Why This Role Matters

The Director of Communications plays a key role in how KC Can Compost shows up in the community. Our work is rooted in the belief that everyday actions can create meaningful change. The way we communicate shapes how people understand our work and whether they choose to engage with it.

This position helps connect the dots between our services, our mission, and the people we serve, making it easier for more individuals and organizations to take meaningful action toward reducing food waste and building a stronger, more resilient local system.

The Role

We’re looking for a strong communicator and creative generalist who is ready to step into a Director position.

This impactful, hands-on leadership role blends strategy and execution, guiding communications, marketing, and public engagement for a growing dual-mission nonprofit organization in Kansas City.

You’ll work closely with the CEO and internal team to support organizational priorities, while managing external vendors and collaborators. Success in this role requires a collaborative, forward-thinking approach and the ability to move seamlessly between big-picture direction and day-to-day execution.

Key Priorities (First 6–12 Months)

Success in this role will be defined by the ability to:

• Grow and engage the KC Can Compost community and member base

• Establish consistent, effective communication across email and social platforms

• Strengthen storytelling around the organization’s environmental and community impact
  

What You’ll Do

This role spans several areas, but the work is connected by one goal: clear, consistent, effective communication.

Strategic Communications & Marketing

• Partner with the CEO to align communications and marketing efforts with organizational goals

• Translate strategy into clear, actionable plans and consistent execution

• Develop and execute campaigns and initiatives that support growth, engagement, and retention across commercial and residential services, in collaboration with the Growth Manager and Director of Public Programs

• Support fundraising efforts through storytelling and event-related communications that clearly convey the organization’s mission and impact

Content, Storytelling & Engagement

• Lead and execute content development across email, social media, website, and marketing materials

• Shape messaging that clearly communicates KC Can Compost’s mission, services, and impact

• Build relationships and foster engagement with members, partners, and the broader community

Brand Management

• Ensure consistent, accurate brand presentation across all touchpoints

• Maintain and evolve brand assets, templates, and communication standards

• Support internal team members in representing the organization clearly and effectively

Design & Creative Execution

• Create thoughtful, well-designed materials for print and digital use (social media, email, website, signage, etc.)

• Capture photography and video content and/or coordinate content production with external partners

• Ensure content is clear, consistent, and aligned with the organization’s voice

Digital Platforms

• Oversee and continuously improve KC Can Compost’s digital presence across website, email, and social media

• Plan and execute digital marketing and communication efforts, including email campaigns, social media, and promotions

• Maintain website content, blog updates, and e-commerce listings (pickup-based model)

• Improve user experience and conversions through clear, consistent, well-structured content across platforms

Partnerships, Events & Public Engagement

• Collaborate with community partners on promotions, storytelling, and events

• Support organizational events and fundraising efforts through communication, content, and materials

• Represent the organization in public-facing opportunities as needed

Tracking, Reporting & Optimization

• Monitor performance metrics across marketing channels

• Report on KPIs and use insights to refine strategies and improve results

Vendor & Stakeholder Management

• Manage relationships with external vendors, contractors, and partners

• Collaborate across internal teams to support organizational goals
  

What You Bring

• 5–7 years of progressive experience in communications, marketing, or a related field, including experience leading projects or initiatives from concept through execution

• Comfortable executing across a range of marketing and communication work with consistency and attention to detail

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to adapt messaging for diverse audiences

• An eye for design, formatting, and clear visual communication

• Experience managing multiple projects and priorities with attention to detail

• Familiarity with tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, MailChimp (or similar email platforms), and social media management tools

• Comfort working independently while collaborating across a small team

• A mindset that is adaptable, proactive, and solutions-oriented
  

This Role Is a Great Fit If You…

• Are a creative, collaborative, and multi-faceted communicator

• Enjoy wearing multiple hats and balancing big-picture thinking with day-to-day execution

• Can manage multiple priorities while maintaining clarity and consistency

• Are adaptable, proactive, and take ownership of your work

• Care about environmental impact, community, and mission-driven work
  

Additional Details

• Hybrid role based in the Kansas City metro area

• Occasional in-person meetings and event support required

• Primarily weekday schedule with some flexibility

• 1099 contractor position

• Must provide your own equipment such as computer, camera and software
  

Physical Demands

This role is primarily sedentary and involves extended periods of working at a computer, including typing, reading, and communicating via phone or video. The position may occasionally require standing, walking, and light lifting (e.g., event materials, signage, or supplies up to approximately 25 pounds). The ability to travel locally for meetings and events is required.

Working Conditions

This is a hybrid role based in the Kansas City metro area, with a mix of remote work and occasional in-person meetings, site visits, and community events. The majority of work is performed in a home or office setting, with periodic work in outdoor or event environments that may involve varying weather conditions. Occasional evening or weekend availability may be needed to support events or organizational priorities.

Compensation and Benefits

• $65,000–$75,000 annually

• Flexible work schedule

• Opportunity to contribute to meaningful community impact in Kansas City

• This is a 1099 Independent Contractor position
  

How To Apply

Please submit the following materials via email to Jonelle@KCCanCompost.com :

• Resume

• Cover letter outlining your interest in the role and relevant experience

• 2–3 samples of relevant work (writing, design, campaigns, or similar) or link to online portfolio