Senior Vice President - Communications

Senior VP - Communications (SVP-C)

OPPORTUNITY

The Senior Vice President of Communications is an integral part of the Mid-Ohio Food Collective executive leadership team, serving as the broad-based communications lead and advisor to the CEO and Executive Team, developing and executing a comprehensive, strategic communications plan and approach to support the organization in meeting its mission. This includes internal and external communications, media relations, visitor and volunteer services, advocacy and news analysis. The SVP-C will lead all organizational and crisis communications efforts, overseeing media and press relations, messaging, and government relations and advocacy work to strengthen MOFC's role as a leader in transformative work around the social determinants of health. S/he/they, managing the government affairs team, will develop and guide a strategic 20-county plan to enhance MOFC communications and advocacy efforts across MOFC's footprint. Additionally, the SVP-C will oversee all volunteer recruitment and retention efforts to deepen and widen the universe for volunteer support of MOFC work, while mobilizing volunteer and visitor engagement with all MOFC assets. The SVP-C leads the Communications Team in designing and managing the organization's overall messaging and a vision for communicating with both internal and external audiences; s/he/they will utilize both traditional and innovative strategies and tools to elevate all MOFC assets and the organization's constantly evolving work in connecting our neighbors to food, while advancing communication efforts toward ending hunger.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Key Responsibilities of the SVP-C include:

Leadership, Administration, and Management

• Develop and implement a comprehensive, strategic communications plan in support of MOFC's vision, mission, and goals in partnership with the Senior VP, Brand (SVP-B)
• Communicate and represent the MOFC's vision and FOOD Perspective internally and to the general public/community, in partnership with the SVP-B and Executive Leadership.
• Develop, direct, and evaluate the MOFC's communications, and public affairs strategy; partner with SVP-B to execute effective campaigns/programs on a local, state, and national basis, with emphasis on strengthening existing communications efforts while developing and deploying innovative tools, resources and approaches to reach and engage stakeholders.
• Working in partnership with leadership, develop and execute organizational messaging that is supported by a platform that allows for ongoing, continuous updates as the market landscape demands it.
• Lead the communications team in utilizing high-yield strategies in communications, public and media relations;
• Represent MOFC at external meetings, conferences, committees, and Provide training, mentorship, guidance, support, and performance feedback to direct reports to ensure staff have the tools to meet and exceed expectations.
• Actively support enterprise-wide racial equity knowledge, and apply understanding through ongoing learning, reflecting and dialogue opportunities.
• Advise and provide information to the CEO, Executive Team, People leaders and all stakeholders, as necessary;

Advocacy

• Develop a focused and actionable public policy strategy that aligns with the organization's values and furthers its mission and objectives at local, state and federal levels.
• Develop and implement a 20-county communications and advocacy strategy to build support and engagement across MOFC's footprint;
• Build a decision model for determining when and how the organization supports legislation and lead advocacy efforts.
• Engage elected officials and their staff in the priorities of MOFC toward ending hunger.
• Partner with food insecurity and relevant advocacy groups to achieve shared goals.
• Track and analyze key national, state and local policy developments, trends and funding opportunities relevant to ending hunger

Communications

• Facilitate communication and collaboration among assigned department personnel to enhance service delivery, program development and customer satisfaction;
• Plan and implement proactive internal and external communication programs and strategies by collaborating with marketing and departmental teams;
• Leverage all opportunities within the community through engagement and communications to advance MOFC's initiatives, priorities and mission.

Media Relations

• Oversee external messaging to media, guiding press secretary's response to inquiries; serves as a media spokesperson when needed.
• Design, launch and implement media training to all senior leadership.
• Develop and implement a media plan that aligns key messaging with key media, including local, state and national media along with all vertical and trade press.
• Develop and maintain relationships with community leaders, organizations, and members of the media;
• Promote MOFC initiatives, programs, and decisions across the broader community to leverage its successes and work in establishing itself as a national model for food banking.

Volunteer & Visitor Engagement

• Lead the team responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating volunteer recruitment and retention strategies to meet key needs across the organization.
• Create impactful storytelling around service, leveraging volunteer events as media opportunities, and integrating volunteer outreach and recognition across social media and other platforms.
• Work closely with Individual Giving team to track and increase volunteer-to-donor conversion rates.
• Develop tracking system to measure visitor-to-donor/volunteer/advocate conversion
• Develop innovative solutions to meet changing operational needs and circumstances.

QUALIFICATIONS:

In order to fulfill these responsibilities, the ideal Chief Communications Officer candidate will bring:

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or related field from a college or university, or four years of equivalent experience;
• 10+ years of experience in Communication or related field;
• 8+ years of progressive leadership experience to include:
• Planning, Organizing, Staffing, Directing, and Managing employees or teams;
• Coaching, Mentoring, Developing, and Performance Managing employees or teams.

JOB CONDITIONS:

Working Conditions: Normal office environment

ADA: The above statements cover what are generally believed to the principal and essential function of this job. Specific circumstances may allow or require some associates assigned to the job to perform a somewhat different combination of duties.

Current Openings for Senior Vice President Communications Jobs at Mid-Ohio Food Collective