Strategic Communications and Public Relations Lead

ROLE: Strategic Communications and Public Relations Lead

DEPARTMENT: Marketing Team

LOCATION: Remote or Bellingham, Washington

EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Full-time, salaried

SALARY RANGE: $85K - $105K (Depending on Experience)

ABOUT THE MARKETING TEAM

Our Marketing and Communication team’s primary obligation is to tell the Non-GMO Project story by guiding, managing, and building our external messaging and communications. We have an eye for beautiful design and a knack for weaving together language and science to tell our unique story. We identify opportunities to expand our reach and build the non-GMO food supply through creating awareness, garnering support, and educating consumers. If you’re interested in working with a team of outside-the-box thinkers, agile creators, and ingenuitive storytellers, this team is for you!

ABOUT THE NON-GMO PROJECT

We’re passionate about what we’re doing as an organization and about who we are being and becoming through our everyday actions. We endeavor to be open-hearted collaborators, creatively and intelligently impacting the world we live in with our individual and collective choices.

The Non-GMO Project is a non-profit organization offering rigorous product verification and trustworthy education that empowers people to care for themselves, the planet and future generations. The work culture at the Project is informed by our values. We believe in the power of our individual and collective choices and care not only about what we’re doing as an organization but also who we are being and becoming through our everyday actions. From the choices we make to how we treat each other, we are shaping the world we live in together.

As an equal opportunity employer, the Non-GMO Project embraces the pursuit of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of our work as critical to our mission. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, national origin, color, gender (including gender identity), sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, family, marital or parental status, religious affiliation, creed, the presence of any physical, mental or sensory impairment, immigrant status, age, personal appearance, veteran status or any other protected class in accordance with all applicable federal, state and local laws. We collectively uphold this commitment. We celebrate our inclusive work environment and welcome members of all backgrounds to apply.

POSITION OVERVIEW

We are seeking a charismatic, visionary, senior communications leader to serve as one of a few primary public voices for our coalition of transformative food initiatives:

• The Non-GMO Project – North America’s most trusted third-party verification program for non-GMO food and products
• Non Ultraprocessed Verified – Advancing awareness of and access to non ultraprocessed foods
• The Food Integrity Collective – Working to restore health across humans, communities, and ecosystems through systemic food change

This is a movement-building opportunity for a senior communications professional. The ideal candidate is a magnetic, creative thinker who can translate complex systems into compelling human stories, drive strategic thought leadership, and engage the hearts and minds of diverse stakeholders across retail, media, and society. You will partner closely with our CEO, representing our mission publicly by telling authentic stories that drive meaningful change, sharing compelling content, engaging diverse audiences, and developing relationships built on shared narratives that help co-create change and bring coherence to those working to improve the retail food system.

KEY TRAITS WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• Compelling and confident presence — on stage, in media, and in conversation
• Innate storyteller — able to make systems and science resonate on a human level
• Creative and strategic — balancing vision with execution, innovation with structure
• Empathetic communicator — persuasive, authentic, and attuned to nuance
• Mission-driven leader — deeply aligned with our purpose and values

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Thought Leadership & Executive Partnership

• Act as the lead strategic communications advisor to the CEO and executive leadership across initiatives
• Develop comprehensive thought leadership strategies that position our collective mission as leaders in food integrity and transparency
• Translate complex organizational initiatives into compelling written and spoken narratives for diverse stakeholder groups
• Create strategic communication plans for major organizational announcements, initiatives, and industry positioning

Cross-Brand Voice and Messaging Architecture

• Design and execute messaging frameworks that maintain distinct brand identities while advancing our unified mission
• Craft high-impact speeches, presentations, articles, and executive communications that reflect our commitment to food system transformation
• Identify and pursue high-value thought leadership opportunities — from panels to podcasts
• Lead (the rare) crisis communication with clarity, calm, and credibility

Spokesperson & External Affairs Leadership

• Serve as a primary public spokesperson and media representative
• Cultivate strong relationships with journalists, influencers, and food systems media
• Deliver compelling narratives that elevate food transparency, integrity, and innovation
• Represent the organization at major events, industry roundtables, and coalition convenings

Strategic Campaigns & Creative Communication

• Develop and execute communication strategies that engage retailers, brands, consumers, and allied organizations
• Build strategic communications partnerships that amplify our collective impact
• Translate complex food system issues into accessible and inspiring narratives
• Monitor industry trends and competitive landscape to inform strategic positioning

Systems-Thinking Communication Design

• Apply holistic communication approaches that honor the interconnectedness of our three organizational initiatives
• Develop authentic messaging that inspires rather than separates, building trust and brand advocacy through transparency and education
• Create communication frameworks that foster collaborative problem-solving
• Design approaches that respect audience intelligence while making complex issues accessible and actionable

QUALIFICATIONS

Essential Experience

• 5+ years of progressive experience in strategic communications, media, or public affairs
• Exceptional writing, public speaking, and interpersonal communication skills
• Proven track record of leadership in mission-driven or movement-oriented work
• Experience serving as a spokesperson or representing an organization in public forums
• Ability to work across complexity with grace, creativity, and a sense of urgency

Preferred Experience

• Strong understanding of food systems, sustainability, public health, or social change
• Experience developing innovative communication solutions for complex challenges
• Proven ability to translate technical concepts into compelling public narratives
• Experience managing multi-brand communication strategies while maintaining distinct organizational identities
• Deep understanding of stakeholder engagement across diverse groups including industry, policy, media, and consumer audiences
• Experience with integrated communication campaigns spanning traditional media, digital platforms, and direct engagement
• Proficiency in crisis communications, reputation management, and sensitive issue navigation
• Strong project management skills with ability to coordinate complex, multi-organizational initiatives
• Cultural competence and ability to work effectively with diverse communities and perspectives, possessing the ability to build authentic, productive relationships with wide-ranging groups, including industry leaders, policymakers, advocates, and media
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and managing competing priorities across multiple organizations

CURRENT BENEFIT PACKAGE

• Health, vision, and dental insurance includes a wide range of medical insurance options to choose from. The Project contributes a flat rate ($450) towards employee premiums which covers the base-level HSA medical plan in full. Employees have the option to opt into more robust plans at a slightly higher premium.
• Paid time off: 10 paid holidays, your birthday, 8 care days, and paid vacation starting at 10 days a year
• Annual training & development budget
• 401k Retirement Option and a 3% company match
• Annual Variable Pay (per person bonus)
• $500/year work from home benefit
• Flexible schedule and remote-first work arrangements (office based in Bellingham, WA)
• 36 hour workweek
• Engage in meaningful, mission-oriented work in a values focused work environment

ABOUT YOUR APPLICATION

To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume. Your cover letter should address your interest in working with the Non-GMO Project and any particular skills or strengths you feel would qualify you for this role. We are committed to reviewing your application and hold ourselves accountable to creating an equitable process for each candidate. To learn more about our organization, please visit our website (www.nongmoproject.org).

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

If you’re a qualified individual with a disability and need assistance applying online, please reach out to accommodations@nongmoproject.org.