Communications Specialist
Feeding America, San Diego, CA, United States
The Communications Specialist is responsible for supporting and executing Feeding San Diego’s communications strategy to increase awareness, strengthen community trust, and promote the organization’s hunger relief efforts. This role collaborates closely with the Director of Communications & Content to develop campaigns, manage media relations, create compelling content, and ensure consistent internal messaging. The position requires strong project management skills, the ability to work both independently and cross-functionally, and a passion for mission-driven storytelling that engages diverse audiences.
Responsibilities Media Relations
Proactively pitch media outlets, focusing on compelling storytelling that highlights Feeding San Diego’s mission, programs, executive team, and impact in the community.
Help field reactive media requests, using independent judgement to make recommendations shaping the story, including on spokespersons and locations.
Draft press materials including press releases, pitches, media advisories, talking points, statements, and briefing documents; conduct research and informational interviews to get information needed.
Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists at local, regional, and national outlets, investing time outside of media segments to learn more about the local media landscape and reporters’ beats.
Collaborate cross-departmentally to gather information and ensure accurate and timely communication.
Support the coordination and execution of press conferences, media briefings, and other public relations events; interact with high-level elected officials and partners.
Establish and maintain relationships with spokespersons throughout the network to serve as interview sources.
Maintain list of sources for the organization.
Maintain communication calendars and ensure timely delivery of content.
Monitor and track press coverage; compile monthly performance reports and insights.
Maintain updated media lists, awards tracking and other administrative duties.
Proactively submit for awards and opportunities spotlighting the organization and its stakeholders, including executive team, staff, and volunteers.
Provide day-to-day administrative support to the Director of Communications & Content, including calendar coordination, meeting scheduling, and documentation.
Internal Communications
Prepare internal communications for publication on company intranet.
Draft and refine executive messaging communications to employees including town halls, leadership updates, speeches, and internal announcements.
Support executive positioning strategies and thought leadership initiatives.
Develop coordinated messaging guidelines for communication to different employee channels across the network.
Ensure messaging is consistent in tone, voice, and narrative across all internal channels.
Stakeholder Collaboration
Engage directly with diverse stakeholders including program participants, volunteers, food donors, and distribution partners while representing Feeding San Diego.
Show compassion and build trust to authentically capture and share stories that reflect the organization’s impact.
Collaborate with the Marketing & Communications team and align communications with Feeding America best practices.
Promote and uphold Feeding San Diego’s values in all interactions.
Qualifications Required
Strong understanding of corporate communication principles, media relations, public relations, and crisis communication strategies.
Strong interpersonal and networking skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships.
High level of creativity and strategic thinking, with the ability to develop innovative communication solutions.
Excellent writing, editing and proofreading skills, with attention to detail and accuracy.
Strong organizational and project management skills.
Capability to work independently or collaboratively in a fast‑paced environment.
Ability to handle confidential information with utmost integrity and discretion.
Adeptness to work under pressure and handle crisis communication.
The ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously and efficiently.
Microsoft 365 experience.
Asana, Smartsheet, Basecamp or other project‑management system experience.
Act as a collaborative team player who can take constructive feedback on their work and adjust accordingly.
Ability to understand organizational needs, including general business strategy, industry issues, key stakeholders, and giving trends.
Preferred
Experience working cross‑functionally with teams in a non‑profit setting (development, programs, volunteer, etc.).
Existing non‑profit experience working in marketing and communications.
Benefits
Employer sponsored healthcare benefits at platinum level for medical.
401(k) retirement plan with company matching.
Flexible work environment; attractive, welcoming office.
Supportive time‑off policies including vacation, sick, & company holidays.
Learning & development and recognition programs.
Real purpose to help change lives in San Diego County.
Supportive and engaged Board of Directors.
Fun, supportive team that works hard and celebrates accomplishments together.
Core values: Agility, Stewardship, Collaboration, Environment, Nutrition & Dignity.
100% workforce aligns with mission and vision.
Commitment to sustainability – prioritize food rescue to feed people, not landfills.
Pay & Hours: $70,500. Hybrid: M, T, TH in San Diego office and W & F remote, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, occasional evenings and weekends.
Feeding San Diego provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
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Responsibilities Media Relations
Proactively pitch media outlets, focusing on compelling storytelling that highlights Feeding San Diego’s mission, programs, executive team, and impact in the community.
Help field reactive media requests, using independent judgement to make recommendations shaping the story, including on spokespersons and locations.
Draft press materials including press releases, pitches, media advisories, talking points, statements, and briefing documents; conduct research and informational interviews to get information needed.
Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists at local, regional, and national outlets, investing time outside of media segments to learn more about the local media landscape and reporters’ beats.
Collaborate cross-departmentally to gather information and ensure accurate and timely communication.
Support the coordination and execution of press conferences, media briefings, and other public relations events; interact with high-level elected officials and partners.
Establish and maintain relationships with spokespersons throughout the network to serve as interview sources.
Maintain list of sources for the organization.
Maintain communication calendars and ensure timely delivery of content.
Monitor and track press coverage; compile monthly performance reports and insights.
Maintain updated media lists, awards tracking and other administrative duties.
Proactively submit for awards and opportunities spotlighting the organization and its stakeholders, including executive team, staff, and volunteers.
Provide day-to-day administrative support to the Director of Communications & Content, including calendar coordination, meeting scheduling, and documentation.
Internal Communications
Prepare internal communications for publication on company intranet.
Draft and refine executive messaging communications to employees including town halls, leadership updates, speeches, and internal announcements.
Support executive positioning strategies and thought leadership initiatives.
Develop coordinated messaging guidelines for communication to different employee channels across the network.
Ensure messaging is consistent in tone, voice, and narrative across all internal channels.
Stakeholder Collaboration
Engage directly with diverse stakeholders including program participants, volunteers, food donors, and distribution partners while representing Feeding San Diego.
Show compassion and build trust to authentically capture and share stories that reflect the organization’s impact.
Collaborate with the Marketing & Communications team and align communications with Feeding America best practices.
Promote and uphold Feeding San Diego’s values in all interactions.
Qualifications Required
Strong understanding of corporate communication principles, media relations, public relations, and crisis communication strategies.
Strong interpersonal and networking skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships.
High level of creativity and strategic thinking, with the ability to develop innovative communication solutions.
Excellent writing, editing and proofreading skills, with attention to detail and accuracy.
Strong organizational and project management skills.
Capability to work independently or collaboratively in a fast‑paced environment.
Ability to handle confidential information with utmost integrity and discretion.
Adeptness to work under pressure and handle crisis communication.
The ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously and efficiently.
Microsoft 365 experience.
Asana, Smartsheet, Basecamp or other project‑management system experience.
Act as a collaborative team player who can take constructive feedback on their work and adjust accordingly.
Ability to understand organizational needs, including general business strategy, industry issues, key stakeholders, and giving trends.
Preferred
Experience working cross‑functionally with teams in a non‑profit setting (development, programs, volunteer, etc.).
Existing non‑profit experience working in marketing and communications.
Benefits
Employer sponsored healthcare benefits at platinum level for medical.
401(k) retirement plan with company matching.
Flexible work environment; attractive, welcoming office.
Supportive time‑off policies including vacation, sick, & company holidays.
Learning & development and recognition programs.
Real purpose to help change lives in San Diego County.
Supportive and engaged Board of Directors.
Fun, supportive team that works hard and celebrates accomplishments together.
Core values: Agility, Stewardship, Collaboration, Environment, Nutrition & Dignity.
100% workforce aligns with mission and vision.
Commitment to sustainability – prioritize food rescue to feed people, not landfills.
Pay & Hours: $70,500. Hybrid: M, T, TH in San Diego office and W & F remote, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, occasional evenings and weekends.
Feeding San Diego provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
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