AVP, Communications

National Pork Board•Des Moines, IA

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

The National Pork Board (NPB) is seeking an experienced and strategic communications leader to serve as our Assistant Vice President (AVP), Communications. In this role, you'll lead integrated communications strategies that strengthen industry reputation, build stakeholder trust, and advance organizational priorities through impactful storytelling and engagement. As a key member of the Communications leadership team, you'll oversee public relations, reputation management, strategic messaging, and omnichannel communications efforts while leading a high-performing team of communicators. You'll work closely with industry leaders, subject matter experts, state pork associations, and internal stakeholders to deliver communications that inform, influence, and inspire action.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Agricultural Business, or a related field.
10+ years of experience in strategic communications, corporate communications, public relations, or related disciplines.
Demonstrated success leading communications strategies for major food, agriculture, or consumer-facing brands.
Experience leading and developing high-performing communications teams.
Strong expertise in media relations, reputation management, crisis/issues communications, and thought leadership.
Proven ability to simplify complex information and create compelling narratives across multiple channels and audiences.
Experience developing integrated communications strategies across paid, owned, and earned media.
Exceptional relationship-building and influence skills with executives, board members, industry leaders, and subject matter experts.
Strong analytical mindset with experience using performance data and audience insights to optimize communications effectiveness.
Valid driver’s license and/or passport required.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with trade associations, membership organizations, or distributed stakeholder networks.
Knowledge of agriculture, food systems, animal agriculture, or related industries.
Experience leveraging audience insights and business intelligence to shape communications strategy.

Responsibilities

Lead Reputation and Public Relations Efforts: Direct proactive and responsive public relations initiatives, including reputation, image, and issues management.
Develop thought leadership strategies in partnership with industry experts and key opinion leaders.
Collaborate with state pork association communicators and leaders on issues that impact industry reputation.
Translate complex scientific, research, and agricultural topics into clear, compelling messages for diverse audiences.
Serve as a trusted advisor on communications strategy and media engagement.
Drive Strategic Communications: Partner with business leaders to develop and execute communications plans aligned with organizational priorities.
Lead integrated communications campaigns across owned, earned, and paid channels.
Establish messaging frameworks, editorial priorities, and content strategies that support NPB's strategic plan.
Develop audience-focused communications that move stakeholders from awareness to understanding and action.
Define and monitor success metrics, using insights and analytics to continuously improve performance.
Build and Lead High Performing Teams: Lead and develop an integrated communications team responsible for public relations, content, social media, and stakeholder communications.
Foster collaboration across Communications, Creative, Digital, and Operations teams.
Establish priorities, workflows, and accountability measures that support organizational goals.
Manage communications budgets and resources in partnership with leadership and finance teams.
Oversee agency and vendor relationships to ensure strong performance and measurable results.