Community Relations Coordinator

About this position

Position Summary

Reporting to the Resource Development Manager (RDM), the Community Relations Coordinator (CRC) will coordinate a wide range of marketing and communications activities, primarily in support of Hamilton Food Share’s (HFS) fundraising programs including: integrated digital/print communications, stewardship and grant writing, and third-party fundraising.  The CRC will act as the liaison in the identification, cultivation and solicitation of financial donations including but not limited to third party events and community events while increasing Hamilton Food Share’s profile.  The CRC will monitor, develop, coordinate, and support all aspects of third party and community event initiatives including some public speaking and photography.

Given the ever-changing nature of the communications landscape and related technologies, it is expected that the role will continue to evolve over time.

Integrated Digital/Print Marketing and Communications

• Develop an annual organization-wide digital and print plan and calendar.
• Annually refresh and document main messaging and campaign concepts.
• Manage a broad range of activities, including earned media, print and electronic advertising, social media, website updates, and email outreach.
• Create written content, basic graphic design and images or video.
• Coordinate estimates, proofs, and orders, with external vendors according to HFS policies.
• Act as a main point of contact for the public on social media.
• Act as a representative of HFS for media requests and appearances as required.
• Produce e-newsletter and other mass emails.
• Integrate messaging as needed with all appeals, events, and sponsorship opportunities.
• Optimize use of social media messaging to increase audience and interactions.
• Integrate e-appeals with other forms of solicitation.
• Set goals and track metrics to measure the impact of marketing efforts, including social media, traditional media, website, and Google Ads.
• Stay up to date on the latest digital communications and marketing trends, identify issues and recommend solutions.

Grants, Stewardship and Fundraising

• Solicit financial donations from individuals, companies, organizations, and foundations.
• In consultation with colleagues, develop the donor stewardship plan for all donors not included in the major giving portfolio.
• Cultivate and steward relationships with existing donors, prospects and stakeholders.
• Proactively complete a mutually established number of personal contacts with select donors.
• As directed by the RDM, meet individually with prospective donors; provide opportunities for giving, including presenting proposals and fulfilling appropriate donor recognition.
• Proactively solicit feedback from donors regarding their experience with HFS.
• Create reports, letters, and other materials to thank donors.
• Gather information and write grants for submission to companies, organizations, and foundations.
• Create reports, video, and social media to thank donors who have provided funds or food.
• Fundraising and stewardship communications includes but is not limited to personal visits, grant writing, correspondence, public speaking, and reporting for a range of audiences including individuals, companies, service clubs, schools, foundations, and community groups.

Third Party Events and Community Events

• Act as primary liaison for all HFS third party and community events.
• Organize HFS presence at select events including but not limited to promotion, signage, speaking and volunteer coordination.
• Ensure social media coverage of each event and the engagement of third-party event organizers.
• Cultivate and steward relationships with reoccurring event organizers and stakeholders.
• Represent HFS in public forums and attend functions held in the community to establish networks and engage prospects.
• Maintain and update records to track all third party and community events.
• Analyze, make recommendations and report on events.

Other

• Undertake special projects and other related duties as assigned including general office tasks, vacation and/or vacancy coverage.
• Coordinate and host tours of HFS, as requested.
• Coordinate and supervise select tasks for completion by HFS volunteers or students.
• Participate in reviews, work plans, goal setting, reports, and budgeting.
• Participate in direct mail and other communications activities with emphasis on quality control, timing and results.
• Pick up and safeguard financial donations according to HFS policy.
• Maintain an accurate database and written records and provide clear reporting.
• Call activity reports, work plans, and a wide range of administrative activities including picking up occasional food and financial donations, answering phones, handwritten notes.
• Provide support to the Resource Development Manager, as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Exceptionally good judgement and ability to work collaboratively with both staff and volunteers.
• Proficiency in area of public relations and media communications, and design.
• Ability to speak and write English clearly; proofreading experience is an asset.
• Proficiency in plain language writing for the general public.
• Strong background with digital and social media tools such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and MailChimp.
• Computer literacy skills in Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Word).
• Experience in Raisers Edge NXT, and Canva is an asset.
• Strong interpersonal skills and professional presence to be able to interact effectively with individuals in a variety of roles.
• Strong organizational, time management and analytical skills.
• Excellent listening skills, problem-solving skills, strategic aptitude, and sound judgement.
• Positivity and creativity with the ability to meet deadlines in a results-oriented environment.
• Ability to grow and sustain productive, long-term working relationships.
• Knowledge of ethical communications and fundraising principals including CRA guidelines, Donor Bill of Rights, privacy regulations, and human rights principals.
• Strong interpersonal skills and professional presence to be able to interact effectively with individuals in a variety of roles.
• Confident public speaking with excellent oral and written communication skills.

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

• Relevant education or professional designation in communications, public relations, marketing, or fundraising.
• Two or more years of experience in communications, public relations, marketing, or fundraising.
• Proficient with communications technology.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Must have a valid driver’s license, clean driving abstract, appropriate vehicle insurance and must have the use of a reliable vehicle as frequent travel occurs in the Greater Hamilton area.
• Occasional lifting and carrying of boxes and other materials up to 25kg.
• Work hours may include irregular hours for frequent evening and weekend event attendance.
• Works outside for extended periods of time in all kinds of weather (e.g. Holiday Train)
• Must be able to address multiple demands simultaneously.
• A police check is a condition of employment.

Please submit applications to: hr@hamiltonfoodshare.org