<p>Description</p> <p>The Director of External Affairs (DEA) will report directly to the Chief Development Officer (CDO) and lead a team responsible for advocacy, research, communications, branding, and marketing. The DEA will have a critical voice in continuing to build the Arkansas Foodbank (AFB) brand and impact in the region, provide clear, actionable thought leadership around our external relations, and oversee the successful implementation of these critical aspects of our work.</p> <p>They will play a critical role in amplifying and guiding the overall branding, thought leadership and messaging for the organization, and will proactively build strong relationships with the community, elected officials, media outlets, and peer organizations, among others.</p> <p>Arkansas Foodbank team members will demonstrate a commitment to our mission and to the fight against hunger in the state. They must have a clear understanding of and ability to articulate the mission and vision of the organization and a desire to work with diverse populations. Team members must exemplify organizational values while representing the organization at public, social, and business settings.</p> <p>The DEA will be comfortable learning new technology and eager to utilize Arkansas Foodbank software systems. They will possess strong interpersonal skills, a spirit of collaboration and teamwork, and a commitment to hunger relief.</p> <p>Essential Duties and Responsibilities</p> <p>The statements contained herein describe the scope of the responsibility and essential functions of this position but should not be considered to be an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other areas to cover absences or to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload. Individuals in this position may occasionally work irregular hours as necessary. The DEA is responsible for:</p> <ol> <li> <p>Working in collaboration with the CDO and marketing team to develop, coordinate and implement a communications/marketing plan to support the AFB's strategic plan, ensuring consistency with identified key goals, objectives and outcomes.</p> </li><li> <p>Continuously identify and develop community and media partnerships, communicate efforts internally and externally, and collaborate with the CEO, CDO, and department chiefs to maximize news opportunities.</p> </li><li> <p>Oversee digital marketing, direct mail, branding, graphic design, website management, video creation, and inter-departmental marketing support. Provide leadership by setting clear goals, driving strategy, promoting data-driven decisions, and fostering accountability.</p> </li><li> <p>Develop and refine AFB messages for effective internal and external communication. Ensure clarity in messaging by understanding organizational needs, audience, and structure while selecting the best channels and distribution methods.</p> </li><li> <p>Oversee the AFB's advocacy work, driving all elements of the work to envision, create, build, implement, and execute efforts to extend impact within the communities we serve; continuing to expand the voice, influence and impact of the AFB on key issues facing the communities we serve, including advocacy efforts targeting elected officials, our agencies and our supporters.</p> </li><li> <p>Leading and enthusiastically building relationships with the AFB's major stakeholders and constituencies, including the media, community groups, elected officials, community leaders and other influencers.</p> </li><li> <p>Representing the AFB as an ambassador, advocate, and partner within public forums and events, including speaking engagements, TV and radio interviews.</p> </li><li> <p>Lead the marketing and communications team by providing guidance on messaging, strategy, and talking points. Ensure a strong, consistent brand across the organization and support external-facing staff with communications training.</p> </li><li> <p>Create news releases and coordinating news releases, pitches and scheduling of all media, event-specific and general; keeping up to date on industry and community news to ensure that the AFB consistently remains a leader in hunger relief and poverty issues in the community.</p> </li><li> <p>Manage media, communications, and public relations for all events, including developing media partnerships (e.g., Empty Bowls, Summer Cereal Drive, Hunger Action Month, KARK Telethon). Maintain and update AFB's press list.</p> </li><li> <p>Prepare the AFB's annual report and update the annual case for support.</p> </li><li> <p>Collaborate with the CDO to evaluate Feeding America marketing opportunities, determine AFB's level of participation, and execute initiatives that align with local marketing and communication goals.</p> </li><li> <p>Provide guidance for tracking, metrics and data integrity to ensure alignment and effectiveness of overall marketing and communications efforts of the strategic plan and initiatives.</p> </li><li> <p>Represent the Arkansas Foodbank as needed in the community, both inside and outside of regular working hours</p> </li><li> <p>Prepare monthly report of activities for the CDO.</p> </li><li> <p>Attend required staff meetings, training, and conferences.</p> </li><li> <p>Provide back-up assistance for both the website and social media.</p> </li><li> <p>Manage basic budgets and return on investment analysis.</p> </li><li> <p>Communicate effectively in oral and written format.</p> </li><li> <p>Work independently, organize and prioritize work while managing multiple projects simultaneously.</p> </li></ol> <p>Arkansas Foodbank is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you require an accommodation to perform the essential functions of this position, please contact human resources.</p> <p>Arkansas Foodbank values the individuality of all employees, volunteers, donors, and neighbors. We believe lived experiences provide unique viewpoints and ideas that strengthen and enrich our organization. We strive to create an inclusive culture that values different perspectives and reflects our organizational values.</p> <p>Requirements</p> <p>The following qualifications are preferred; however, other job-related education and/or experience may be substituted for all or part of these basic requirements upon approval of management.</p> <ul> <li>Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Political Science, Business Administration, Nonprofit Management or a related field preferred, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience </li><li>At least three years of experience in Development, Communications or Project Management </li><li>Familiarity with computer operations including all Microsoft Suite applications, WordPress, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere, Canva, or other graphic and video software </li><li>Familiarity with online platforms such as YouTube to share digital content. </li><li>Experience with multi-platform marketing, comprehensive campaign leadership, and advocacy strongly preferred </li><li>Valid Arkansas driver's license and proof of insurance required </li><li>Must pass a background check and preemployment drug screening </li></ul> <p>Physical Requirements</p> <p>The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, it is possible that requirements may be modified to reasonably accommodate disabled individuals. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.</p> <p>Working Conditions</p> <p>This job operates in the community and in a professional office environment. The employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, hand controls; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; and stoop. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. While performing duties of this job, the employee may regularly be exposed to wet or humid conditions; extreme cold or heat; and general outside weather conditions. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and the ability to adjust focus. May be required to operate vehicles.</p>