Marketing & Communications Strategist

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Marketing & Communications Strategist

🔹 Company: River Bend Food Bank

🔹 Location: Davenport, IA

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time

🔹 Category: Marketing & Communications

🔹 Date Posted: April 23, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: Mid-Senior level (3-5 years)

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🔹 Salary Range: $65,000 - $75,000 (annually)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing and executing a comprehensive marketing and communications strategy
• Collaborating with internal teams and external vendors to execute communications efforts
• Creating and coordinating content for various platforms to increase public awareness
• Managing social media presence and supporting fundraising and advocacy campaigns
• Building relationships with local journalists and influencers to enhance the food bank's image

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of creativity, strong communication skills, and a deep commitment to the food bank's mission.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Maintain and execute a comprehensive marketing and communications strategy

✅ Collaborate with internal teams and external vendors to execute communications efforts

✅ Create and coordinate content for various platforms, including website, social media, newsletters, press releases, printed materials, and donor communications

✅ Manage the food bank's social media presence, maintaining a consistent and engaging voice across all platforms

✅ Support fundraising and advocacy campaigns with targeted messaging and promotional materials

✅ Collaborate with partnerships staff to highlight stories of impact, community partnerships, and volunteer involvement

✅ Coordinate media relations, including writing press releases, pitching stories, and building relationships with local journalists and influencers

✅ Oversee brand consistency across all communication materials, ensuring a unified and professional image of the food bank

✅ Track and analyze key performance metrics to measure the success of campaigns and inform future strategies

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong organizational skills, the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines, and a keen eye for detail.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, or a related field

Experience: 3-5 years of relevant experience, ideally in the nonprofit sector or mission-driven organization

Required Skills:

• Exceptional storytelling, writing, and editing skills
• Proficiency in digital marketing tools, email and donation platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, Classy)
• Familiarity with social media management tools and basic design platforms like Canva
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
• Deep commitment to food justice, equity, and community engagement
• Experience working with fundraising teams or on donor campaigns
• Knowledge of SEO best practices and Google Analytics

Preferred Skills:

• Bilingual or multilingual

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in the nonprofit sector or mission-driven organizations may have an advantage in this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $65,000 - $75,000 (annually)

Benefits:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plan with employer match
• Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
• Employee assistance program

Working Hours: Full-time, Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, with occasional flexible hours for special events and fundraising efforts

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on industry standards for similar roles in the nonprofit sector and the location of the food bank.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: River Bend Food Bank is a nonprofit organization focused on fighting hunger and food insecurity in the Quad Cities area of Iowa and Illinois.

Company Size: River Bend Food Bank is a mid-sized nonprofit with a staff of approximately 20-50 employees.

Founded: River Bend Food Bank was founded in 1982 and has been serving the Quad Cities community for over 40 years.

Company Description:

• River Bend Food Bank is a member of Feeding America, the nation's largest hunger-relief organization
• The food bank distributes food and grocery products to over 150 partner agencies in a 22-county area
• River Bend Food Bank also offers programs to help families and individuals gain access to nutritious food and other resources

Company Specialties:

• Food distribution and hunger relief
• Community partnerships and collaborations
• Fundraising and advocacy efforts to support the food bank's mission

Company Website: RiverBendFoodBank.org

ASSUMPTION: River Bend Food Bank is a mission-driven organization with a strong commitment to fighting hunger and food insecurity in the Quad Cities area.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the mid-senior level, requiring 3-5 years of relevant experience.

Reporting Structure: The Marketing & Communications Strategist will report directly to the Executive Director of River Bend Food Bank.

Work Arrangement: This is an on-site position, with occasional flexible hours for special events and fundraising efforts.

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to grow into a leadership role within the marketing and communications department
• Opportunities to gain experience in various aspects of marketing and communications, including digital marketing, event planning, and media relations
• Possibility to work on special projects and initiatives that align with the food bank's mission and strategic goals

ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within a mission-driven organization.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: River Bend Food Bank's main office is located in Davenport, Iowa, with a satellite office in Moline, Illinois.

Office Location(s): 1100 W 4th St, Davenport, IA 52802 (main office) and 1801 5th Ave, Moline, IL 61265 (satellite office)

Geographic Context:

• The Quad Cities area consists of five counties in Iowa and Illinois, with a total population of over 380,000 people
• The region has a diverse economy, with strengths in manufacturing, healthcare, and retail
• The Quad Cities area is home to several colleges and universities, including Augustana College, St. Ambrose University, and the University of Iowa's College of Medicine

Work Schedule: Full-time, Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, with occasional flexible hours for special events and fundraising efforts

ASSUMPTION: The Quad Cities area offers a mix of urban and rural environments, with a relatively low cost of living compared to other major metropolitan areas in the Midwest.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Initial phone or video screen with the Executive Director of River Bend Food Bank
• In-person or virtual interview with a panel consisting of the Executive Director, Director of Development, and Director of Programs
• Final interview with the Executive Director and a member of the food bank's board of directors

Key Assessment Areas:

• Candidates' understanding of the food bank's mission and programs
• Candidates' ability to develop and execute a comprehensive marketing and communications strategy
• Candidates' writing, editing, and storytelling skills
• Candidates' ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
• Candidates' commitment to food justice, equity, and community engagement

Application Tips:

• Highlight your relevant experience in the nonprofit sector or mission-driven organizations
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize your skills and qualifications for this specific role
• Prepare examples of your writing, editing, and design work to showcase your skills
• Be prepared to discuss your familiarity with the Quad Cities area and its unique challenges related to food insecurity

ATS Keywords: Marketing, Communications, Strategy, Nonprofit, Food Bank, Hunger Relief, Community Engagement, Digital Marketing, Social Media, Fundraising, Advocacy, SEO, Google Analytics, Brand Management, Media Relations

ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role will focus on assessing candidates' skills, experience, and cultural fit with River Bend Food Bank's mission and values.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator)
• Canva
• Mailchimp
• Classy
• Google Analytics
• Social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn)

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be proficient in using digital marketing tools, email and donation platforms, and social media management tools.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Compassion: We treat all people with kindness, empathy, and respect
• Integrity: We act with honesty, transparency, and accountability in all our actions
• Collaboration: We work together to achieve our shared mission and goals
• Excellence: We strive for excellence in all that we do
• Innovation: We embrace change and continuously seek new and better ways to achieve our mission

Work Style:

• Mission-driven and passionate about fighting hunger and food insecurity
• Creative and strategic thinker with strong communication skills
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment
• Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities and workloads

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do your personal values align with River Bend Food Bank's mission and values?
• How do you approach managing multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment?
• How do you incorporate feedback and make revisions to your work?

ASSUMPTION: River Bend Food Bank seeks candidates who are passionate about their mission, have strong communication skills, and are able to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Working with a limited marketing and communications budget, requiring creative and strategic thinking
• Managing multiple projects and deadlines, often with tight deadlines and competing priorities
• Addressing sensitive and sometimes challenging topics related to food insecurity and hunger relief
• Working with a diverse range of stakeholders, including donors, partners, volunteers, and the media
• Occasional flexible hours for special events and fundraising efforts

ASSUMPTION: These challenges require candidates to be adaptable, resourceful, and able to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Unlike other marketing and communications roles, this position focuses on raising awareness of a nonprofit organization's mission and programs, rather than promoting a product or service
• This role requires a deep understanding of the nonprofit sector and the unique challenges related to food insecurity and hunger relief
• Career progression in this field may involve moving into leadership roles within marketing and communications departments or transitioning into other areas of nonprofit management

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a strong understanding of the nonprofit sector and be passionate about fighting hunger and food insecurity.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a comprehensive marketing and communications strategy to launch a new food pantry or program
• Creating targeted messaging and promotional materials for a fundraising campaign, such as a gala or virtual event
• Managing social media presence during a natural disaster or other crisis, ensuring accurate and timely information is shared with the community

ASSUMPTION: These projects require candidates to be creative, strategic, and adaptable to changing circumstances.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does this role fit into the organization's overall strategy for fighting hunger and food insecurity?
• What are the biggest challenges facing the food bank in the next 1-3 years, and how can this role help address them?
• How does the food bank measure the success of its marketing and communications efforts, and how can this role contribute to improving those metrics?
• What opportunities are there for professional growth and development within the marketing and communications department?
• How does the food bank engage with the community, and what role can this position play in enhancing those efforts?

ASSUMPTION: These questions will help candidates better understand the organization's mission, values, and priorities, as well as the specific requirements and expectations of the role.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize your skills and qualifications for this specific role
• Prepare examples of your writing, editing, and design work to showcase your skills
• Be prepared to discuss your familiarity with the Quad Cities area and its unique challenges related to food insecurity
• Follow up with the Executive Director of River Bend Food Bank one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and inquire about the status of your application

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.