Communications & Events Manager (CEM) Job Description

Primary Responsibilities

Special Event Planning, Execution and Tracking

• With the Executive Director, consult the Fundraising & Marketing Committee of the Board on key players, themes, décor, etc. for events
• Plan and execute agreed upon details for BVFB-led events, including developing and adhering to written timelines, logistics, coordination with venues, vendors, contractors, and volunteers to ensure smooth execution of events.
• Delegate clerical event tasks to the Community Experience Assistant (CEA) and ensure follow- through
• Plan, develop and get approval of all promotional strategies, including invitations, sponsorship packages, videos, social media, press releases, etc.
• Develop a detailed run-of-show for each event, ensuring all roles are clear and tasks are completed on schedule.
• Coordinate with the Fund Development Manager who is responsible for securing monetary sponsors for events
• Coordinate with the Accounting & Fundraising Professional on event donation collection processes and needs
• Document all event processes in detail; schedule and help facilitate After Action Reviews of each event

Third-Party Fundraisers Coordination and Tracking

• Build and maintain strong relationships with third-party event organizers, including securing annual commitments before annual budgeting process, handling BVFB responsible logistics, commitments, etc.
• Attend events, when possible, to take photos and ensure events comply with BVFB branding, messaging, and fundraising guidelines
• Track outcomes and evaluate event effectiveness for future planning.

Organizational Communications - General

• Manage all external communications across website, email, social media, and print platforms by producing, reviewing, and publishing accurate, engaging content.
• Ensure brand consistency by applying approved visual standards, tone, and messaging across all communication channels.
• Maintain communication style guides, templates, and collateral, updating them regularly to support brand clarity and team-wide usage.
• Develop high-level messaging, ensuring alignment with leadership guidance and BVFB strategic goals.

Storytelling, Photo & Video Content

• Collect neighbor, volunteer, donor, and partner stories in a dignified manner that reflect their diversity and lived experiences.
• Capture high-quality photos representing BVFB programs, events, and community interactions for various platforms (direct mail, website, emails, social media, other promotions, etc.) while adhering to brand and dignity standards.
• Plan, record, and edit video content that supports fundraising, advocacy, educational and other strategic plan priorities.
• Ensure all required release forms from interviews and of photos and/or video are collected, securely stored, and tracked for compliance and future use (including those from the Volunteer Center).
• Ensure that a well-organized digital library of photo, video, and story assets for easy internal access is maintained.
• Collect stories utilizing ethical and consistent content-collection practices, including privacy and cultural sensitivity.
• Ensure all storytelling and imagery is diverse, representative, and mission aligned.

Website Management

• Oversee timely updates, layout adjustments, and content audits to ensure accuracy and strong user experience.
• Manage donation pages and web-based appeals to ensure clarity and maximize donor engagement.
• Monitor website analytics to evaluate visitor behavior and recommend data-driven improvements.

Email Communications

• Coordinate monthly e-newsletters and educational email updates by gathering stories, visuals, and organizational information.
• Ensure accuracy, clarity, and dignity in all email messaging.
• Maintain segmented email lists for donors, volunteers, partners, and general audiences.
• Track performance metrics (open rates, clicks, conversions) and use data to refine future communication strategies.

Social Media Management

• Develop social media content by following a strategic content calendar aligned with BVFB priorities.
• Ensure scheduled posting across all social media accounts for consistency of messaging.
• Respond to all comments and messages in accordance with communication policies and community engagement guidelines.
• Analyze platform insights to identify trends, strengthen engagement, and expand reach.
• Identify, research, and document a plan for opportunities for collaborations, campaigns, and new digital engagement strategies.

Annual Report

• Lead collection of data, photos, key accomplishments, letters, etc. to develop the Annual Report.
• Manage design and layout to ensure the report is clear, professional, and visually aligned with the BVFB brand.
• Develop infographics, graphs, and charts to best illustrate the data for the report.
• Coordinate review and approval processes with leadership and relevant staff.

Media Relations

• Draft and distribute media advisories and press releases under leadership direction.
• Serve as the primary media contact, coordinating all interviews and opportunities through the Executive Director.
• Track all media activities, including inquiries, opportunities, and published mentions.
• Maintain updated media contact lists across all counties served by BVFB.

Staff Support & Supervision

• Oversee all Event and communication training, goal setting, coaching for the CEA
• Conduct regularly scheduled, documented one-on-one meetings with the CEA
• Instill in CEA the importance of the highest customer service
• Check all work of direct reports before releasing externally
• Recommend training and conference opportunities for growth for CEA, when applicable and if funds allow
• Handle all disciplinary action per policy related to CEA performance/conduct
• Conduct regularly scheduled workload management meetings with CEA and Fund Development Manager

• Conduct required joint performance reviews of the CEA
• Assist with hiring of new members of the Development Department, when requested

Policy Development & Implementation

• Communication Style Guide
• Crisis Communication Plan
• Use of AI in Communications
• Social Media comments response

Expense Management

• Develop annual expenses based on historical spending, as well as potential needs for the Communications/Events cost center
• Ensure Communication and Event expenses adhere to budget
• Review all bids, quotes & proposals for relevant work per policy and discuss with Executive Director before acting

Compliance, Audits/Monitoring Visits, and Reporting

• Represent Communications and Events during auditing events (annual independent financial audit, Houston Food Bank Affiliate Food Bank monitoring visit, other)
• Ensures that BVFB strategies adhere to contractual obligations, when applicable (AFB contract, direct mail contract, etc.)
  • Ensure all required department reports are completed and submitted on time
  • Review reports to analyze trends, needs, etc.

Use of Technology

• • Ensure that technology that is in use and available is best used to enhance efficiency, etc.

Use of Volunteers: (where appropriate)

• • With direct reports, identifying and communicating volunteer needs, training, and supervision
    • Developing written job descriptions, including skills and education needed to fulfill the job

Other Tasks

• Maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for events and communication tasks.
• Follow all BVFB written Policies & Procedures
• Get approval from the Executive Director in advance of any unbudgeted financial expenditure
• Discuss all ideas and changes with the Executive Director before acting, during probationary period
• Attend and come prepared for all 1:1 session with the Executive Director
• Attend and actively participate in all weekly strategy meetings with the Executive Director and Fund Development Manager
• Attend and actively participate in All Staff Quarterly scheduled staff meetings
• Communicate effectively, appropriately and in a timely fashion with the Executive Director
• Engage with and participate in relevant Feeding America (FA) opportunities
• Serve as the BVFB representative with Feeding Texas (FT) committees/work groups/trainings representing Communication
• Planning for and controlling/managing change
• Keep empowerment of people facing hunger in mind with all that you do
• Assist in BVFB disaster related efforts, when needed
• Other duties as assigned and needed

• Degree in Communication, Marketing, Public Relations, or related field.

• • Minimum 3 years of paid, relevant experience, which can include a combination of professional, large-scale event planning and implementation, combined with paid, professional communication/marketing work, preferably in a nonprofit setting
  • Experience taking professional photos with samples of real-life professional utilization
  • Experience with video production for professional application
  • Experience with public speaking in a professional setting
  • Experience interviewing (storytelling) and being interviewed (media)
  • Experience with website design and updates in a professional setting
  • Experience developing and sending press releases and media advisories

• • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, PowerPoint, google docs
  • Experience using Canva and/or other online design and publishing tools
  • Experience in websites development/maintenance, including Word Press platforms
  • Proficient in Social media pathways; preferably experience integrating all
  • Experience tracking social media analytics
  • PHOTOGRAPHY
  • Proficiency in video editing software
  • Proficiency using email (Outlook) and web-based tools
  • Experience using video conferencing tools, such as Teams, Zoom and other
• Soft Skills
  • Highly responsive, conscientious, and professional with BVFB staff, Board and existing and potential BVFB constituents
  • Superior verbal and written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain concepts in compelling, as well as concrete terms
  • Ability to set priorities, implement activities and meet deadlines
  • Strong follow-through, including after action reviews
  • Comfortable talking with people of all levels of society, storytelling, making connections, etc.
  • Highly ethical, with firm boundaries
  • Driven and enthusiastic but also mission-grounded and inspired
  • Comfortable in uncertainty and a fast-changing environment
  • Experience with developing and adhering to a professional budget
  • Proven coaching/managerial experience (3-5 years minimum)
  • Ability to extract and analyze data; create charts and graphics
  • Ability to juggle multiple projects with diligence and accuracy while adhering to deadlines in a high-energy, fast-paced environment
  • Able to work independently, yet proven ability to collaborate with other staff/other departments/diverse range of people to complete tasks
  • Ability to work in an evolving environment with the utmost integrity, objectivity, fairness, and transparency
  • Ability to communicate procedures across the organization in an open and effective way
  • Integrity and understanding of confidentiality necessary Must be ethical, exercise good judgement and discretion
  • Knowledge of food bank operations and programs, as well as government safety net programs, a plus
  • Interested in learning more about model practices and industry standards and how to apply them
  • Understanding of office procedures/management

• Passion for the mission of feeding people
• Must be able to give and accept constructive criticism
• Must be able to pass criminal background check
• Possible overnight stays for conferences/trainings

• Ability to walk, stand, sit, kneel, push, stoop, reach above the shoulder, grasp, pull, bend repeatedly, identify colors, hear with aid, see, write, count, read, speak, analyze, alphabetize, lift and carry up to 50 lbs., perceive depth, operate a motor vehicle, and operate motor equipment.
• Conditions may include working inside, working outside, working alone, working protracted or irregular hours, and traveling by car, van, bus, and airplane.
• Equipment (machines, tools, devices) used in performing only the essential functions including computer and related equipment, calculator, copier, fax machine, telephone, and automobile.

This job description may not be inclusive of all assigned duties, responsibilities, or aspects of the job described, and may be amended at anytime at the sole discretion of the Brazos Valley Food Bank.

The Brazos Valley Food Bank is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).