Communications Specialist

Feeding San Diego is a non-profit organization on a mission to connect every person facing hunger with nutritious meals by maximizing food rescue. Established in 2007, Feeding San Diego rescues surplus food from local and national food donors before it goes to waste and gets it to people facing hunger in San Diego County. It is the only Feeding America partner food bank in the region.

Feeding San Diego is dedicated to building a team that reflects the diverse county we serve, including those with varying backgrounds and life experiences. Applicants who strengthen our team through personal knowledge of poverty and food insecurity, as well as members of marginalized groups, are encouraged to apply.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Communications Specialist plays a key role on Feeding San Diego’s Marketing & Communications team, helping elevate our mission, strengthen trust in our work, and expand awareness of our hunger relief programs across San Diego County. In this role, you will partner closely with the Director of Communications & Content to plan, develop, and execute strategic communications campaigns that educate, inspire, and mobilize our internal and external audiences.

This position supports all facets of our communications strategy—from shaping media outreach and crafting compelling stories to driving clear, consistent internal messaging that keeps our teams informed and aligned. You’ll thrive here if you excel in a fast-paced environment, can independently manage projects from concept to completion, and are eager to collaborate across departments to amplify our impact.

We’re seeking a creative, thoughtful communicator who is passionate about storytelling, skilled at engaging diverse audiences, and committed to upholding our reputation as a trusted, community-centered nonprofit. If you’re motivated by mission-driven work and energized by both strategy and execution, we’d love to have you on our team.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND 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

INTERACTION

The position will interact closely with FSD employees, visitors, neighbors, volunteers, donors, and partner representatives. This position will also interact with all staff at Feeding San Diego.

EDUCATION/YEARS EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience, particularly in journalism, public relations, communications, or marketing
• Minimum two years of experience as a communications specialist, public relations specialist or a similar role in communications.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

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

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Laptop and Microsoft Suite, smartphone, and printer.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS

Must have reliable transportation and possess and maintain a valid California driver’s license, a satisfactory driving record, including proof of personal vehicle insurance coverage and insurability under the Agency’s insurance carrier standards.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:

• Work in an office adjacent to a warehouse setting with consistent travel to other locations in San Diego County.
• Prioritizes multi-task work and projects requiring good memory, concentration, and analytical thinking.
• Occasionally, it is required to perform the safe operation of office equipment and machines and recognize and abate safety hazards within the workplace.

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet, but this office is maintained in a distribution center with machinery and large trucks.

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.

PAY & HOURS

$70,500

Hybrid M, T, TH in San Diego office and W & F remote, 8am to 4:30pm, occasional evenings and weekends

Why You’ll Love It Here

• Employer sponsored healthcare benefits at platinum level for medical
• 401K 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
• Your work has a real purpose and will help change lives in San Diego County.
• Supportive and engaged Board of Directors
• You’ll be part of a fun, supportive team that works hard and celebrates accomplishments together.
• We live by our core values: Agility, Stewardship, Collaboration, Environment, Nutrition & Dignity.
• 100% of our workforce believes in our mission and vision
• Commitment to Sustainability – We prioritize food rescue to feed people not landfills. Food waste goes to local hog farms.