Public Affairs Communications Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Public Affairs Communications Specialist (PACS) supports the organization’s advocacy efforts by creating timely and engaging written content intended to generate support for key policy priorities and engage stakeholders in advocacy at the state and federal levels. Reporting to the Public Affairs Advocacy Manager, the PACS oversees day-to-day management of the organization’s advocacy CRM and supports other day-to-day needs of the Public Affairs team through research, event planning/staffing, and other projects as assigned. The PACS also works closely with the broader External Relations team as well as other departments to ensure seamless communication and collaboration in support of both the Public Affairs team’s and related organizational goals.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Draft advocacy-focused written communications including emails, action alerts, leave-behinds, press materials, briefs, memos, newsletters, remarks, social media posts, talking points, social media posts, and other content as needed 
• Serve as the organization’s primary point of contact and chief expert for Bonterra, the CRM that provides the digital tools for grassroots advocacy, and monitor the effectiveness of ongoing campaigns, suggest improvements, and create related reports 
• Help expand the organization’s library of advocacy-related media, including photography, video, and stories for use in advocacy communications 
• Support the work of the Public Affairs Advocacy Manager and Public Affairs Manager by creating accessible content designed for key stakeholders, including the development of templates and tools for customized training needs 
• Build and maintain a coordinated calendar of key dates, events, and relevant initiatives to better coordinate advocacy efforts internally and across teams 
• Partner closely with the External Relations team to drive seamless integration of advocacy-focused communications, events, and media with broader communications plans 
• Establish close working relationships with communications peers in the external stakeholder universe, including at partner food banks, agencies, and other nonprofit organizations, related to joint policy advocacy and grassroots engagement 
• Help tell the story of Second Harvest Heartland and the people we serve in order to educate the public and lawmakers and build support for policies to end hunger in Minnesota
• Proactively identify advocacy-focused communications needs, effectively project manage related internal and cross-departmental initiatives, and contribute to the planning and execution of effective and efficient communications strategies

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• A combination of education and experience generally attained through a bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 1-2 years of experience in communications, advocacy, public affairs, or a related field. 
• Exceptional written communication skills, including the ability to distill complicated information into accessible content. 
• An understanding of the legislative process and the role of communications in advancing policy priorities, including familiarity with digital advocacy and grassroots engagement tactics. 
• An understanding of how productive coalitions function and how effective partnerships can help drive desired policy change. 
• Demonstrated ability to plan, project manage, and follow through on multiple daily tasks and projects. 
• Demonstrated familiarity with Microsoft Office, Office 365, and the ability to learn other computer software programs/CRMs 
• Self-starter with the ability to work with flexibility, efficiency, and enthusiasm, both individually and as part of a team, in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits include:

9 paid holidays each calendar year, plus 4 extra well-being days, up to 160 hours of paid time off per calendar year, with the option to carry over up to 20 hours to the following calendar year, volunteer time off to serve community each calendar year, up to 12 weeks paid parental leave for birth and non-birth parents, and more! Learn more about our benefits package here.