Communications Officer

Greater Vancouver Food Bank•Burnaby, BC

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Greater Vancouver Food Bank (GVFB) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing healthy food to those in need. The GVFB supports individuals and families in Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, and the North Shore, as well as over 160 agency partners locally and provincially. Their vision is a British Columbia where everyone has access to healthy food through efficient distribution, innovation, and partnerships. The GVFB has been recognized as one of BC's Top Employers 2025 and is a certified Living Wage Employer, committed to fair wages and community well-being. This full-time, 18-month contract position offers the opportunity for learning and growth. The successful candidate will receive a competitive base salary of $62,100. Reporting to the Communications Manager, the Communications Officer holds a senior, strategic position responsible for shaping and executing the GVFB's internal and external communications. This role involves independent work and close collaboration with the Communications and Development teams, as well as organizational leaders. The Communications Officer drives professional, innovative, and brand-consistent communications across all channels, including website management, in a dynamic environment. Key functions include leading media relations, managing press opportunities, promotional campaigns, and coordinating executive participation in media engagements to advance organizational priorities and reputation. This role requires a high degree of autonomy, sound judgment, strong relationships with senior leadership, and the ability to translate complex initiatives into clear, compelling narratives.

Requirements

Post-secondary degree or diploma in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field, with 4+ years of progressive experience in public relations, strategic communications, or media relations.
Demonstrated experience developing and executing media and public relations strategies, including earned media, campaign launches, spokesperson preparation, and reputation management.
Strong understanding of digital and social media platforms (including Facebook, X/Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn) as they relate to storytelling, media amplification, and audience engagement, supported by experience using social media management and monitoring tools.
Working knowledge of visual storytelling, including photography, copy editing, and collaboration with designers and content creators to produce high-quality communications assets.
Technical proficiency across Windows and Mac OS environments, with experience using Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, content management systems (CMS), and customer relationship management (CRM) platforms to support communications planning, execution, and measurement.
Proven ability to perform effectively in high-pressure, fast-paced environments, managing multiple projects, competing deadlines, and shifting priorities with resilience, professionalism, and composure.
Exceptional verbal, written, editorial, and organizational skills, with the ability to deliver clear, consistent, and polished communications across all mediums (digital, print, and in-person).
Outstanding attention to detail, with a strong commitment to accuracy, quality, and brand alignment.
High degree of adaptability, able to respond quickly and strategically to new requests, emerging issues, and evolving priorities.
Hands-on experience in day-to-day strategic engagement with both internal and external audiences.
Strong ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively within cross-functional teams.
Passion for creating compelling, inspiring messages, supported by a disciplined and detail-oriented approach.
A valid driver’s licence and access to reliable transportation are required, as occasional travel across the province is part of this role.
A criminal record check for working with vulnerable sectors is required upon hiring.

Nice To Haves

Experience in government relations, business-to-business public relations, and the non-profit sector is considered a strong asset, as is an understanding of Vancouver’s food system, food banks, and food security.

Responsibilities

Lead relationships with media and senior leadership to communicate key organizational messaging, provide strategic public relations oversight, and secure earned media that strengthens the organization’s reputation.
Coach and prepare senior and junior leaders who act as organizational spokespeople, ensuring confidence, message alignment, and media readiness.
Develop and lead media partnerships and campaigns by providing strategic guidance, writing and approving press releases, drafting partner communications, and shaping media strategies for joint initiatives.
Create and execute proactive media and public relations campaigns that advance organizational priorities and enhance public trust.
Support the execution of annual Organizational Objectives and the Strategic Plan through aligned communications and public relations activity.
Contribute to the development and implementation of the annual Communications Plan, overseeing the execution of key initiatives throughout the fiscal year.
Strengthen the organization’s community profile by building partnerships and delivering timely, professional communications across all channels with a consistent tone and voice.
Draft, review, and maintain high-quality communications collateral, including press releases and campaign materials, to support events, campaigns, partnerships, and ad hoc opportunities.
Oversee digital content across platforms including website content, copywriting, blogs, photography, and online engagement, ensuring alignment with brand and messaging standards.
Act as a primary media liaison by building relationships, facilitating interviews, and supporting spokespeople before and after media engagements.
Represent the organization at events and conferences to strengthen partnerships, build new relationships, and stay current on communications and public relations best practices.
Mentor and coach junior team members, supporting skills development and contributing to a high-performing communications function.
Use analytics and media monitoring to provide communications insights that inform decision-making and continuous improvement.
Deliver additional communications and public relations projects as requested by the Communications Manager and Chief Executive Officer.
Oversee the Communication Assistant’s planning, ordering, and inventory coordination of branded merchandise in support of campaigns, events, partnerships, and stewardship initiatives, ensuring alignment with brand standards and organizational priorities.
Support e-commerce initiatives by collaborating with internal teams and external vendors on product listings, launches, and ongoing content updates, helping ensure merchandise and online storefronts are accurate, timely, and strategically positioned.