📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Creative Specialist
🔹 Company: ReFED
🔹 Location: United States
🔹 Job Type: Full Time
🔹 Category: Non-profit Organizations
🔹 Date Posted: July 11, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years
🔹 Remote Status: Remote Solely
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing graphic and written content to support ReFED’s communications strategy
- Managing social media outreach to grow followers and increase engagement
- Overseeing website content and ensuring it is current and up-to-date
- Writing copy for articles, webpages, and collateral
- Managing the creation and distribution of regular emails to ReFED’s various audiences
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong creative background with a focus on graphic design and written communication. The ideal candidate will have experience working with nonprofits or marketing agencies and be passionate about food waste and its impacts.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Develop and design a range of collateral items, creative materials, and designed pieces using Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, and other resources
✅ Activate ReFED’s content strategy through creative materials and messaging
✅ Manage ReFED’s social media outreach and grow followers and engagement
✅ Oversee website content and ensure it is current and up-to-date
✅ Write copy for articles, webpages, and collateral
✅ Manage the creation and distribution of regular emails to ReFED’s various audiences
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong project management skills and the ability to juggle multiple projects and concurrent timelines. The ideal candidate will be self-motivated, detail-oriented, and able to prioritize in a fast-paced environment.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Communications, or a related field
Experience: 3-5 years of experience in a similar role, preferably at a nonprofit or marketing and communications agency
Required Skills:
- Advanced knowledge of creative design tools, including Adobe Creative Cloud
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
- Self-starter comfortable with ambiguity and autonomy in managing multiple projects and concurrent timelines
- Exceptionally detail- and results-oriented with strong organizational skills
- Experience managing creative projects with agencies and other vendors
- Ability to build authentic relationships with diverse stakeholders in a remote work environment
- Proficiency with G Suite, Slack, Zoom, Canva, Pardot, and social scheduling platforms like Loomly
Preferred Skills:
- Passion for and general understanding of food waste and its impacts, as well as working knowledge of food systems and sustainability
ASSUMPTION: While a degree in graphic design or communications is preferred, ReFED values a diverse range of skills and experiences and encourages all interested candidates to apply, even if they don't meet all of the criteria listed.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $70,000 - $75,000 per year
Benefits:
- 100% employee and 50% dependent premium coverage for medical, dental, and vision benefits
- Participation in employer-sponsored 401(k) plans with up to 4% employer matching
- Professional development opportunities, including an annual budget and the option to participate in ReFED's mentor program
- 18 paid vacation days annually
- 10 paid sick days annually
- Early closure in July and August for Summer Fridays
- Paid family leave
- Approximately 13 paid company holidays annually, including closed offices during the last week of the year
- Short- and long-term disability coverage and term life insurance
- Flexible work environment with the option to work from home or a co-working space
ASSUMPTION: ReFED offers a competitive salary and benefits package, opportunities for professional development, and policies and programs that encourage a healthy work-life balance.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: ReFED is a U.S.-based nonprofit working to catalyze the food system toward evidence-based action to stop wasting food. They focus on cultivating and convening the food community, delivering actionable evidence and insights, and seeding and accelerating solutions and levers.
Company Size: ReFED has 11-50 employees, which means applicants can expect a mid-sized organization with a close-knit team and opportunities for growth and impact.
Founded: ReFED was founded in 2015 and has since grown to become a leading voice in the food waste reduction movement.
Company Description:
- ReFED is dedicated to creating an inclusive work environment where all individuals have equal opportunities to contribute and grow
- Their mission is to catalyze the food system toward evidence-based action to stop wasting food, with a focus on mitigating climate change, optimizing the use of water, land, and other resources, and providing meals for the over 47 million people in the United States who currently face food insecurity
- ReFED values a diverse range of skills and experiences and encourages all interested candidates to apply, even if they don't meet all of the criteria listed
Company Specialties:
- Food Waste
- Food System
- Climate Change
- Sustainability
- and Food Loss
Company Website: refed.org
ASSUMPTION: ReFED is a mission-driven organization with a strong commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) in all aspects of their organization.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the mid-level career stage, requiring 3-5 years of experience in a similar role.
Reporting Structure: The Creative Specialist reports directly to the Communications Director.
Work Arrangement: This role is remote solely, with the option to work from home or a co-working space.
Growth Opportunities:
- ReFED offers professional development opportunities, including an annual budget and the option to participate in ReFED's mentor program
- The organization is growing and evolving, providing opportunities for career growth and advancement
- ReFED values a diverse range of skills and experiences and encourages all interested candidates to apply, even if they don't meet all of the criteria listed
ASSUMPTION: ReFED's remote work environment and commitment to JEDI provide ample opportunities for growth and development for the right candidate.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: ReFED is a distributed organization, with a team of 35+ working remotely from various locations across the United States.
Office Location(s): ReFED's headquarters is in Chicago, Illinois, but employees can work from anywhere in the United States.
Geographic Context:
- ReFED's remote work environment allows for flexibility and work-life balance
- The organization hosts 3-4 annual in-person gatherings, including an annual team retreat, department retreats, and the Food Waste Solutions Summit
- ReFED fosters team connections through informal virtual get-togethers, ask-me-anything sessions with their Board and Advisory Council members, and peer recognition on their shoutouts channel in Slack
Work Schedule: ReFED offers a flexible work environment with the option to work from home or a co-working space. Employees are expected to work 40 hours per week, with some flexibility for a healthy work-life balance.
ASSUMPTION: ReFED's remote work environment and commitment to JEDI provide a supportive and inclusive work environment where all team members can thrive and grow professionally, while maintaining their personal priorities and values.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Initial screening interview over video call
- 2-3 interviews over video call with different members of the team
- Skills assessment over video call, which may or may not include an assignment to complete beforehand and present during the skills assessment meeting
- References, usually three, will be requested, and reference checks will be conducted
Key Assessment Areas:
- Candidates' creative skills and ability to bring ReFED's brand to life through written and visual assets
- Candidates' ability to manage social media outreach and grow ReFED's presence on key platforms
- Candidates' ability to oversee website content and ensure it is current and up-to-date
- Candidates' written communication skills and ability to turn complex research and data into engaging messages and content
- Candidates' self-motivation, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize in a fast-paced environment
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Showcase your portfolio or examples of your work, if applicable
- Be prepared to discuss your passion for food waste reduction and ReFED's mission during the interview process
- Follow up with ReFED after submitting your application to express your interest in the role
ATS Keywords: Graphic Design, Written Communication, Social Media Management, Content Creation, Project Management, Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, G Suite, Slack, Zoom, Pardot, Content Management Systems, Research Skills, Collaboration, Attention to Detail, Time Management
ASSUMPTION: ReFED strives to maintain clear and frequent communication throughout the recruitment process, however, due to capacity limitations they may not be able to respond to every initial application.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Canva
- G Suite
- Slack
- Zoom
- Pardot
- CloudCannon (content management system)
- Loomly (social scheduling platform)
ASSUMPTION: ReFED uses a range of digital collaboration and connectivity tools to facilitate their work, including Google Workspace, Slack, Zoom, Airtable, Salesforce, Miro, MS Office, Adobe, and Insperity.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- ReFED values a diverse range of skills and experiences and encourages all interested candidates to apply, even if they don't meet all of the criteria listed
- The organization is committed to creating an inclusive work environment where all individuals have equal opportunities to contribute and grow
- ReFED is dedicated to catalyzing the food system toward evidence-based action to stop wasting food, with a focus on mitigating climate change, optimizing the use of water, land, and other resources, and providing meals for the over 47 million people in the United States who currently face food insecurity
Work Style:
- ReFED values proactive, collaborative, and eager team members who are excited to work cross-functionally to understand creative needs and deliver results
- The organization appreciates both big-picture strategy and meticulous execution, embracing feedback and iteration as a path to excellence
- ReFED values clarity, consistency, and authenticity in communications and cares deeply about helping a mission-driven organization extend its reach and influence
- The organization is adaptable, excited by new tools and platforms, and ready to learn and grow alongside a dynamic and evolving team
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you believe in the importance of compelling communications to drive people to action?
- Do you have a strong eye for design, with experience adapting a brand’s existing visual identity to various creative formats?
- Are you an excellent writer and editor, who is skilled at conveying key messages in both shorter (social posts) and longer (web articles, etc.) formats?
- Are you proactive, collaborative, and eager to work cross-functionally to understand creative needs and deliver results?
- Do you enjoy juggling a variety of projects and know how to prioritize effectively?
- Do you appreciate both big-picture strategy and meticulous execution, embracing feedback and iteration as a path to excellence?
- Do you value clarity, consistency, and authenticity in communications and care deeply about helping a mission-driven organization extend its reach and influence?
- Are you adaptable, excited by new tools and platforms, and ready to learn and grow alongside a dynamic and evolving team?
ASSUMPTION: ReFED's commitment to JEDI and their mission-driven approach provide a supportive and inclusive work environment where all team members can thrive and grow professionally, while maintaining their personal priorities and values.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- ReFED is a remote-first organization, which may present challenges for candidates who prefer an in-person work environment
- The role requires strong project management skills and the ability to juggle multiple projects and concurrent timelines, which may be challenging for candidates who struggle with time management or prioritization
- ReFED's commitment to JEDI may require candidates to engage with and support the organization's efforts to promote justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of their work
- The role may require candidates to work with external agencies and vendors, which may present challenges in terms of communication and project management
ASSUMPTION: ReFED's commitment to JEDI and their mission-driven approach provide a supportive and inclusive work environment where all team members can thrive and grow professionally, while maintaining their personal priorities and values.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to a Marketing and Communications Specialist or Graphic Designer role, but with a focus on supporting a nonprofit organization's communications strategy
- ReFED's commitment to JEDI and their mission-driven approach set this role apart from similar positions in for-profit organizations
- This role may provide opportunities for career growth and advancement within the organization, as ReFED continues to grow and evolve
ASSUMPTION: ReFED's commitment to JEDI and their mission-driven approach provide a supportive and inclusive work environment where all team members can thrive and grow professionally, while maintaining their personal priorities and values.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a comprehensive brand style guide for ReFED, including logo variations, color palettes, and typography
- Creating a series of infographics to illustrate key data points and insights from ReFED's research and reports
- Designing and implementing a social media campaign to raise awareness about food waste and ReFED's initiatives
- Writing and designing a quarterly newsletter to keep ReFED's stakeholders up-to-date on the organization's progress and impact
ASSUMPTION: ReFED's commitment to JEDI and their mission-driven approach provide ample opportunities for creative and impactful projects that align with the organization's goals and values.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the Communications Department?
- How does ReFED approach collaboration and communication with external vendors and agencies?
- What are the biggest challenges facing the organization in the next 12-24 months, and how can this role help address them?
- How does ReFED support the professional development and growth of its employees?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30-60-90 days?
- How does ReFED measure the success of its communications efforts, and what metrics are most important for this role?
ASSUMPTION: ReFED's commitment to JEDI and their mission-driven approach provide a supportive and inclusive work environment where all team members can thrive and grow professionally, while maintaining their personal priorities and values.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the ReFED job portal
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Prepare a portfolio or examples of your work, if applicable
- Follow up with ReFED after submitting your application to express your interest in the role
- Prepare for a skills assessment over video call, which may or may not include an assignment to complete beforehand and present during the skills assessment meeting
- Be ready to discuss your passion for food waste reduction and ReFED's mission during the interview process
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
