Columbia, South Carolina
The Director of Advocacy and Marketing will develop external and internal marketing and communication strategies focusing on increasing brand awareness and expanding donor engagement and lead a comprehensive advocacy program to drive anti-hunger legislative initiatives within the HHFB 20 counties and across the state.
Logistics & Work Environment:
This full-time position is based out of one of our branches (Columbia, Florence, or Greenville South Carolina). This role will require travel and active engagement within the community to support various initiatives and build meaningful connections.
The hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00am – 4:00 pm, totaling 37.5 hours per week.
Occasionally, the role requires responding to organizational needs outside of normal working hours.
A Day in the Life:
The Director of Advocacy and Marketing will develop external and internal marketing and communication strategies focusing on increasing brand awareness and expanding donor engagement and lead a comprehensive advocacy program to drive anti-hunger legislative initiatives within the HHFB 20 counties and across the state.
Marketing
• Creates, implements and measures results of the annual marketing and communications plan; analyzes past performance to establish strategic directions.
• Manages creation, production & distribution of all materials to have a recognizable brand design/color scheme, etc. for all publications including newsletters, mailers, brochures, information packets, annual reports, event collaterals, press and media kits, ads, and activities.
• Leads efforts to improve brand visibility and coordinates, analyzes, and reports periodic research to evaluate Harvest Hope brand health and market awareness.
• Establishes budget and ensures expenses and return on investment targets are met.
• Seeks to expand and develop Harvest Hope name identity and brand.
• Develops positive community perception of Harvest Hope through media, public relations, and communications with stakeholders.
• Manages website design, creative content, functionality for all visitors, and regularly updated information.
• Develops, manages, and maintains all online communication channels.
• Creates and executes social media strategy including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and the like as appropriate to the needs of the organization.
• Coordinates mass communication by email blasts or similar tools for instant communication to donors, the public, agencies, Board members, and other stakeholders.
• Supervises the Marketing & Communications Specialist, freelance contributors, interns, and as needed volunteers.
• Exercises judicious use of contract experts as needed to execute print and digital materials such as writers, graphic designers, videographers, direct response marketers, etc.
Communication and Public Relations
• Provides executive leadership communication support including PowerPoint presentations, leader briefs, email campaigns, and Board communication and monthly meeting packets.
• Oversees HHFB messaging such as message maps, fact sheets, FAQs, and high-level talking points for media.
• Supports community relations initiatives and coordinates research initiatives such as data collection and overarching research projects to enhance communication outreach and marketing.
• Directs all media relations programs and public relations activities e.g., press conferences, press kit mailings, press releases, and media follow-up with story pitches.
• Tracks media stories on Harvest Hope, food banking, hunger, poverty, and related subjects to use in social media creation, and in other venues.
• Plans and manages external communication efforts for Harvest Hope events, program launches, and breaking news.
• In collaboration with CEO and Human Resources, coordinates and monitors internal communication designed to sustain HHFB’s culture and employee connections.
• Creates and oversees the Digital Advisory Board.
Advocacy
• Creates and provides strategic leadership of a comprehensive advocacy program.
• Develops, implements, and coordinates grassroots advocacy strategy, integrating online and offline engagement tactics, including advocacy alerts, e-news, trainings/toolkit development, engagement activities, social media messaging, web-based advocacy tools, community forums, etc. to engage stakeholders and community volunteers in advocacy efforts related to ending hunger.
• Develops and implements outcome measurements; measures and evaluates the results of HHFB’s advocacy activities and regularly report these results.
• Recommends updates, strategic changes, and additional tactics as necessary to improve the program.
• Builds and strengthens relationships with local, state, and federal legislators, government agencies, neighborhood and business leaders, and key strategic partners.
• Creates issue-specific education pieces and talking points using available research and data, presented in easy to understand and digestible formats for multiple audiences.
• Works with member agencies and partners, community organizations, government institutions, and Feeding America to advocate for passage of appropriate legislation.
• Collaborates with partners to drive successful action that advances HHFB’s goals and mission and empowers local and state communities to improve health and well-being of low-income communities through education, research, and activism.
• Monitors state/federal legislation, budgetary process, administrative regulations, and government activities and provides leadership on public policy issues that involve HHFB and/or hunger.
• Keeps abreast of potential changes in the policy landscape through regular information gathering via reading, research, meetings, events, partner relationships, etc.
• Ensures that all advocacy is carried out in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations and laws governing lobbying and political involvement; maintains and documents all procedures.
• Arranges for and/or provides testimony to legislative bodies, as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.
Thrive
We offer competitive pay ranging from $90,000 – 95,000 annually, equal with experience and qualifications.
SOME OF THE VAST REWARDS OF WORKING HERE
As we work to eliminate hunger throughout, we state, we also work to care for our teams’ professional and personal growth and well-being.
• Full support and career development resources to expand your skills, enhance your expertise and maximize your potential along your career journey.
• A diverse and inclusive community of belonging, where teammates empower each other.
• Generous Total Rewards Plan – comprising health, finance, and wealth work/life balance.
• 13 Paid Holidays
• Paid Annual Leave – the longer you work here, the more you earn.
To Qualify for this Position, you must have:
• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, or related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Seven or more years of progressive and strategic experience in marketing and communications.
• Supervisory experience preferred.
• Superb writing and editing skills with ability to translate program initiatives and impact into reports for a variety of audiences.
• Excellent communications, interpersonal and customer service skills; comfortable with public speaking.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Self-starter, strong organizational skills, attention to detail and creative problem solving.
• Must be able to clearly articulate the mission of Harvest Hope Food Bank.
• Ability to relate effectively and professionally with other staff, volunteers, agency representatives and the public.
• Valid driver’s license.
Thrive
We offer competitive pay ranging from $90,000 – 95,000 annually, equal with experience and qualifications.
SOME OF THE VAST REWARDS OF WORKING HERE
As we work to eliminate hunger throughout, we state, we also work to care for our teams’ professional and personal growth and well-being.
• Full support and career development resources to expand your skills, enhance your expertise and maximize your potential along your career journey.
• A diverse and inclusive community of belonging, where teammates empower each other.
• Generous Total Rewards Plan – comprising health, finance, and wealth work/life balance.
• 13 Paid Holidays
• Paid Annual Leave – the longer you work here, the more you earn.
Please submit your resume and/or cover letter to hr@harvesthope.org
About Harvest Hope Food Bank
Embark on a fulfilling journey at Harvest Hope Food Bank, where your talents play a vital role in our mission to end hunger. As the largest hunger-relief organization in South Carolina, serving 20 counties, we annually distribute 30 million pounds of food across the Midlands, Pee Dee, and Upstate regions. Our dynamic nonprofit values innovation, collaboration, and diversity, offering a uniquely rewarding experience for employees dedicated to making a meaningful difference in their communities. Join our dedicated team in building a hunger-free tomorrow through active engagement with nearly 400 partner agencies. Together, we strive to address food insecurity and positively impact lives across the state.