Are you interested in telling the story of the $400+ billion industry that supplies food and related products to over one million professional kitchens daily? Do you have what it takes to lead strategic efforts and amplify brand presence through an industry awareness campaign? Do you like to dine out? If the answer to these questions is “yes,” IFDA is hiring, and we’d like to hear from you!

We’re seeking an experienced, strategic, results-oriented leader to serve as Vice President, Communications and Marketing. This key position will be responsible for developing and executing comprehensive industry and advocacy communications strategies across digital and traditional platforms and overseeing the association’s marketing efforts. You will play a pivotal role in shaping the narrative of the food service distribution industry, ensuring our message resonates with internal and external stakeholders, driving member engagement, amplifying advocacy communications, and achieving the association’s strategic communications and marketing goals.

Essential Responsibilities:

Lead strategic communications and marketing:

• Develop and implement annual communications and marketing plans aligned with IFDA's goals and objectives.
• Promote the industry’s visibility and monitor its reputation.
• Ensure consistent branding across all channels.
• Create and manage the annual department budget.
• Lead IFDA’s Communications Committee.

Lead external communications:

• Lead, develop, and execute an industry awareness campaign.
• Lead all communications in support of IFDA’s advocacy efforts including writing op-eds.
• Develop and pitch stories to national and local media.
• Leverage member communications in support of the industry.

Oversee digital marketing, branding member engagement, and event promotion:

• Oversee strategy development and execution for IFDA’s website, digital channels, and social media.
• Leverage data and analytics to ensure campaigns meet their goals.
• Stay abreast of trends and innovations and implement strategies to improve communications and marketing efforts.
• Create a cohesive plan to brand IFDA and its various programs and services.
• Increase member engagement by informing IFDA's members about the association’s priorities, programs, and services.
• Build awareness of and drive attendance to conferences and events.
• Develop general session scripts for large annual events.

Manage stakeholder relationships and external position-related vendors:

• Foster long-term working relationships with key stakeholder audiences, including IFDA members, trade press, media influencers, and social media communities.
• Cultivate and manage outside vendor relationships, ensuring goal attainment, quality, and cost-effectiveness.

Additional Responsibilities and Duties:

· Responsible for writing and editing as needed, with attention to detail.

· Assist with event logistics and AV as required.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This position manages two full-time employees.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:

To perform this job exceptionally, the individual should possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities noted below and minimally meet the education, training,g and/or work experience required:

• A minimum of 10 years in association management
• 10 years of experience leading and managing communications and marketing campaigns
• The ability to lead cross-functional teams and work collaboratively with different viewpoints to build consensus
• Forward-thinking, creative, and open to new ideas with a strong desire to continuously improve
• Strong people skills
• A quick learner
• Superior verbal, written, and listening skills
• Results-oriented and organized with an ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines
• Self-sufficient computer/technology skills

Location and Travel:

This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule consisting of three days in the office (M-W-F) and two remote (T – TH). Minimal overnight travel (up to 20%) by land and/or air.

IFDA offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience that is reflective of positions in the Washington, DC, area. It also provides an excellent benefits package, including medical, vision, and dental coverage; life insurance; short-term and long-term disability insurance; a 401(k)- retirement plan; a profit-sharing plan; vacation, personal, and sick leave; and flexible office hours. IFDA is located in the Tysons Corner area of McLean, Virginia.

To be considered for this position, please send a cover letter, resume, and salary requirements to cpeppers@ifdaonline.org. Please do not call. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

IFDA contributes to the growth, development, and success of the food service distribution industry through our outstanding advocacy, events, research, and education. We exist to help our members succeed. For additional information regarding our association, please visit www.ifdaonline.org.

About IFDA

IFDA is the premier trade association for the foodservice distribution industry. With a combined annual sales volume of $380+ billion, foodservice distributors are vital drivers of the American economy. IFDA Member Companies play a critical role in the foodservice industry supply chain, delivering food and other products to more than one million professional kitchens every day. Our Mission: IFDA provides leadership and action on industry issues most important to our members' success. Our Vision: To be the place where industry leaders address the industry's biggest challenges and opportunities. IFDA continues to work diligently to advance the interests of foodservice distributors through government relations, industry relations, education, and research. We exist to help our members succeed! Visit www.ifdaonline.org for more information about IFDA.

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