Communications Specialist

NW Harvest•Seattle, WA

About The Position

The Communications Specialist is an integral part of Northwest Harvest’s communications team, helping advance our mission to end hunger in Washington. In this role, you’ll create and deliver impactful communications across print, digital, live events, and media, ensuring our messaging reflects our values and centers community voices. You’ll also build and maintain relationships with campaign partners, influencers, and community collaborators to keep our communications aligned, inclusive, and community driven. This position calls for a skilled communicator who is agile, detail-oriented, and comfortable managing multiple priorities. Every aspect of this role is grounded in our Six Agreements and PACI Values, with a strong focus on amplifying community voices and fostering meaningful engagement.

Requirements

A combination of real-life experience, education, and training that provides an equivalent background to perform the work of this position.
Successful completion of a background check is required.
Knowledge of marketing automation platforms (Salesforce Marketing Cloud)–To lay out, schedule, and report on email communications and campaigns
Knowledge of content management systems (WordPress)– To make general updates and content additions to our organizational website
Knowledge of CRM systems (Salesforce)– To run reports, update contact records, generate lists, and otherwise support outreach to and engagement of contacts in our database
Knowledge of design templates and software (Canva)– To create one-pagers, social media assets, email graphics, signage, merchandise mockups, and other design assets
Knowledge of project management systems (Asana)– To collaborate on projects and track tasks, timelines, and responsibilities
Knowledge of social media management and advertising platforms (Meta, Sprout Social)– To support social media content scheduling and reporting
Knowledge of digital analytics and measurement tools (Google analytics)– To assess website performance
Knowledge of digital asset management– To maintain a comprehensive, well organized, searchable database of photo and video resources
Knowledge of Microsoft Office suite and organizational platforms– To function effectively within our organization’s platform ecosystem
Knowledge of digital accessibility standards– To help ensure that our communications are accessible and in compliance with regulations and best practices
Understand individuals who have experienced poverty or food insecurity
Demonstrate interest and commitment to supporting equity and inclusion for members of historically marginalized groups including racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQIA+ populations and people living with disabilities
Adopt the PACI (purpose driven, anti-racist, connected and interwoven) model and practice our Six Agreements: Speak our truths responsibly, Listen to understand, Stay engaged, Be willing to experience discomfort and do things differently, Expect and accept non-closure, Honor confidentiality
Write skillfully and produce clear, engaging, and audience‑appropriate communications
Think strategically while executing tactically, balancing big‑picture planning with hands‑on delivery
Build strong relationships across diverse teams, stakeholders, and communities
Analyze data and translate insights into actionable recommendations to improve communication strategies
Lead collaborative projects, coordinating multiple contributors and meeting deadlines in a structured, reliable manner
Create compelling digital content, including graphics, newsletters, intranet posts, and multimedia assets
Adapt quickly to emerging tools and technologies used in modern communications
Support equity and inclusion initiatives, ensuring communications reflect and advance inclusive practices
Manage sensitive and confidential information with professionalism and discretion
Communicate effectively with all levels of the organization, executives, managers, and employees
Problem-solve independently and collaboratively, knowing when to take initiative and when to partner with others
Demonstrate cultural competency and communicate respectfully with diverse audiences
Work efficiently in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple priorities and shifting needs with composure
Bachelor's degree in communications, digital media, marketing, journalism, or a related field or an equal combination of education and relevant work experience with a personal orientation as a lifelong learner.
Minimum of three (3) + years of experience in communications, public relations, or a related field—preferably in a nonprofit or mission-driven context.

Nice To Haves

Nonprofit communications experience (desired but not required)
Community-centered storytelling expertise (desired but not required)
Knowledge of Washington state communities and issues (desired but not required)
The ability to speak additional language(s) (desired but not required)
Experience or training in digital storytelling, ongoing professional development in communications, and/or diversity, equity & inclusion (DEI) and community-centered communications. We welcome candidates who bring a willingness to learn in these areas.

Responsibilities

Field and respond to communications requests from internal teams
Execute quick-turnaround tasks such as website updates, email deployments, template creation, and asset sourcing
Maintain a proactive, solution-oriented approach to shifting priorities and cross-departmental needs
Develop compelling, audience-specific content for newsletters, blog posts, social media, press releases, and donor communications
Support storytelling efforts that center impacted communities and elevate partner voices
Write and edit materials for campaigns, events, and advocacy initiatives with clarity, consistency, and impact
Contribute to digital strategy and execution across platforms, including social media, websites, and email
Draft media advisories and press releases, support media outreach and coordination
Assist with digital analytics tracking and performance reporting
Coordinate relationships with campaign partners, influencers, and community collaborators
Conduct outreach, manage communications and contracting, and ensure timely exchange of resources
Serve as a liaison to select partners, maintain professionalism, and alignment with organizational values
Collaborate on messaging and materials for live events, campaigns, and advocacy actions
Provide on-site event communications support, including photo and video content collection, and live posting and broadcasting on social media
Work closely with the Internal Communications Manager to ensure alignment between external messaging and internal engagement
Support internal campaigns and initiatives that build staff awareness and connection to organizational priorities
Review and refine editorial and visual content to ensure consistency with brand guidelines
Uphold high standards for quality, accessibility, and cultural responsiveness across all communications
Demonstrate initiative to learn and enhance skills that promote anti-racism, cultural competency and understanding of oppression and its impact
Participate in intentional learning efforts, including events relating to understanding and dismantling institutional racism and building cultural competency

Benefits

medical/dental/ vision/ insurance
long term disability insurance
Life/AD&D insurance
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
401(k) retirement plan
Vacation and Sick leave
8 paid holidays; New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, after Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day
Floating holidays
birthday holiday
Flexible Spending account-HRA and DCE
various AFLAC and New York Life plans