system to
build healthier communities. We’re passionate about leveraging technology, storytelling, and
real-time collaboration to create a more thoughtful, sustainable, and connected food system.
We’re seeking a strategic, hands-on leader to set our communications and advocacy vision,
translate it into an annual narrative roadmap, and demonstrate impact through rigorous
measurement, partnering closely with the Founder & Executive Director.

This role is remote and reports directly to CEO; candidates must be based in
Philadelphia, PA
or the
San Francisco Bay Area.

Communications Strategy & Content Leadership
●
Develop and execute a comprehensive, multi-year communications and advocacy
strategy that supports organizational growth, market expansion, and fundraising
priorities.
●
Own crisis communications planning and response protocols, including media
statements, internal alignment, and incident communications guidance.
●
Build a centralized content library and messaging hub to streamline asset development
for Programs, Partnerships, and Development teams.
●
Lead brand evolution work as Food Connect grows into new markets—positioning,
messaging frameworks, narrative refresh cycles, and visual consistency.

●
Manage the full content production lifecycle (concept → drafting → review → design →
delivery), ensuring timely execution across all initiatives.
●
Integrate storytelling from all markets into a cohesive national narrative; ensure diverse
community representation.
●
Oversee internal communications strategy in partnership with the People & Culture team
to maintain alignment, transparency, and mission-driven culture.

Advocacy, Visibility & Thought Leadership
●
Develop and oversee Food Connect’s local, state, and national advocacy agenda, in
partnership with the Founder/ED and market leaders.
●
Build and maintain relationships with journalists, policymakers, coalition partners,
community leaders, and thought leadership platforms.
●
Monitor issue areas relevantto Food Connect (food insecurity, food rescue,
transportation/access, policy trends) and prepare timely organizational responses or
positioning statements.
●
Lead quarterly advocacy campaigns—including messaging toolkits, supporter
engagement, and partner amplification strategies.
●
Support the Founder/ED and leadership team in high-stakes engagements, including
legislative testimony, major media interviews, and national conferences.
●
Travel to Food Connect’s active markets (Philadelphia, Bay Area, Kansas City, Twin
Cities, and future markets) as needed to capture stories, meet partners, support events,
and deepen advocacy relationships (estimated 15–20% travel).

Metrics, Analytics & Cross-Team Integration
●
Build and maintain a full communications dashboard that integrates quantitative and
qualitative metrics across channels and markets.
●
Conduct quarterly communications audits to evaluate message resonance, audience
growth, and impact across internal and external channels.
●
Partner with Program and Operations teams to gather field data, identify emerging
impact stories, and ensure responsible capture of photos, videos, and testimonials.

●
Work closely with the Development team on grant language, campaign messaging,
donor communications, case studies, and impact storytelling.
●
Collaborate with the Product/Tech team to optimize website content architecture, user
experience, SEO strategy, and analytics tracking.
●
Serve on the senior leadership team, providing strategic counsel and representing
communications considerations in organizational planning.

Team Leadership & Organizational Stewardship
●
Build a high-performing communications team: set goals, lead quarterly performance
reviews, create growth plans, and foster a culture of creativity and accountability.
●
Coach internal subject matter experts to become strong spokespeople and storytellers.
●
Develop and manage the annual Communications & Advocacy budget, including tools,
contractors, media spend, and professional development.
●
Create and maintain policies for digital asset management, photo/video consent
processes, data privacy, and brand use.
●
Support cross-team emergency response communications when major operational or
programmatic events occur.
●
Lead organization-wide storytelling trainings to help staff represent Food Connect
effectively in their roles.

Candidate Qualifications and Traits
●
8-10+ years in communications/advocacy/public affairs (nonprofit preferred) with team
leadership experience.
●
Distinguished writing/storytelling portfolio and track record of owning complex,
multi-stakeholder projects.
●
Demonstrated KPI/analytics rigor and clear performance storytelling to
leadership/Boards.
●
Fluency with Mailchimp, Google Analytics, Canva (or equivalents).
●
High EQ; thrives in a fast-paced, mission-driven, remote environment; passion for food
justice and community-centered work.

Our Values
Awareness
– You communicate clearly, even in complexity
Courage
– You own your voice and take initiative
Passion
– You believe in the mission and the message
Curiosity
– You ask the right questions to drive clarity
Integrity
– You deliver what you say you will