Marketing and Communications Specialist

Marketing and Communications Specialist

Location: Columbia, S.C.

Status: Exempt

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Marketing and Communications Specialist is a multi-faceted role that coordinates and executes all media efforts across Harvest Hope’s three branches and assists in content strategy and design. This position will command a balanced repertoire of communication, technical and design skills, as well as broad knowledge of marketing, media and design systems. Reporting to the Director of Advocacy and Marketing, this role writes and creates engaging, shareable content, and sparks conversations around it in the media and digital environment, expanding HHFB’s community visibility using our website, television, social media channels, email marketing and digital advertising.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Supports all internal and external initiatives that generate awareness to the work and brand of Harvest Hope.
  • Helps coordinate research initiatives among departments such as data collection and overarching research projects to enhance communication outreach and marketing.
  • Manages day-to-day content on all online communication vehicles.
  • Works to plan and execute creative content, functionality for donors, and regular updated information on the website including videos, written releases, blogs, events, and landing pages.
  • Exhibits understanding of best practices in page layouts, ROI, and visitor actions.
  • Helps develop positive community perception of Harvest Hope through media, public relations, and communications with stakeholders.
  • Writes and distributes all Harvest Hope press releases and media alerts.
  • Maintains relationships with all print, radio and television media outlets to maximize coverage of Harvest Hope’s mission.
  • Serves on the Storyteller’s Team and is prepared to present to community organizations and appear on both live and taped media segments.
  • Works with the Development team to create, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive email solicitation plan to strengthen participation. The plan will include audience segmentation, timing, messages, testing protocols, and goals by segment.
  • Helps create and execute social media strategy including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and the like as appropriate to the needs of the organization.
  • Writes and coordinates mass communication by email blasts or similar tools for instant communication to donors, the public, agencies, Board members, and other stakeholders.
  • Tracks media stories on Harvest Hope, food banking, hunger, poverty, and related subjects to use in social media creation, and in other venues.
  • Executes and manages external communication efforts for Harvest Hope events, program launches, and breaking news.
  • Takes and films high-quality digital photos and videos for use in storytelling, solicitation, and non-solicitation efforts.
  • In collaboration with the Director of Advocacy and Marketing, ensures that that all Google Analytics, Adwords, and Tag Manager efforts are maximized to drive site traffic and better understand conversions.
  • Creates methods for tracking audiences for analysis, use data to set goals and forecasts and participate sin the analysis process, including creating reports on engagement and solicitation results, year-to-year comparisons, etc. 
  • Works closely with cross-functional staff across HHFB to provide subject matter expertise
  • Tracks, analyzes, and reports on the effectiveness of all digital marketing activities, including website, social media, email marketing, Google Ads, and paid advertising.
  • Works with Director of Advocacy and Marketing, to oversee the Digital Advisory Board. 

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

  • Bachelor's degree in marketing, journalism, communications, or a related field. 
  • Three or more years of experience in communications and digital design, preferably in a nonprofit organization.
  • Excellent written communications, interpersonal and customer service skills; comfortable with public speaking.
  • Proven ability to direct and execute media content strategy and have expertise in all media channels including print, television, and digital.
  • Experience with Adobe Creative Suite, Constant Contact, GivEffect, Hootsuite or similar digital platforms.
  • Self-starter, strong organizational skills, and attention to detail.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Must be able to clearly articulate HHFB’s mission.
  • Ability to relate effectively and professionally with other staff, volunteers, agency representatives and the public.

HHFB TEAM MEMBER ACCOUNTABILITIES

  • Demonstrates a commitment to the HHFB mission and to fighting to end hunger in South Carolina.
  • Displays a desire to work with culturally diverse populations using a compassionate, collaborative, and respectful approach.
  • Supports a culture of continuous improvement by identifying and communicating process and safety improvements.
  • Follows all safety policies and procedures, including reporting all unsafe acts and behaviors, safety hazards, incidents, or accidents immediately.
  • Acknowledges that HHFB team members are considered emergency responders and may be called in to perform regular or emergent duties in instances of a federal, state or locally declared emergency.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

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.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the tasks outlined in this job description.  


This position operates primarily in an office setting within the branch.  The position requires sitting at a desk and in meetings for long periods of time and involves extensive computer work with frequent interruptions.  Vision abilities required include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. 

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Harvest Hope Food Bank is an equal opportunity employer and embraces a philosophy that recognizes and values diversity. Our goal is to attract, develop, retain and promote a talented diverse workforce in a culture where all employees will contribute to their fullest potential. This description provides information regarding the essential functions of the designated job and the general nature and level of work associated with the position. It should not be interpreted to describe all the duties whose performance may be required of such employees or be used to limit the nature and extent of assignments the individual may be given. This position description does not constitute an employment agreement or contract.