Communications and Development Manager

Background

Equity Advocates (EA) builds the capacity of food justice leaders from across New York State to advocate collectively to dismantle food inequity through policy and systems change. We accomplish this through policy development, advocacy education and training, and coalition leadership. Our vision is a world where food justice leaders from across New York State are organized, mobilized, and driving transformative policy change that results in an equitable, sustainable food system.

Equity Advocates is at a pivotal moment of growth, and we are seeking a dynamic, full-time Communications and Development Manager to join our team in a new role, reporting to the Executive Director. This position is primarily (85%) remote, with occasional (15%) in-person meetings and in-person activities throughout New York City

This role is responsible for leading and coordinating a comprehensive communications and development strategy that amplifies our mission, builds brand awareness, and engages diverse audiences through compelling storytelling. With the goal of enhancing our external communications to foster a broader, more engaged community along with an expanded donor base, you will manage our digital presence, craft persuasive content for various channels, and develop strong messaging to support our advocacy and fundraising efforts. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to meaningful social change through effective communications and development strategies.

Essential Functions:

Communications & Storytelling

• Create, maintain & implement a strategic communications calendar and plan that amplifies the organization’s impact and mobilizes partners toward action.
• Develop storytelling tools and templates to effectively communicate impact and advocacy messages through monthly newsletters, social media and donor communications.
• Manage, grow and track EA’s social media presence across multiple platforms by curating and posting relevant written and photo content.
• Maintain EA’s Squarespace-based website, recommend and implement upgrades as needed.
• Work with program staff to get regular program reports and stories about impact.

Donor Stewardship & Cultivation

• Develop and implement a donor engagement plan aimed at retention and long-term giving.
• Produce donor impact reports, communications for regular touchpoints, and grant reports.
• Manage a comprehensive end-of-year appeal, including creating and designing collateral tracking donations, and more.

Desired Competencies & Qualifications:

• Currently living in or willing to relocate to New York City area (required)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with an eye for compelling storytelling
• Ability to translate complex food justice issues and policy projects into narratives that educate, inspire, and engage multiple audiences
• Dedication to tenets of racial and economic justice including those articulated in EA’s Racial Equity statement (available here)
• Track record of collaboration with diverse partners
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Experience with designing graphics and visuals in Canva, or similar tools.
• Ability to analyze communication metrics and translate insights into actionable strategies.
• Experience with food systems, food policy is a plus but not required

Preferred Education and Experience

• Many different educational backgrounds can be successful in this role. However, a proficient level of computer literacy is needed to perform the job duties.
• At least 3 years of hands-on experience in one or more of the following fields: nonprofits communication, digital content creation, social media management, fundraising strategies, individual donor relations.
• Proficiency with social media platforms, content management systems (preferably Squarespace), email marketing tools (e.g., Mailchimp) and Canva.
• Experience and comfort with technologies that support remote collaboration strongly preferred including Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Drive, Google Docs, and Zoom.

Work Environment

Work will predominantly take place in a home office setting to be provided by the employee. In-person events, meetings, and other engagements will take place in diverse settings including community spaces, farmers markets, farms, and other facilities.

How to Apply

To apply, candidates should submit an application here: https://bit.ly/4kFXMTC. The application will request the following materials: 1) a resume or another document outlining the personal and/or professional experiences that make you a good fit for this role and 2) a portfolio or 3-4 examples of your work such as a newsletter, social media posts, donor communication, impact report or other. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled, but the priority deadline is June 30. We aim to complete the hiring process by August 1. No calls accepted at this time.

Affirmative Action/EEO statement

Equity Advocates is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We believe in equity, justice and inclusivity. As an organization we are more innovative and responsive when our leadership, staff and board represent a diversity of perspectives and life experiences and feel empowered to raise their voices. Equity Advocates is actively recruiting individuals of diverse races, ethnicities, viewpoints, experiences, economic backgrounds, genders and sexual identities and orientations to shape our organization. People of color, differently-abled people and LGBTQI persons are strongly encouraged to apply. Please see Equity Advocates’ full Racial Equity Statement here.