Communications Specialist

Since its establishment in 2009, the International Food Protection Training Institute (IFPTI) has been dedicated to delivering standards-based, career-spanning training for food safety professionals. Collaborating under Cooperative Agreements with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, IFPTI supports competency and alignment with the FDA National Curriculum Standard. The organization focuses on protecting public health and ensuring a safe food supply by strengthening food safety workforce capacity.

We are seeking a full-time Communications Specialist to join our team. This is a hybrid role based in Kalamazoo, MI, with opportunities for remote work. The Communications Specialist will be responsible for conducting market research, developing and executing marketing strategies, managing communication channels, engaging with customers, and supporting sales initiatives to promote IFPTI's training programs and services. This role requires collaboration across teams to effectively reach our target audience and uphold IFPTI's mission of enhancing food safety training and education.

We are seeking a creative, detail-oriented Communications Specialist with a design background to support visual communication and outreach efforts across digital and print platforms. This role blends hands‑on design production with marketing insight to ensure materials are visually compelling, on brand, and aligned with organizational goals. The ideal candidate understands how design supports storytelling, audience engagement, and strategic communication. Must live within the Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids Michigan area.

• Communications & Marketing Support
  • Support communications and outreach campaigns through visually aligned design assets
  • Contribute to campaign planning by aligning visuals with audience goals and messaging
  • Design materials that support engagement, awareness, and adoption of programs or services
  • Assist with content layout and visual optimization for web, email, & social platforms
  • Review basic engagement metrics to refine visual approaches
• Graphic Design & Visual Communication
  • Design high‑quality visual materials including reports, presentations, infographics, social media graphics, web assets, email visuals, and print materials, trade show materials
  • Apply and maintain brand standards across all materials
  • Translate complex concepts into clear, accessible visuals
  • Collaborate with subject matter experts to visually communicate technical or regulatory content
  • Prepare files for digital and print distribution
  • Work closely with communications, program, & leadership teams
  • Manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines
  • Incorporate feedback and iterate designs efficiently
  • Coordinate with external vendors such as printers or web developers as needed

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, or related field, or equivalent professional experience
• Three or more years of experience marketing or communications with demonstrated graphic design talent
• Strong portfolio showcasing both design quality and strategic application
• Familiarity with marketing principles, audience segmentation, and messaging strategies
• Proficiency in graphic design software
• Strong understanding of branding, layout, typography, and visual hierarchy
• Experience designing for both digital and print formats

• Experience working in nonprofit, education, public health, or regulatory environments
• Basic knowledge of web design such as Square Space or content management systems
• Experience developing infographics and data visualizations

• Visual storytelling
• Audience‑focused design
• Time and project management
• Adaptability and curiosity

Physical Factors/

Working Conditions:

Work is generally performed virtually with standard office equipment available. Employee will need to provide a dedicated private workspace including high‑speed internet. Work is generally sedentary in nature, but may require standing, walking, and light lifting. Included is exposure to a wide range of travel conditions (walking, lifting, driving, riding in vehicles, hotel stays, weather conditions).

This job description identifies the primary duties or responsibilities that are required. Employees will be expected to complete other related duties as assigned.

If you feel this position may be a good fit for your skills, interests, and experience, please submit your resume along with a cover letter, examples of your work, including your salary expectations.

Please complete all fields in the application as partial submissions will delay the process.