Overview
Farm to Institution New England (FINE) (www.farmtoinstitution.org) is a six-state network of nonprofit, public and private entities working together to transform our food system by increasing the amount of good, local food served in our region’s schools, hospitals, colleges and other institutions. The FINE network consists of non-profit organizations, government agencies, institutions, foundations, farms, food distributors, food processors, food service operators and others. FINE serves those at the forefront of the farm to institution movement in the region, providing a forum to connect and share ideas, models, resources, and support.
FINE is a fiscally sponsored project of TSNE MissionWorks (www.tsne.org).
Responsibilities
FINE seeks a dedicated communications professional to lead our communications and information technology efforts. The communications manager is a key member of our remote team, and is central to both the external network services FINE offers (events, meetings, and metrics) and programs (campus, foodservice, policy, etc), as well as to the internal work of running a small, dynamic nonprofit (strategic planning, work planning, development, and administration activities). We rely on excellent and frequent communication to be responsive to network partners, support the efficiency of our project teams, and reinforce our brand.
Please apply if
You are a storyteller at heart that is passionate about creating a more sustainable food system through beautifully presented information. You are excited about shaping content that will educate newcomers, bring new members into the network, and mobilize our constituency to advance our collective goals. You are dedicated to meeting project timelines and communicate early and often about deliverables. You are an exceptionally clear, precise, and confident communicator with impeccable verbal and written skills. You are flexible when it comes to working on a team; you are confident and comfortable working one-on-one, with large groups of individuals from various organizations, and on your own in a remote environment. You approach your work with a positive attitude and contribute to a work culture of honesty, acceptance, and collaboration. You view your work through the lens of equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Communications:
- Lead efforts to develop and execute the organization’s communications strategy;
- Manage FINE’s websites: develop and update website content; work with web developer to manage process to make improvements and major additions to the websites (core site, event sites such as www.f2isummit.org, and metrics dashboard http://dashboard.farmtoinstitution.org);
- Manage, edit, and design email newsletter, blogs, reports, and other online and print materials; coordinate with FINE staff, contractors, workgroup leads, and others to compile relevant content;
- Manage FINE’s social media accounts;
- Compile and disseminate stories from FINE and our network;
- Coordinate and promote webinars and manage webinar calendar;
- Manage online event listings and other promotions;
- Issue press releases, arrange interviews, and compile press kits;
- Coordinate photography and videography (in-house and hired-out production); maintain public Flickr photo library and YouTube video channel;
- Manage constituent database and monitor engagement;
- Pull and analyze usage/analytics reports for websites, events, and more;
- Manage creation of annual report following the end of each fiscal year.
Events and Meetings:
- Participate in internal and external meetings;
- Support scheduling, agenda development, note-taking and follow-up for staff, Network Advisory Council, and other committee meetings;
- Manage marketing/outreach, media, photography, videography, IT support and other areas as needed for the biennial New England Farm to Institution Summit;
- Assist event manager with any required logistical support for planning, implementing and follow-up of online and in-person events.
Technology:
- Manage and serve as administrator (or co-administrator) of FINE’s communication-related platforms including Google Apps, Slack, Basecamp, Smartsheet, Insightly, Zoom, and others;
- Provide technical support to staff for FINE’s communications-related platforms.
Administration and Organizational Support:
- Hire and supervise temporary communications associates or interns as needed;
- Work closely with program leads to provide communications support to FINE programs;
- Assist with creating content, editing, and designing grant reports and proposals and other fundraising materials;
- Represent FINE at regional and national food system events; provide assistance with planning FINE’s role in partner events;
- Record time, submit monthly invoices for expenses and services, and assist with financial reporting for communications-related expenses.
Compensation
FINE offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits that include health and dental insurance, retirement benefits, and generous paid time off.
Work Environment
All FINE staff work remotely from a home office and/or an independently arranged work space. Given the organization’s focus on New England, we seek candidates who live – or will be living – in New England (CT, RI, MA, VT, NH, ME). We meet regularly via teleconference and phone and maintain a strong, effective, and collegial team through frequent communications. In-person meetings occur approximately once per month. All staff participate in various meetings, conferences, and other events hosted by FINE and our network partners. Some travel, primarily in New England, is required.
Qualifications
We will consider exceptional candidates who demonstrate a strong combination of the specific qualifications and skills described below.
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent is preferred;
- 5+ years professional experience leading communications for mission-driven organization(s);
- Professional and academic knowledge of sustainable agriculture, food systems, sustainability, environmental management, or other relevant field preferred;
- Exceptional interpersonal skills;
- Highly organized, attention to detail, deadline-oriented;
- Proficient multi-tasker with the ability to keep track of multiple projects at one time;
- Portfolio of creative communications products with proven impact;
- Comfortable working with a virtual team, ability to work independently with direction;
- Ideally resides in one of the six New England states;
- Access to a reliable source of internet and phone service as well as a remote space to work;
- Able to travel to in-person meetings and events at least once a month, including occasional evenings and weekends;
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and Google Drive; experience with Slack, Basecamp, Smartsheet, and Insightly CRM preferred;
- Graphic design and photo editing experience; proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, particularly InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.
TSNE MissionWorks/FINE envision a society grounded in the principles of social and economic justice. As such, we strive to achieve excellence through a diverse and inclusive workplace that honors the unique talents and lived experiences of each person. Our vision and values are reflected in all our employment-related decisions, including hiring practices. Accordingly, TSNE MissionWorks/FINE actively seeks people who bring diverse backgrounds and perspectives to join us in our work.
As an EOE/AA employer, TSNE MissionWorks/FINE will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant’s race, color, religion, sex, national origin or ancestry, age, sexual orientation, gender identification, genetic information, veteran or disability status or any other factor prohibited by law.