Communications Director

Title: Communications Director

Organization: West Side Campaign Against Hunger (WSCAH)

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director

Status: Full-Time, Exempt

Hours: Monday - Friday with occasional evening & weekend hours

Locations: New York, NY; Hybrid (180th St, 86th St, Partner sites, Remote)

About WSCAH

West Side Campaign Against Hunger (WSCAH) is a leading anti-hunger nonprofit organization dedicated to alleviating food insecurity and advocating for systemic change. We provide nutritious food and benefits enrollment with dignity, lead collaborative efforts to fight hunger across the city, and engage in policy advocacy to address the root causes of hunger. Since 1979, WSCAH has put dignity, community, and choice at the heart of supporting food-insecure New Yorkers and transforming the emergency feeding sector. WSCAH has grown from serving 100 people weekly to over 120,000 people annually.

Compensation & Benefits

The salary range for this position is $90,000 - $105,000 based on experience and qualifications. WSCAH offers a comprehensive benefits package, including company-paid medical, dental, and life insurance, 403b retirement plan with 6% match after one year of employment, as well as paid holidays and vacation leave.

Position Overview

WSCAH seeks an experienced and mission-driven Communications Director to lead the organization’s communications, marketing, and public relations strategies. The Communications Director will amplify WSCAH’s impact, engage key stakeholders, and promote our mission through compelling storytelling, media outreach, digital strategy, and strategic partnerships.

This role will also support and enhance The Roundtable: Allies for Food Access, a coalition of food justice organizations working collaboratively to strengthen food systems and advocacy efforts. WSCAH is the fiscal sponsor for The Roundtable and is primarily responsible for executing the coalition’s fundraising, advocacy, and communication strategies.

Key Responsibilities

Estimated as 80% WSCAH; 20% Roundtable in year one

Strategic Communications & Branding

• Lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive communications strategy that advances WSCAH’s mission and strategic goals.
• Ensure consistent brand messaging across all communications channels, including website, social media, email, and print materials.
• Manage and enhance WSCAH’s digital presence, including content creation and audience engagement.
• Oversee design, production, and distribution of marketing, fundraising, and other promotional materials.

Media & Public Relations

• Oversee relationships with PR agencies and communications consultants to ensure cohesive and effective media engagement.
• Manage relationships with journalists, media outlets, and influencers to elevate WSCAH’s visibility.
• Draft press releases, op-eds, messaging documents, and media pitches to highlight WSCAH’s programs, advocacy efforts, and impact.
• Serve as a spokesperson when needed and prepare leadership for media opportunities.
• Monitor media coverage and lead crisis communication efforts when needed to protect and enhance WSCAH’s public image.

External Communications

• Develop and maintain WSCAH’s communications calendar, including fundraising, newsletters, media, and community events.
• Manage outside communications consultants and direct implementation of external communications.
• Write and curate original content across fundraising, digital, and print channels to engage stakeholders and amplify WSCAH’s impact.
• Oversee and maintain WSCAH’s website and social media channels.

The Roundtable Communications & Stakeholder Engagement

• Develop and execute a communications strategy for The Roundtable, ensuring alignment with WSCAH’s broader mission.
• Facilitate collaborative storytelling and knowledge-sharing across Roundtable members to highlight shared goals and increase collective influence.
• Coordinate joint messaging, press releases, and advocacy campaigns to strengthen The Roundtable’s influence.
• Organize and promote events, webinars, and reports produced by The Roundtable.
• Coach and prepare Roundtable spokespeople for media appearances and public events to ensure consistent, mission-aligned messaging.

Advocacy & Community Engagement

• Manage the communications relationship with outside advocacy consultants to develop clear, persuasive messaging on hunger and food policy issues.
• Develop and deploy compelling narratives and campaigns to engage donors, volunteers, customers, and community partners in WSCAH’s advocacy and mission.
• Leverage digital tools and social media to mobilize public support for WSCAH’s and the Roundtable’s initiatives.

Organizational Collaboration

• Develop and maintain internal biweekly staff newsletter
• Design and produce organizational signage and materials
• Manage WSCAH Board of directors meeting materials production
• Provide leadership and direction to communications staff, consultants, and interns, ensuring alignment with organizational messaging and priorities.
• Collaborate across departments and initiatives to ensure unified messaging and alignment with organizational priorities.
• Analyze key communications metrics and stakeholder engagement data to evaluate performance and drive continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in communications, marketing, or public relations, preferably in the nonprofit or advocacy sector.
• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills with demonstrated ability to craft compelling narratives.
• Experience managing digital marketing, social media, and website content.
• Ability to collaborate and work effectively with multiple stakeholders and across functions/teams
• Familiarity with media relations, crisis communications, and advocacy campaigns.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
• Passion for food justice, social equity, and community-based solutions.
• Proficiency in design tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva) and analytics platforms is a plus.

Desired Competencies

WSCAH has identified the following core competencies as essential for success in this role:

• Communication Skills – Demonstrates excellence in written and verbal communication. Able to craft clear, compelling messages and adapt style for various audiences, including the media, donors, and community partners.
• Teamwork and Collaboration – Works effectively across teams and coalitions. Values diverse perspectives, builds strong internal and external partnerships, and contributes to a culture of shared success.
• Strategic Thinking – Aligns communications efforts with organizational objectives. Anticipates trends, plans proactively, and leverages communications to support long-term goals.
• Adaptability and Flexibility – Thrives in a dynamic environment. Adjusts priorities, strategies, and messaging as needed in response to shifting external and internal circumstances.
• Mission Alignment – Embodies WSCAH’s values of dignity, community, and equity. Demonstrates passion for food justice and a deep understanding of the organization’s purpose and impact.

While the above experience and skills are preferred, applicants are encouraged to apply even if they don’t currently meet all the listed qualifications. This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position. It may not be an exhaustive list of skills, efforts, responsibilities or working conditions associated with the position.

At WSCAH, we believe that our diversity makes us stronger. We are committed to building an inclusive, equitable, and welcoming team that reflects the communities we serve. WSCAH is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status.