Communications Coordinator

Mississippi Food Network (MFN) has been feeding Mississippians since 1984. MFN distributes more than 1.5 million pounds of food and feeds more than 150,000 every month — or a total of 1.8 million people per year. MFN takes donations from multiple sources and distributes food and goods through 430 member agencies. They, in turn, distribute to recipients in their own communities. Our mission is to change lives by fighting hunger today and feeding hope for a healthier tomorrow.

POSITION SUMMARY

Communications Coordinator will support the mission of Mississippi Food Network and plan, direct, and implement comprehensive, integrated, communication and marketing strategies that raise public awareness regarding issues of hunger. These responsibilities include media relations, public relations, public affairs, marketing, publications, special events, social media, and web communication.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Implement strategic communications with leadership for determining organizational communication, and priorities, creating consistent and compelling messaging, and integration of communications across all channels and platforms.
• Create visual design solutions appropriate for communications utilizing a variety of technical skills in print, electronic, social, and digital media.
• Establish an annual communications calendar to coordinate activity among departments.
• Serve as a media contact and represents Mississippi Food Network
• Implement annual comprehensive communications plans to raise public awareness of the issues of hunger, develop brand awareness, support the strategic plan, and mobilize support for services and programs.
• Develop procedures and monitor internal and external marketing and communication policies in conjunction with the Director of Development.
• Manage and maintain media relationships, media/press events, and photo opportunities and provide oversight of public relations content to all relevant media outlets, websites, e-communications, advocacy alerts, social media outlets, and traditional media.
• Develop and review all communications and donor-focused messaging in writing, designing, and coordinating the production of newsletters, annual report, proposals, brochures, videos, booklets, flyers, posters, direct mail, as well as e-communications and web-based media.
• Advise management of crisis communications in terms of issuing official statements and managing media inquiries in direct consultation with the CEO and executive leadership team.
• Communications Coordinator will demonstrate a professional demeanor in interactions with all MFN staff, agencies, donors, government officials, and the public.
• Keep informed and consistently practice the policies and procedures of MFN, Feeding America national office regarding compliance.
• Acquire and develop knowledge of MFN and all programs on an ongoing basis.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the leadership team and CEO.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree or commensurate experience
• A minimum of three to five years of programmatic and management experience is preferred but not required.
• Ability to provide structure and communicate expectations.
• Excellent writing and public speaking skills
• Ability to successfully handle multiple projects and meet critical deadlines.
• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Attention to detail with an emphasis on accuracy and task completion.
• Results-oriented and the ability to take initiative.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability, experience, and willingness to work with diverse populations, including the ability to engage with and build trust among people in disadvantaged communities.
• Possess and foster an attitude of collaboration for working with community organizations.
• High-quality customer service skills (exhibit objectivity, persistence, and helpfulness)
• Prior experience and proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer