Director of Brand

About Hot Bread Kitchen 

Hot Bread Kitchen’s mission is to create economic opportunity for women and gender-expansive people, immigrants, and people of color through culinary skills training, high-quality job placement, food entrepreneurship programs, and an ecosystem of support, utilizing New York City’s vibrant food industry as a catalyst for change. 

 

The Opportunity

At Hot Bread Kitchen, the Brand Director works in partnership with the Chief Strategy & Advancement Officer to lead strategy and execution of the organization’s brand storytelling via marketing and communications platforms with the goal of advancing our mission through philanthropic and consumer support. As Brand Director you’ll be someone who is well-versed in brand strategy, internal and external communications, project management, and visual sensibilities. The Brand Director oversees two team members: Brand Associate and Brand Manager. 

 

General Responsibilities:

Brand, Marketing, Communications 

  • Works in partnership with Chief Strategy & Advancement Officer to develop and implement brand strategy across channels and programs. 

  • Act as the key point of contact on Brand, Communications, and Marketing for all team leads, and build strong, trustworthy and collaborative relationships.

  • Develop and constantly refine brand strategy (positioning, key messages, style guide).

  • Design and ensure execution of communications calendar, as well overarching strategic plan objectives.

  • Drive brand awareness and communications strategy through development of content and visuals: responsible for storytelling strategy, collateral strategy, social media strategy, writing and editing, as well as execution of photography, newsletters, and graphic design. 

  • Work across the organization to partner with teams on communication strategies, events, collateral, and other marketing needs.

  • Co-develop press strategy, relationships, and execution, including coordinating and producing photo/video shoots, speaking points, preparation, and execution.

  • Manage brand experience for virtual and in-person events, including invitations, decor, run-of-shows, etc. for events, notably the annual Breadwinners Benefit.

  • Strategize thought leadership for the organization including researching and applying for awards. Lead content strategy for CEO and Executive Team, including op/eds, events and speaking engagements.

  • Strategize and manage Kitchen Cabinet, creating individualized plans and outreach yearly. 

  • Oversee Third Party (Cause Marketing, Peer-to-Peer) efforts with Brand Associate and Institutional Partnerships Manager, creating partnerships to drive increased revenue.

  • Oversee website including all content, regular updates. Strategize with Brand Manager on how to optimize leads and tracking, and solutions for tech needs. 

  • Manage Brand Associate responsible for social media, storytelling, and content execution.

  • Support Brand manager to ensure both internal and external creative elements for Hot Bread Kitchen are cohesive and align with Hot Bread Kitchen’s mission and values.

  • Manage contractors such as communications and PR consultants as needed.

 

Bread 

  • Oversee CPG bread brand as a mission marketing project, serving as lead point of contact with Tom Cat Bakery (and any other licensees).

  • Manage bread brand storytelling with Tom Cat Bakery, attending sales meetings, as needed, via Zoom and in the tri-state area.

  • Lead bread brand storytelling from Hot Bread Kitchen’s channels.

 

Preferred Skills & Experience 

  • Intentionally committed to equity and inclusion.

  • Passion and a commitment to Hot Bread Kitchen’s mission and programs.

  • 5-8+ years and demonstrated track record of successful event planning and project management experience.

  • Successful history of marketing and communications experience in a mission-driven organization is a plus.

  • Exceptional organizational, interpersonal, written, and verbal communications, and a commitment to follow-through.

  • The flexibility to work event-related hours including weekday early mornings and late evenings.

  • Experience working with CRM and digital project management tools (we use Salesforce, Slack, Asana and Google Workplace).

  • Self-motivated problem solver with the ability to handle and prioritize multiple projects, meet deadlines, work independently and with staff at all levels, and be a team player.

  • Commitment to operational excellence.

  • Bachelor’s Degree required.

 

Required Competencies

  • Team Leadership: Ability to lead cross-functional teams, fostering collaboration and inspiring creativity.

  • Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop long-term brand strategies aligned with organizational goals and market trends.

  • Project Management: Skills to manage multiple campaigns simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to budgets.

  • Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for articulating ideas and collaborating with teams and stakeholders.

  • Brand Development: Knowledge of brand positioning, identity, and equity to build and maintain a strong brand presence.

  • Consumer Behavior Understanding: Insights into consumer psychology and behavior to tailor campaigns effectively.

  • Analytical Skills: Capability to evaluate campaign performance metrics and adapt strategies based on data-driven insights.

  • Adaptability: Flexibility to respond to changing market conditions and consumer preferences.

  • Negotiation Skills: Ability to negotiate with external vendors, agencies, and partners for successful campaign execution.

 

Our Values

We are driven by a feeling of commitment to support our members, teammates, and partners. Our culture of equity comes from the many cooks in our kitchen and the diversity of perspectives we each bring. We believe that respect goes a long way in making people feel welcome, accepted, and celebrated. We seek out opportunities for connection and become a stronger team by being in community and prioritizing candor over consensus. The pace of our work and velocity of change can be quick; our entrepreneurialism helps us take optimistic risks and pursue inventive solutions.

Location 

This is a hybrid position, with the flexibility to work remotely. Weekly in-person attendance is required when departmental needs arise and for events. Our facility, located in Manhattan (Chelsea A/C/E/L), is open in line with city, state, and organizational guidelines. 

 

Compensation 

This is a full-time position with a salary range between $90,000 - $97,000. Hot Bread Kitchen's comprehensive benefits package includes health/vision/dental insurance (eligible from day one), 401K contributions, paid office closure days  (including holidays, and staff appreciation days, and a one week holiday break at the end of the year), flexible and generous vacation and sick time, paid parental leave, and a sabbatical program (after 5 years of service). Our organizational culture is inclusive, entrepreneurial, flexible, and civically-minded (learn more about our culture on hotbreadkitchen.org/careers)

 

To Apply

  • Please include a cover letter and experience-aligned resume including your pronouns.

  • Apply at this link to Hot Bread Kitchen’s Applicant Tracking System.

Hot Bread Kitchen is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against applicants based on race, religion, color, disability, medical condition, legally protected genetic information, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity or expression, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions), age, veteran status or other legally protected characteristics. Any applicant with a mental or physical disability who requires an accommodation during the application process should contact hr@hotbreadkitchen.org to request such an accommodation. 

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