Position Details

● Job Title: Roanoke Foodshed Network Communications Coordinator

● Type: Staff

● Hours: Part-time, 20-25 hours/week

● Compensation: $18-25/hour, based on experience

● Benefits: Paid time off, 3% SIMPLE IRA matching after 6 months of employment

● Work Arrangement: Hybrid, 50% remote with a flexible schedule. This position includes

both in-person and remote work options. Weekly and monthly meetings are required, but

there is flexibility in scheduling other hours. Preference will be given for someone living

in the Roanoke region.

● Funding: This is a grant-funded position with guaranteed funding for three years.

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Our Story

The Roanoke Foodshed Network (RFN) was formed in 2020 as a way to build community and

capacity between diverse partners working to address food systems change in the Roanoke

region. The goals of this network have grown out of a decade of conversations with farmers,

planners, and local food advocates. The RFN aspires to develop a comprehensive approach to

creating a more equitable and resilient food and farming system that produces health and

abundance in the Roanoke region. The Roanoke-based nonprofit Local Environmental

Agriculture Project (LEAP) is a fiscal sponsor for the network. Other leading network partners

include Carilion Clinic, Feeding Southwest Virginia, Virginia Association for Biological Farming,

and the Virginia T ech Center for Food Systems and Community Transformation.

Learn more at roanokefoodshednetwork.org and leapforlocalfood.org.

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Position Overview

The Communication Coordinator will strategize, develop, and disseminate internal and external

communications for the RFN to both strengthen engagement among partners in the network,

and build broader public awareness of regional food systems efforts. A cornerstone of this role

will be supporting the development, launch, and maintenance of a Roanoke Regional Food and

Farming Website (one stop shop for regional food) that includes (a) the Roanoke Food and

Farm Trail (listings for farmers and food businesses across the Roanoke Valley, Floyd, Bedford,

and Montgomery counties) and (b) interwoven marketing, storytelling, and branding initiatives

(videos, reels, photos, written narratives, podcasts, etc. showcasing food and farm businesses

and regional food systems initiatives). The ideal candidate for this position is a self-starter,

community builder, facilitator, project manager, and enjoys using their creative skills in

collaboration with other team members, leaders, and community members.

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Primary Responsibilities5. The RFN Communications Coordinator is an employee of Local Environmental Agriculture

Project (LEAP), the fiscal sponsor for the RFN. The Communications Coordinator reports to the

RFN Network Coordinator and will work collaboratively with the RFN Management Team, the

RFN Leadership Team, and the Regional Food Identity Working Group.

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The Communications Coordinator roles and responsibilities include:

1. Develop and implement a comprehensive RFN communication strategy and plan that

includes improving and standardizing communications processes for the RFN.

2. Maintain and grow engagement with the RFN Listserv and Mighty Network online

community.

3. Create and/or review outward facing communications of the Network, including RFN

marketing materials, impact reports, event flyers, press releases, etc.

4. Provide direction for the Regional Food Identity Working Group, a group that will support

regional marketing, storytelling, and branding initiatives on behalf of the RFN and its

partners. The Communications Coordinator will co-lead the Regional Food Identity

Working Group.

5. Serve as a project manager for web developers, marketing contractors, and community

partners to develop, launch, and maintain the Roanoke Regional Food and Farming

Website. The website will include:

a. Information about the Roanoke Foodshed Network

b. The Roanoke Regional Food and Farm Trail, a digital database of regional food

businesses and farmers

c. Multi-media marketing, storytelling, and branding initiatives (videos, reels, photos,

written narratives, podcasts, etc. showcasing food and farm businesses and

regional food systems initiatives)

6. Attend regular meetings to provide communication updates across the network,

including: a weekly Management Team meeting, a monthly Leadership Team meeting,

Working Group meetings, and tri-annual All Partner meetings. Support with meeting

logistics, as needed.

7. Support RFN outreach efforts (tabling at events, presenting to community groups, etc.)

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Preferred Skills and Experience

● Experience guiding diverse groups toward collaborative solutions, fostering inclusive

discussions, and managing group dynamics effectively.

● Project management skills, including setting goals, coordinating timelines and project

partners, managing budgets, and ensuring successful completion of deliverables in

alignment with project objectives.

● A natural community builder, with the ability to foster relationships, and create an

inclusive, supportive environment that encourages collaboration.

● Empathy, compassion, and ability to regulate oneself and navigate conflict

● Proficiency with digital communication tools and platforms, including Google Suite,

Canva, website content management systems, and digital outreach tools (e.g., email

marketing and communications software).

● Capable of creating visually compelling content

● Ability to synthesize complex information and communicate it clearly to diverse

communities

● Strong copywriting, storytelling and editing skills

● Ability to manage multiple projects and timelines simultaneously

● Confidence in taking initiative and problem-solving

● Knowledge of agriculture and/or community food systems

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To apply, submit a resume, cover letter, and sample of your work relevant to the position

(writing, visual, digital, etc) to Mo McGonagle at Mo@leapforlocalfood.org.

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- Priority Deadline: December 10th, 2024

- Application window closes: December 17th, 2024

- Anticipated start date: January 2024

- Questions? Please contact the Network Coordinator, Mo McGonagle:

Mo@leapforlocalfood.org.

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Equal Employment Opportunity:

LEAP and the Roanoke Foodshed Network are committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and

authentic workplace. People of color, people with disabilities, veterans, and LGBTQ candidates

are strongly encouraged to apply. LEAP does not discriminate in its recruitment, hiring, or

employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual

orientation, gender, marital status, veteran status, age, disability, genetic information or any

other classifications prohibited by law.