About Operation Food Search: 

Founded in 1981, Operation Food Search is a local, independent hunger relief organization that provides food, nutrition education and innovative programs in order to reduce food insecurity and increase equitable access to food. We serve more than 200,000 people every month through a network of 330 partners in 25 counties in Missouri and Illinois. We use a combination of immediate food assistance and supportive services, while also working on long-term solutions and systemic changes to help solve the problem of hunger.  

Our Mission is to heal hunger with innovative and collaborative solutions that provide food today and help create a hunger-free tomorrow.? 

Our Vision is a region where everyone has equitable access to the food they need to lead healthy lives. 

Our Goals are to: 

1. Meet the immediate need for food for children, individuals and families by providing high-quality nutrition through our distribution network. 
2. Empower long-term skills through nutrition education and by teaching how to shop and prepare healthy food on a budget. 
3. Champion change through advocacy, innovative programs and by addressing systemic inequities. 

For more information about OFS, please visit our website at www.operationfoodsearch.org.  

Position Summary: 

The Communications Specialist will work closely with the Senior Director of Communications, and most of the OFS organization, to provide essential support for communications and marketing needs. Projects include blogging, vlogging, SEO strategy, leading social media outreach, website updates, planning and execution of written and video storytelling, email and other projects that inspires community members to join us in our mission to heal hunger. Guided by the goals of our strategic plan, this is a terrific opportunity to learn and grow as a communications and marketing professional and take on new responsibilities along the way.  

Essential Functions: 

Communications 

• Collaborate with Senior Director of Communications as a thought partner and serve as a representative of OFS, along with the Senior Director of Communications, in various public-facing job functions, including support of media events and public relations opportunities. 
• Responsible for timely and accurate communications about the MetroMarket program, including monitoring schedules and special events. Manage daily communication of market details on social media and text message platform. Create and update collateral, signage and other communication needs. 
• Assist in communications and marketing efforts for fundraising campaigns and events, including developing signage, social media posts, PowerPoint presentations, flyers and other materials for digital fundraising campaigns and multiple donor events throughout the year. Also provide on-site support for events including photography, videography, technology and other needs. 
• Provide support for all internal and external communications as needed, including working with President and CEO to compile and execute the monthly internal newsletter. 
• Ownership of Food for Thought and Thought Leadership data, and maintain spreadsheets to share data with others. 
• Make website updates and post articles using WordPress. 
• Create and execute marketing emails and maintain email database. 

Social Media 

• Ownership of social media: Create dynamic social media posts and scheduling across platforms, including photography, video, and graphics. 

Website 

• Implement and manage SEO and blogging strategies and other digital best practices, including accessibility and AI, that optimize our website and provide relevant content to increase visibility and traffic. 

Video 

• Plan, record, edit, and publish videos for a variety of uses, including social media, Teaching Kitchen recipes, and email. 

Graphic Design 

• Revise and update existing marketing materials as needed. 
• Create print and digital marketing materials in support of all areas of the organization. 

Logo Wear 

• Ownership of logo wear merchandise orders for the organization twice a year, including developing the catalog with our vendor, communicating the ordering process, and distributing orders. 

Education and/or Experience: 

• Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, or related field 
• A minimum of 2 years’ experience working in communications 
• Interest/experience in data and emerging technologies as they relate to our work 
• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop), WordPress, and Canva 
• Experience with email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp) 
• Experience with social media management and the tools used to execute social media, such as Loomly

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Skilled with MS Office: Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, as well as Google docs 
• Proficiency with Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn 
• Competency as a writer, editor, and proofreader 
• Proficiency with photography, videography, and graphic design 
• Knowledge of SEO (Search Engine Optimization) strategies and best practices 
• Ability to manage projects independently and with minimal supervision 
• Interest in learning and growing as a communications and marketing professional 
• Interest in the mission of Operation Food Search and the root causes of hunger 

Special Requirements: 

• Occasional local travel required for meetings, events, and conferences 
• Flexibility in working hours for occasional special events after-hours, or weekend activities 
• Serve on internal committees

Working Conditions and Physical Demands: 

• Sedentary inside office work with limited exposure to weather conditions 
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time, both indoors and outdoors 

Benefits – FT Positions:

• Paid medical, dental, and optional vision coverage 
• HRA and FSA 
• 401(k) retirement plan 
• Vacation and sick time, paid holidays 
• Short and long-term disability income 
• Company-paid term life and AD&D insurance 
• Voluntary employee-paid term life and AD&D insurance 
• Employee assistance program 
• Wellness support 
• Potential for student loan forgiveness, if qualified 

Location: 1644 Lotsie Blvd., Overland, MO 63132 

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.