ReFED is a U.S.-based nonprofit working to catalyze the food system to take evidence-based action to stop wasting food. We do this by cultivating and convening the food community, delivering actionable evidence and insights, and seeding and accelerating food waste solutions. Starting with the 2016 Roadmap to Reduce U.S. Food Waste, ReFED has produced first-of-their-kind tools and resources, providing a full-supply-chain picture of U.S. food waste, cost-effective solutions to reduce it, and methods to track progress. In 2021, ReFED launched the Insights Engine, an online data center serving as the next generation of data, insights, and guidance on U.S. food waste reduction. Reducing food waste will have a significant impact on mitigating climate change, optimizing the use of water, land, and other resources, and providing meals for the over 47 million people in the United States who currently face food insecurity. We are continuing to grow our team to further build our capacity to achieve our vision of a sustainable, resilient, and inclusive food system that makes the best use of the food we grow.

We are a team of doers, and we get a lot accomplished. We create outsized impact, and everyone on the team contributes to accomplishing our shared goals. Learning and professional development are heavily embedded in ReFED’s culture. We promote cross-functional work to embrace diverse perspectives, experiences, and skills to ensure we are an inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you are excited about this role but your experience does not align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Learn more at www.refed.org.

The Vice President of Communications will lead and execute ReFED’s communications strategy to increase our reach, strengthen our brand, and drive engagement with key stakeholders. This role will oversee media relations, digital marketing, content strategy, thought leadership, and shared responsibility for events in partnership with the Community Engagement team. The VP will serve as a key advisor to the executive team, ensuring that ReFED’s messaging aligns with its mission and strategic goals. The VP will lead a team of 4 and oversee multiple agencies.

ReFED works across the food system, from field to landfill, and with a diverse set of stakeholders. Given this, effective communication and brand management are crucial to achieving our mission and thriving as a nonprofit organization. This role will focus on enhancing our strategy and supporting our talented communications team to build a best-in-class communications function.

Sara Burnett is the hiring manager for this position. Applications must be received by October 15, 2025, to be fully considered.

Key Responsibilities & Duties

Strategic Communications & Brand Management
Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy to continually elevate ReFED’s brand and position it as the leader in reducing food waste.
Ensure brand consistency across all communication channels, including digital platforms, media outreach, and stakeholder engagement.
Oversee crisis communications and reputation management, serving as a strategic advisor to leadership.
Public Relations & Media Engagement
Develop a strategy with the public relations lead to build lasting, strong relationships with journalists, media outlets, and key influencers, including a framework for managing compelling press materials, including press releases, op-eds, and thought leadership articles.
Monitor media coverage and leverage PR opportunities to expand ReFED’s reach and influence.
Marketing & Digital Strategy
Oversee content development, social media, website management, and email marketing to engage target audiences.
Drive innovative digital strategies to increase visibility and engagement across key platforms.
Evaluate and adjust strategy based on communication metrics to optimize performance and impact.
Stakeholder & Executive Communications
Support message and material development for executive leadership, including speeches, presentations, and reports.
Support donor and partner communications to enhance engagement with funders, policymakers, and corporate stakeholders.
Oversee internal communications efforts to align staff with ReFED’s mission and goals.
Team Leadership & Management
Maintain exceptional organizational support while internally positioning communications as a critical driver of strategy.
Directly manage and mentor a high-performing communications team, ensuring collaboration and professional growth.
Oversee team workflows, set priorities, and establish performance benchmarks.
Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement within the communications function.
Community Engagement
Support ReFED hosted event strategy, including both in-person events and virtual webinars.
Partner with the Community Engagement team to execute the annual ReFED summit, an in-person event with over 750 attendees.

Qualifications

10+ years of leadership experience, including leadership in communications, public relations, or marketing, preferably in the nonprofit or sustainability sectors.
BA or BS, preferably in Marketing, Journalism, or Sustainability.
Proven track record in thought leadership, media relations, crisis communications, content management, and digital media strategy.
Exceptional writing, storytelling, and editorial skills with the ability to craft compelling narratives.
Strong leadership experience managing teams and collaborating cross-functionally.
Expertise in digital engagement tools, social media, and content marketing best practices.
Passion for sustainability, food systems, and ReFED’s mission.
Demonstrated ability to manage and maintain partnerships and contracts with external stakeholders and vendors.

You Could Be A Great Candidate For This Role:

If you thrive in a collaborative environment and are equally energized by working on marketing strategies as you are by leading and building your team. The ideal candidate is passionate about communications and fueled by simplifying complex narratives.

$170,000 - $190,000 a year

Compensation & Benefits

ReFED offers a competitive salary and benefits package, opportunities for professional development, and policies and programs that encourage a healthy work-life balance. The salary for this position will be determined based on relevant experience and qualifications. We strive to provide a supportive and inclusive work environment where all team members can thrive and grow professionally, while maintaining their personal priorities and values.

ReFED’s U.S. benefits package includes:

* 100% employee and 50% dependent premium coverage for medical, dental, and vision benefits;

* Participation in employer-sponsored 401(k) plans with up to 4% employer matching;

* Professional development opportunities, including an annual budget and the option to participate in ReFED's mentor program;

* 18 paid vacation days annually;

* 10 paid sick days annually;

* Early closure in July and August for Summer Fridays;

* Paid family leave;

* Approximately 13 paid company holidays annually, including closed offices during the last week of the year;

* Short- and long-term disability coverage and term life insurance;

* A flexible work environment with the option to work from home or a co-working space.

ReFED values a diverse range of skills and experiences and encourages all interested candidates to apply, even if they don't meet all of the criteria listed. Our organization recognizes that everyone brings unique perspectives and strengths to the team, and we are committed to considering all applicants fairly and thoroughly. If you are passionate about our mission and excited about the role, don't hesitate to apply and tell us about yourself!

Our Recruitment Process

Our recruitment process includes the following steps:

* Initial screening interview over video call.

* 2-3 interviews over video call with different members of the team.

* Skills assessment over video call which may or may not include an assignment to complete beforehand and present during the skills assessment meeting. All necessary information and guidance will be provided in advance.

* References, usually three, will be requested, and reference checks will be conducted.

We strive to maintain clear and frequent communication throughout the recruitment process, however, due to capacity limitations we may not be able to respond to every initial application. Our process always includes input from multiple team members with diverse backgrounds and perspectives from across the organization.

Our Operating Environment

ReFED is a distributed organization, with a team of 35+ working remotely from various locations across the United States. We use a range of digital collaboration and connectivity tools to facilitate our work, including Google Workspace, Slack, Zoom, Airtable, Salesforce, Miro, MS Office, Adobe, and Insperity.

Our remote culture is built through a variety of means, including 3-4 annual in-person gatherings. These events include our annual team retreat, department retreats and the Food Waste Solutions Summit, a national convening of the food waste movement that we host annually. We also foster team connections through informal virtual get-togethers, ask-me-anything sessions with our Board and Advisory Council members, and peer recognition on our shoutouts channel in Slack. We have a “Big Dill” spot bonus program and engage in conversation through our watercooler channel in Slack. Our in-person events are essential for team building, learning, and fun.

Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Commitment

ReFED is committed to creating an inclusive work environment where all individuals have equal opportunities to contribute and grow. We recognize that our success is rooted in the diverse perspectives and backgrounds of our team members, and we strive to foster a culture of belonging where everyone feels valued and respected. As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to recruiting, hiring, developing, training, and promoting individuals regardless of their gender identity, sex, race, religion, age, national origin, political affiliation, ancestry, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status. We acknowledge that systemic barriers limit opportunities for certain groups, and we are dedicated to actively working to remove those barriers and promote justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) in all aspects of our organization. Our commitment to JEDI is an ongoing journey, and we are committed to continuously learning, listening, and improving our practices to create a more equitable and inclusive workplace for all.

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Vice President of Communications