Communications Manager

The communications manager serves as the point of contact for all media engagement, leads story collection, produces publications, oversees website development, strengthens brand, facilitates marketing and public relations opportunities, and oversees social media and email communication in partnership with the organization’s direct marketing firm.

With our values of passion, service and innovation at the forefront, this position will advance the Great Plains Food Bank’s mission to end hunger together across North Dakota and Clay County, Minnesota, and achieve our vision where neighbors are nourished, communities are strong, and systems ensure no one is left behind.

Core Accountabilities and Essential Duties

1. Communication Strategy and Message Development
The communications manager is responsible for oversight of all communication activities statewide to ensure consistent and strong alignment with our mission, vision, values, programs, operations, key messages, and experiences of the clients we serve.

• Develops an annual and long-range organizational communication plan in conjunction with departments across the organization and analyzes past performance and applies insight to establish strategic direction for future efforts.
• Writes key organizational messages, talking points, and case and crisis communication statements for different channels to ensure consistency and mission alignment.
• Oversees communication initiatives in the organization’s strategic plan and annual budget.

2. Media Outreach and Story Collection
The communications manager partners with statewide media outlets to share the Great Plains Food Bank’s mission, programs, and services accurately and consistently; and elevates the voices and stories of the individuals we serve through various methods, platforms, and channels.

• Serves as the primary media contact person, coordinates all media requests, and acts as Great Plains Food Bank spokesperson, or appoints spokesperson when warranted.
• Prepares media releases, orchestrates statewide media events, manages relationships with traditional media outlets, and pitches story ideas that support strategic plan. Collects, tracks, shares, and archives news articles and broadcasts.
• Builds a robust story collection process and storage management system to include neighbor compensation, media releases, and story assets. In-person interviews, videography, photography, and audio collection are utilized to elevate the voices of neighbors we serve and the programs and services we offer. Manages contracted story collector/collection when available.

3. Website and Digital Platforms
The communications manager oversees website development and digital platforms and systems including social media and email.

• Manages, maintains, and/or executes website enhancements including content, functionality, and creative elements; and evaluates effectiveness of site and enhancements through visitor activity.
• Manages all URL subscriptions associated with GreatPlainsFoodBank.org.
• Oversees social media strategies, content, and presence across all platforms (Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram) for appropriate posts and timely responses.
• Evaluates website and digital communication analytics to ensure success in all areas.
• Shoots photos and video footage of Great Plains Food Bank activities for use in social media, website, publications, events, promotion. Creates videos for a range of purposes.

4. Publications and Marketing
The communications manager coordinates and/or creates the production of all organizational and programmatic publications and facilitates marketing activities that promote the organization and mobilize the public to act.

• Oversees the production of all print and digital publications (annual report, research findings, etc.) in partnership with organization staff and contracted design firm, to include content development, design, production, and distribution.
• Arranges, coordinates and/or serves as spokesperson, which may include facility tours, community presentations, serving as a liaison to an event, or training a speaker’s bureau to present on the Great Plains Food Bank’s behalf.
• Supports the development department’s overall fundraising strategy by leading communication and marketing activities that support events, donor appreciation, grant awards, direct marketing appeals/newsletters, and donor engagement.
• Reviews all educational and promotional materials for organization use to ensure compliance with brand guidelines. Supports colleagues in crafting the message and creating the piece, if appropriate.
• Oversees all paid advertising and public service announcement opportunities.
• Ensures alignment with Feeding America to maximize exposure of national awareness initiatives.

5. Staff Development and Direction
The communications manager builds on the strong culture of the organization and its people to form a cohesive, skilled, high-performing, engaged, and values-driven team through coaching, training, and professional development opportunities.

• Recruits, hires, trains, and supervises the work and progress of the digital communications coordinator who is responsible for coordinating and executing organizational messaging across all digital communication platforms including social media, website, and email.
• Provides leadership, guidance, support, and evaluation for the digital communications coordinator in executing her/his annual performance plan.
• Manages communication interns and/or other dept. volunteers.
• Fosters employee engagement by creating a supportive environment, promoting strong communications, recognizing achievements, and motivating and challenging team members by building on their strengths and providing opportunities for growth.

Education, Experience and Requirements
Successful candidates for this position must hold a bachelor’s degree in a related field (public relations, communications, marketing, community relations, journalism, etc.) with at least four years proven communication experience, preferably with a nonprofit organization. Experience with graphic design and video production is preferred. Valid driver’s license, ability to travel statewide, and flexibility to attend meetings and events in the evening and/or on the weekends is required.

Skills and Competencies

• Thrives while developing relationships that further our mission.
• An inquisitive, strategic thinker.
• Strong communicator and storyteller that possesses excellent written, oral, and interpersonal skills demonstrating clarity and on-target messaging for a variety of audiences.
• Critical thinking skills to identify strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Microsoft Teams, WordPress, and Adobe Creative Suite programs.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with multi-faceted demands and deadlines.
• Strong internal and external customer service skills.
• Ability to work independently and build collaboration across teams and departments.
• Organized and detail oriented, yet flexible with an adaptable personal style.
• Ability to shoot quality photographs and/or video using provided equipment.